Newbie Scrum half advice needed

[Juryiel]

I'm a new player trying to learn to play Scrum half. I have a general idea of how the game works having played back positions a few times. However, I'm confused about one thing (and this might be dumb but bear with me). The thing is, I'm pretty quick. I can usually make it to a ruck before the forwards have fully formed it. When this happens I don't really have a good sense of where to stand in order ot have good access to the ball but also avoid blocking other forwards coming in to ruck. Usually I've already surveyed the field (to my newbie abilities anyway) and made a decision as to what I want to do with the ball, yelled the call on my way to the ruck, etc, so that puts me in a mindset that I REALLY want to be close to the ball so I can make it happen. Should I just keep my distance instead until the ruck is fully formed? Where specifically should I be standing and how quickly should I get there? Remember, I'm talking about when the first support forward has gone in to ruck and I'm already there before the rest of them have gone in.

Secondly, how closely should I follow the ball carrier on offence? Same issue, if too close I'd be forced into the ruck (I think anyway) since I'd be the first one there and in the way of others coming in.

Thanks!

 

[Saintjay]

In an ideal world you do not want to be the one having to fight to secure the ball. That's not your job but it will depend on how good the rest of the team are at getting to the break down. I do not not your size and stats but if you are pretty much first to the break down every time I would think about playing loose forward 6 or 7. Failing that get working with the rest of the team to encourage them to get there and secure the ball so you can work your magic.

Again there is nothing wrong with you running the odd support line but every time you take the ball into contact you can't play your role and another team member will have to step in. The best advice I can give is work with your team at getting to the break down before you. If the ball is secure you can do any thing you want then, the quicker the ball is out to the back line the better.

Watch top flight games or you-tube players and number 9's that will give you a great idea on what to do.

 

[UU142]

One suggestion is if your there early try to get the player to pop the ball up to you and you can run of and set up tries

 

[dullonien]

Unfortunately there is no hard rule to follow as to your first question. Getting to every ruck early is important for a scrum-half. If the ball is available, then get straight in there and get it out to your outhalf or rampaging forward. If it's not, then wait a second or so for the forwards to get there to clear out. If they don't arrive, then you'll have no other option than go in there yourself to make sure the ball is secured (remember to give the forwards some abuse for not getting there quick enough in the following stoppage).

Regarding where to stand, just stand one step away (slightly back and to the side on the far side of the ruck). This allows clear access for arriving forwards, but means you're only a step away from accessing the ball.

When supporting players. You often don't want to be too close, unless it's a clear break. You want to be trailing slightly, so the ruck is cleared out and ball ready to be passed out when you arrive. This also gives you time to scan what's in front of you, spot where the covering defence is and make the right decision.

You should be getting plenty of help from your outhalf as well. He's the one who should be scanning the field and calling the backline moves. If he's not talking to you, then try and get him to be a little bit more vocal.

 

[Zed]

It all depends on how secure the ball is, if you are first man to the ruck and it's possible you could lose possession then you have to join the ruck, otherwise wait for the support. Half backs have to do the forwards job 30% of the time. Ideally your forwards should be operating in pods.