Basics backs moves

Written by Michel Derville Thursday, 03 February 2011 12:46

Ever heard of words like "loop", "dummy" or "switch" during training? These are moves (usually performed by backs) worked at training, to be used after scrums, rucks or lineouts...

(animations provided by http://www.rugbytactics.com - click on "play" on the top right of each animation)

Switch: 

The switch is a simple move that every player on a team should be able to preform. Its main function is to switch the direction of play back inside.

Miss pass:

The miss-pass is very basic yet essential in a game of rugby. It is used to move the ball to another area of the pitch quickly and is great for exploiting space out wide.

Loop: 

The loop effectively adds an extra man to the line and can therefore be used to create an overlap. A looping runner can also be used to give outside support to a ball carrier on the wing.

Pass behind: 

The pass-behind is a miss-pass in which the ball is thrown behind the dummy-runner. The dummy-runner is almost flat when the ball is thrown and therefore his opposite man cannot afford to drift wide.