Playing Position

Question
hi, i'm 19 and i've recently decided to start playing rugby again, i havent played for a team since i was 12 when i played prop but i dont think i am suited to this position now. I'm about 6foot and at most 210 pounds, but im hugely strong especially in my chest/shoulders/arms and legs. im fast enough, but would neverbe the fastest on a team... but i am very fast and explosive in short bursts. I also have good stamina. I was hoping you could give me advice as to the position most suitable to me given the beforementioed information. Thanks for your help!  

Answer
Mr OSullivan,

Based purely on your description, without knowing anything about what type of players you have on your team and what other skills you have, I would initially suggest either lock (everybody wants a mobile lock), or the outside center (power punch through the opponents back line where it tends to be the weakest).

So you can better understand what each position requires, I provide the following:

Locks

Major requirements:

-Possess jumping ability to win clean ball at lineouts
-Ability to lock and drive the scrum effectively
-Provide focused and direct power during all phases of the game
-Be physically fit and possess good neck, body, and leg strength
-Have stamina and strength for second phase situations
-Bring total concentration to the position
-Have an ability to reach breakdowns quickly and to rip, ruck and maul effectively

Essential skills:

Handling:   
-To catch and deflect a ball at line-outs
-To catch a ball at kick-offs and drop outs
-To take and give a short pass
-To manipulate, rip out and roll off mauls
-To be able to make ball available in a tackle

Contact:
-To lend weight and force to both set and loose play
-To stand up in tackle
-To tackle in close situations
-A commitment to secure, protect and provide clean ball

Running:
-To run with determination and committed aggression
-To be able to run and sprint after strenuous physical work (especially important to support the backline from the scrum.

Lifting:  Get jumpers to their apex to receive the ball in the lineout.

NOTES:
-In the scrum, lineout, and loose play, the lock must understand the importance of correct body, feet, and head position.
-In the scrum, line-out and loose play, the lock must understand the importance of correct body mechanics, i.e. binding, grip, locking, snap shove, drives, channeling ball, foot pressure, angles etc.
-Develop lineout skills- i.e. timing of the jump, body position for jump, jumping aggressively; need for close communication between thrower and jumper.  Knowledge of different throws and the ability to work with a short lineout where timing and body movements become more critical is necessary.
-Ability to develop the skills required in the second and third row of rucks and mauls is essential (body position and mechanics, the drive, ball channels, tight binds etc).
-The primary job of the lock is to add strength and power, and to assist in winning clean ball.
-Fitness, strength, and stamina are essential and training is critical to develop them.

-Always be around the ball and GO FORWARD to put pressure the opposition

CENTERS (INSIDE/OUTSIDE)

Major requirements:

-Control of the middle of the field in defense and attack to win and maintain possession
-Ability to receive and give a pass under pressure
-The knowledge of positioning and correct alignment in defense and attack
-Ability to tackle effectively in close situations
-Ability to support other backs
-Ability to accelerate quickly either from a standing start or when running
-Ability to work with forwards (especially back row)

Essential skills:

Handling:
-To stand in the tackle and take it on his terms and when needed to make the ball available
-To take and give any pass under pressure-to think quickly-and vary the speed, length and height of a pass as the situation dictates
-To support and appreciate his role in second phase
-To field any ball in the air and on the ground going backwards or forwards

Running:
-To accelerate quickly off the mark
-To run with power and conviction
-To run with control (change of pace, step off both feet, change direction, side step, swerve, draw a man etc).
-To burst through tackles
-To fend off tackles

Contact:
-To know how to tackle effectively from the front, middle and rear
-To possess superior loose/contact skill and technique
-To retain possession in contact
-To stand in tackle and keep his feet when necessary

Position:
-To know how position, alignment, and angles of run will help your effectiveness to move the ball and put others away
-To cover defend when necessary
-To execute moves off the ball - loop, dummy runs, miss and decoy moves

Kicking:
-To kick with both feet
-Know how and when to kick for territory
-To execute a variety of kicks - punt, grubber, chip, feint, line, and drop kicks at varying lengths and heights

NOTES:
-The centers?main task is to engineer try scoring opportunities.
-Alignment, positioning, and angles of run are critical
-Physical strength and contact skills are crucial.
-All round fitness facilitates better mental and physical performance
-Ability to handle the ball confidently under pressure.
-Ability to tackle and control contact situations effectively.

Good luck,

Deane Shephard
Stuttgart RC