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Touch Rugby to Make
Your Players Shine |
Touch rugby is a simple game that removes the need for
most equipment, simplifies the laws by removing lineouts,
scrums, rucks and mauls, and, of course, can be played with
less fear of injury through tackling. It focuses on running
and passing ability. It can allow smaller and lighter
players to shine, so is ideal for mixed rugby as well as
groups with players of different ages.
The tackle is a one or two handed touch, normally below the
waist. From the tackle either a pass is made or the ball is
laid back between the legs. The attacking side has a limited
number of touch tackles (normally 5 or 6) before the ball is
turned over. The defence must retire 5 metres from every
tackle.
The worst sort of touch rugby is when there are upwards of
10 players a side spread across the field. There is too much
inactivity and lazy play. The best touch rugby engages ALL
the players ALL the time, leaving them tired at the end of a
session. So split up into smaller groups when player numbers
a side approach 10.
There are many variations in touch rugby, not only in
format, but also in constraints and opportunities. All are
aimed to make the best use of the game. Here are some
examples.
3 second touch: The tackled player has 3 seconds to
pass the ball once touched. A touched player cannot score a
try. A turnover awarded if the ball is not released in time.
There is no offside following a turnover.
The game encourages support, passing in the tackle and gives
slower forwards the chance to play an active part in the
game when taking the ball forward. It makes the players take
up better body positions through a potential contact
situation.
Double touch: A player can be touched once. If
touched a second time, the ball is turned over. A touched
player cannot score.
The game promotes support running, but also cover defence.
Since players can be tackled twice in quick succession, they
learn to move the ball away from danger very quickly.
No mistake touch: This game is better for forwards
since it allows them to "rumble up" the pitch. Once touched
the player must put the ball through their legs at the point
of tackle. Opponents must retire 5 metres. There is a
turnover when either the ball is dropped, it goes into touch
or following a forward pass. There is no limit to the number
of touches a play may take.
The ball is not allowed to be restarted from any situation
within 5 metres of the try line. So if a tackle is made in
the 5 metre gap in front of the try line, the ball is placed
on the 5 metre line. The same goes for a turnover ball.
The main downside of the game is the potential poor body
positions it encourages, since there is no need to recycle
the ball quickly. However, players soon recognise that
better presentation will open more gaps.
In terms of defence, it makes the defence more "honest"
closer to the action. The defence either side of the tackle
will need to move up quickly to prevent the 5 metre gap
being exploited.
Constraints in touch rugby
You can change the game to suit the circumstances. For
instance, a high scoring game with two handed touch tackles
can be changed to a low scoring game of greater skill by
introducing a one handed touch. Try using these constraints
to add variety and different pressures to your games, and
work your players outside the comfort zone.
Holding tackles: Instead of a touch, let the players
hold the ball carrier. This prevents them running beyond the
touch point and promotes a more aggressive defence. It is
especially useful in 3 second touch where players can be
prevented from getting the pass away. Players who are about
to be tackled have to get themselves into the right body
positions earlier.
Ball on the ground: Normally if the ball goes to
ground in touch rugby, a turnover is declared to avoid
contact. This rule can be relaxed on occasions, especially
with more experienced and older players, so players have to
field the ball quickly from the floor.
One hand or two hand touch: A one handed touch is
better when the field is wide and the players few. A two
handed touch means harder work for the defence, so the
players have to be in a better body position to make the
tackle.
And then there is FIJI Touch!!: Just come and join in
to find out what that is!! We play that when there is even
ore concentration on FITNESS and SPEED and RESPONSE TIME!
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