Prop help.

Question
I'm 12 years old with a good knowledge of rugby, and can tackle, scrum and maul easily. My fitness is not great but not too bad.

My question is, how do I ruck properly? I know how, just when I try to get into the ruck (when there's either one or two people in) my coach makes up do it again.

Answer
It is difficult to really know what your problem is here. It might be worth getting the coach to really explain what he wants.

To be simple the best  (and safest) way to come into a ruck / maul is directly from the rear. When running across the field aim to run in an arc or loop so you end up coming into the ruck from directly behind it. This will set you up to either hit the ruck correctly and then deliver a more effective push or if the ball comes free you will be better positioned to take a pass and run off the side of the ruck or maul.

If it is a maul make sure you come in low, eyes up and really drive into the maul to give it forward momentum. If you can see the ball neatly presented and the half back in position hang back and yell to your half back something to let him know you could be an option as a runner.

When coming into a ruck, aim to clear out any opposition players who might be laying over the ball of reaching over to get the ball or disrupt your half back. Come in low and shoulder any opponent off the ruck pile, if and opposition player is holding on to the ball and is on the ground (illegal) you may use your boots / cleats to ruck at the ball. If the hand happens to be in the way from not releasing then that is ok. Do NOT ruck the hand intentionally only the ball. Two or three good aggressive rucks at the ball should usually do the trick. If more is needed then use more.

In an maul or ruck always attempt to bind onto a player in your own team, if you can bind onto another team mate before hitting the maul / ruck do so. Two bound players hitting the maul have a big impact. This creates better team momentum and also means less attention from the ref.

Watch some rugby on TV and really study the rucks it should help.

So remember:

1. run "loops" not just straight across the field - to help arriving at a ruck or maul directly from behind and to assist better positioning for being a runner.

2. Keep low, eyes up, like a scrum

3. clear our opposition players on the the ball / who  spoil your half back

4. hang off if the ball is clearly won and communicate your position to be another option for your half back

5. Only use your boots on the ball, not bodies.

And take a few moments prior to and after practice to get a clear idea from your coach what he wants. Keep asking for his explanation until it is clear to you.

Have fun, I hope I helped.