prop to centre

Question
hey
i am 14 and have always been big and not very quick. i have always had good handling skills. i have suddenly quickened up and so my rugby coach asked me to play inside center. i am not sure what to do and what i need to be able to do. thanks

Answer
Hi Stephen,

There is a lot to know about center. Keep things simple and make sure you are very deep on attact to give yourself time to get speed up and run onto the ball when passed to you.

On defence mark your man and read my other answered questions on tackling to help. I will past a past answer that was similar to your and hopefully that helps. There will be a big learning curve at first so the big thing is to just acknowledge that you WILL make mistakes - just note the mistakes dowm and learn from them. Above all do not rush, take your own time to execute your duties on the field. Get the job right first then work on speeding it up. A lot of communication with your team mates and coach before, during and after the game will help.

Pick a pro-center to emulate.

I would study the position via games on TV and see if a local club center can spend some time with you mentoring you at the position.

I wish I could give you more information but there is so much. The best thing you can do is work with your coach and get plenty of game time.

Past question:

playing center
Question:  QUESTION: Hi im a 187cm 12stone second row but because of m speed and ball carrying
ability in the last 3 games i have played there and scored 3 trys but i dont think
when playing at a higher i would have scored these trys so but please can you
tell me the important points to know and be able to do for a center as i want to
be a pro and also could you tell me how to improve kicking

ANSWER: That is the million dollar question my friend. You are a physically big guy. If you are fast and skilled who knows you could do well at a higher level.

Let's just say you only do 33% as well. That will still be 1 try. A try per game is a very good effort at any level.

Work on the other factors of your play: kicking, strategy, supporting other players, especially off-loading. A center must be very good at drawing the opposition and off-loading well to a flanker or other back.

Look at the great centers they either score a try or two during a game or score nothing and their flanker or inside /outside center scores. Sometimes the full back comes into the line to take the off loaded ball.

You will never know until you try and it is easier to go from Center to lock than the other way around.

Finally: which do you enjoy the most? Try scoring ability aside you must enjoy the part you play. I liked prop. You do not get a lot of chances to score trys at prop but I enjoyed the position, the contribution. Looking up from a scrum to see my winger / team mate scoring in the far corner was as rewarding as scoring myself.

With regard to kicking I go back to my previous comment: I am a prop. It is like asking a pig to do math, it just doesn't compute.

I suggest going on-line to Amazon for some DVD's or books on the matter. Also if there is a really good consistent kicker or coach in your area hit them up for help. In person they will be more helpful to you than any e-mail I can write.

Good luck and have fun.