U10's introduction to the ruck

This week we introduced the boys the Ruck. We started with a game of rugby netball trying to get the guys to pass the ball, create space and communicate with each other. We then moved on to an upper body exercise where the boys had to hold each others wrists and touch their opposite numbers cheek.

We then discussed with the boys the elements of the ruck and showed them all where the profile position is used in the tackle, maul and ruck. Starting with an upper body wrestling exercise lead by Darren, we progressed to various elements building up the ruck with the boys. Archie progressed this himself within his group lifting the players leg to put them off balance.

We moved this on to a game where we were passing the ball between 3 groups, where the ball carrier went to ground, followed by a support player who rucked the ball and 2nd support player acting as scrum half to pass the ball out to the next team. This exercise allowed the boys to use the ruck techniques and also interchange this with the maul depending on how quickly the support player arrived on the scene.

This was taken into a game situation with the boys first touch tackling and then into full contact. The boys all worked well this week, and during the game were able to pass the ball out down the line avoiding the contact. However when contact was made the boys made the decision around a ruck or maul to get the ball out to available players.

At the end of the session we spent 5 minutes with the boys introducing the scrum engagement setup and process, as an introduction to next weeks session.

Paul is back next week, but Mark and I are not around. Have a good week and I'll see you all in 2 weeks when were away for our first game of the season at Basildon, with Ilford also in attendance.