I am a forward but think id be a great back

Question
I am a #8/flanker and generally score alot of tries. I am probably the fastest or second fastest on my team and deffinately in the top five in my year. I am 6ft and weigh 71kgs. I am 14 so still have alot of growing to do. I always thought id be a great back but dont know what to do. I can tackle and catch and all that good stuff but dont really know how to get by people other then speed or by running over them. Can you recomend a position or exercises or stuff. thanks in advance, Bob.

Answer
Hi Bob,

At your age the best way to get better at being a back is by playing in the backs. You may have to take a step back to move forward though. By this I mean if you are in the top team now you may need to ask to be dropped to play in the next lower team and even then you may not start. That is the worst case scenario but realistic.

I suggest studying each back position and reaching a conclusion yourself as to which position you want to play and which you think best suites your abilities. For better or worse pick 1 position and focus on it.

It may take a whole season to be accepted as a back so expect to spend a lot of time learning by watching and ask a lot of questions.

On the flip side you could end up starting if there are injuries or the guy in the position you want is really bad.

Communicate your desire to your coaches. Something to take note of, if you want to play in the back / change positions tell your coaches, the coach of your current team and the coach of the team you may be put in. Clear it with them. If they each indicate that you have no chance you might want to weigh up the desire to play in the backs or simply get game time - that is your call.


Google "Plyometrics" for speed work and try these links:

All technique: Scrum, Running up the Ball, Tackling



http://www.rugbysmart.co.nz/plan/technique.html



http://www.rugbytactics.com/



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



Skills and Technique, video:



http://www.joberrugby.com/