LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

THE RUCKA ruck typically evolves from a tackle situation and can develop into an effective method ofretaining or contesting possession. A ruck can commit defenders, therefore creating anopportunity to create space. On formation of the ruck, offside lines are created.Law DefinitionA ruck is a phase of play where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet,in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground. Open play has ended. Players arerucking when they are in a ruck and using their feet to try to win or keep possession of theball, without being guilty of foul play.Key Points. After the tackle, the ball carrier shouldpresent the ball quickly as far away fromthe opposition as possible. Arriving players should adopt a low,strong, stable body position with headand shoulders above hips at all times. Players must join the ruck from behind thefoot of the hindmost team-mate in the ruck. Support players should always belooking for potential threats to clear out. Clearing players should drive beyond theball to make it more readily available.Activity Ruck touchObjective To develop rucking skills and roles and responsibilities of arriving players.Key Factors1. Support in behind ball carrier ready to react.2. React to ball carrier’s movements and identify potential threats.3. Player with ball activates core and presents ball back to support player.4. Clearing player lowers the height of shoulders in order to lift and clear threat away.5. Leg drive up and through player to remove.Equipment RequirementsBalls 1 Bags n/a Area 30m x 20mCones 1 stack Suits n/a Players 14 -16Shields n/a Bibs 4 or 6 Time 10-15minsPractice DescriptionPlay normal two-handed touch.When touched, the ball carrier goes to ground and presents. The tackler does a ‘down andup’ then competes for the ball.The ruck now becomes live and attacking team need to clear out tackler to maintainpossession.Coach can condition by adding in additional defending players to compete for ball andchallenge attack.30m20mSET-UP DIAGRAMSCORING ZONESCORING ZONEPractice Progression / RegressionsProgress by adding in additional defenders to compete for ball or counter-ruck.Progress by overloading the attack.Regress by only using tackler to compete for ball.93