<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Juan VdS @ Oct 20 2009, 09:18 PM)
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (g6mcg @ Oct 20 2009, 03:27 PM)
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Juan VdS @ Oct 20 2009, 06:15 AM)
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Glad to hear you had some fun. There's nothing like playing in the back row. Have you played #6 before? If that's not the scenario, I would be glad to give you some tips.[/b]
I used to play 6 when I was in 13, then I grew and it was decided that my new lanky status should make me a second row. Training at that time for me mostly consisted of constant games on small pitches. (e.g across the 22 with teams depending on how many turned up, rarely exceeding 7. Basically it was tackling and rucking practice for 3 hours) So I think it's fair to say I have no real idea what I should be doing. (Except tackle a lot - my coach's only advice to me was "tackle, tackle, tackle, tackle, ruck, tackle")
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Fair enough. Out of sheer curiosity, may I ask how much do you weigh? And, how tall are you?
A team's setup can vary a lot. For example here in Argentina most teams have big flankers. Fetchers and diminutive flankers are extremely rare (I play #7 myself and there was a time when I weighed 255 pounds, and I stand 6 feet 6 inches tall). Other teams prefer to have a more versatile back row -- take a look at Serge Betsen and Yannick Nyanga who happen to be perfectly capable of playing on either side of the eightman.
So, let's talk about this. I like to think that there are two types of blindside flankers: the runner and the hitter.
The
hitter seeks to secure possession of the ball during mauls and rucks, which usually frees up space and time for the #7 and #8 to play the next phase, or on open field. Judging by your past statements I grasped that you're not a lofty ball carrier -- so this approach to #6 might be the one your coach is looking for. As you previously said, tackling is a big part of your role: you MUST disrupt the other team's game with uninterrupted tackling and pushing. You've got to be as physical as possible, without crossing the line -- remember that referee will be surveilling you in the look out for any infringements.
Flankers play a psychological role in most games. I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but when I was 11 years old my team played against an U15 team from Córdoba, just for fun. Among their players was a huge #6 that kept performing bone crunching tackles on our tight five. There was a time in the game where his mere presence was enough for us to feel nervous and insecure of what we were going to do. That is what you must aim to -- imposing yourself, physically and mentally over your opponents.
Note: as a lock you might be accustomed to waiting for the opposite player to run into you. As a flanker, however, I'd advise you to run into the other player before tackling him, so you can actually drive him back. You will notice that if you do this on a regular basis throughout the game and that if your legs are strong enough, you'll slot in some big hits that may well end up in turnovers.
A different type of flanker emerges in the shape of the
runner. These fellas aim to construct open play, usually following the backs in their thrusts through the opposite defensive line. For this method to come to fruition the team needs a solid eightman that excels at securing the ball in rucks. As I said before, it's up to the view your coach has of the team and the assets of your back row. I won't delve into thorough details regarding this, taking into account that you're not a natural runner.
Now, let's talk about the line-out. I take it from your responses that you're a regular jumper in your team. This is great. However, as a blindside flanker you are expected to play an important role after the ball has been thrown -- that is to stop all players coming around the end of the lineout per se. Quite often you will find yourself having to tackle somebody in the area between the fly-half and the line-out formation. In my team, whenever #6 is about to jump in a line-out, he warns the eightman to cover that channel for him, but then as I said this may differ with your case. You should talk to your soon to be back row colleagues about this.
One key moment is the aftermath of a scrum where the other team has got the ball. In this case communication between the back row and the scrum-half is ESSENTIAL. As #6 you will have to hunt the first man that carries the ball around the scrum
on the left hand side of the pitch (normally the eightman and the openside should take care of the second and third men, respectively). Please keep an eye on the fly-half in front of you and try to read his next movement, in case he decides to run with the ball between the scrum and your position; also be careful of any players popping in next to the fly-half, it's happened to me before and this usually ends up in chaos. Don't make the typical error of trying to run across the field to strengthen the defensive line and prevent overlaps, just
wait for the opposite fly-half to make his move.
I don't know the characteristics of your team (or the team you are going to play against), so I'll let you judge the following by yourself. If you're facing a team that bases its attack on the power of their forward pack, then you have to exert pressure on them at all time. These teams have got a limited game plan and if you front up to them, relishing physical encounters to turnover the ball, you'll do very well. On the other hand, if the aforementioned team has a dangerous backline or plays expansive Rugby, you might want to position yourself behind the defensive line. This will eventually allow you to read the game and foretell what the other team is going to attempt against you. The latter method has long been used by Los Pumas when they have their #8 stand behind the line to read the game / take care of high balls / restart play, etc.
Given your natural conditions and the fact you're a lock, I'd advise you to think of a blindside flanker as a tight forward, but with a lot more tackling involved.
Needless to say, all flankers must be extremely fit. Now this is an area where I cannot be of much help because there are hundreds of training plans; however I'm sure O'Rothlain is streets ahead of me in that department.
I have got some images of set plays that involve blindside flankers, but I'm at Uni right now so you'll have to wait a little.
If there is anything else you want to inquire about, do not hesitate to bring it up to me.
I hope that helped a little.
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I’m 6’2, I’m not sure of my weight, maybe 170-180 lbs. (Important to note that is not muscle. Too many takeaways and far too much drinking have seen to that).
Going on your two styles I’d think I’m more of a hitter, though yesterday I was told I’ve been moved to the back row to add some pace. (The No.8 is very much in the Dean Richards role, and the openside is 39 â€" still fitter than all of us, but has lost some pace, and a lot of hair).
We’re going to be having a training session this Friday evening (very unpopular with the team!) solely on lineouts and scrums â€" so I’ll ask about my teams strategy then. Thanks for the advice about the scrums, and also the tackling. Being more aggressive is something I need to work on, I rarely get “fired upâ€, the exception being perceived injustices against my team, so hopefully hitting them in the tackle rather than waiting for them will help.
