Okay, so today I decided to get a better handle on the rugby fullback position. I’ve watched plenty of games, but I wanted to really feel what it’s like, you know?
Getting Started
First things first, I grabbed my boots and a rugby ball. No fancy stuff, just the basics. I headed down to the local park – luckily, it was pretty empty.
Practicing the Basics
I started with some simple catching drills. High balls are a fullback’s bread and butter, so I spent a good chunk of time just throwing the ball up as high as I could and trying to catch it cleanly. Focus on watching the ball all the way into your hands. Let me tell you, it’s harder than it looks when the sun’s in your eyes!
- High catches, focusing on clean takes.
- Short, sharp passes with a mate (when I could find one!).
- Working on my kicking – punts for distance and little grubber kicks.
The Running Game
Then, I wanted to get a feel for the running lines a fullback might take. I set up some cones (okay, they were actually just some jumpers and water bottles) to represent defenders. I practiced running into the line, looking for gaps, and trying to use my footwork to beat the imaginary defenders. I practiced some evasion.
- Swerve.
- Side-step.
- Find and run into the gap.
Kicking Practice
Fullbacks need to be able to kick, and kick well. I worked on my punting, aiming for distance and accuracy. I tried to get the ball to hang in the air for as long as possible, giving my (imaginary) teammates time to chase. I also practiced some grubber kicks – those low, bouncing kicks that can be tricky to defend.
Putting it all Together
Finally, I tried to put it all together. I imagined I was in a game situation, receiving a kick, running it back, maybe putting in a kick of my own, or passing to a teammate. It was tough to simulate the pressure of a real match, but it gave me a better sense of the decision-making a fullback has to do.
By the end, I was knackered! But it was a good kind of tired. I definitely have a newfound respect for the guys who play fullback at the top level. It’s a demanding position that requires a whole range of skills. I’ve still got a long way to go, but it was a fun and useful day of practice.
