no9

Question
hey!Next season i really want to reprsent my region with rugby.there are 3 of us looking for that no9 posistion.I play scrum half and was wondering how could i train and what do i need to secure that no9 place.I was also wondering what makes a scrum half shine (stand out) for the scouts?thank u very much

Answer
All other skills being equal the biggest skill a scout looks for is vocal leadership of your forwards and good strategic decision making.

As a #9 you are in a leadership position by default. You need to be loudly telling your forwards what to do all the time, which rucks to run to where in the ruck or maul to be. Try to watch a lot of pro rugby on TV, Super 14 is the best for a half back because the game style is so fast the half back is always having to talk to the forwards as the phases of the game happen so fast.

If a scout is in the stands he should hear every word you say and not one minute of the game should go buy without you ordering your forwards around - just make sure you know your plays and the teams game plan well. Communicate don't boss. and work with your captain and loosies to have quick plays in your pocket you can call on a moment if you spot a weakness in the opposition.

Strategic decisions are when a half back can take advantage of options.

For example you are at the back of the scrum you are waiting for the ball to come out or it is being held by your number 8. Your head is on a swivel you look, you have the option to kick behind the scrum (a "box" kick), run blind, run open, call a peel play with your #8 or pass out to your back line. This all happens in a fraction of a second. Now you may have a set piece already called but you still need to look and asses these options every time. Like if your call is to spin the ball out the back line but you notice the blind side is well open - you run it in for a try. That is a leader ship based strategic decision. Sometimes the moment calls for a change in play and you have to be present enough to see those opportunities.

Try these links:
All technique: Scrum, Running up the Ball, Tackling



www.coachingtoolbox.co.nz



http://www.rugbytactics.com/



http://www.talkrugbyunion.co.uk/



Skills and Technique, video:



http://www.joberrugby.com/



Fitness:



http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/ in particular speed and power: http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/plyometric.html