What is a flanker in rugby union?A flanker is a position in rugby union, played by two players in the back row of the scrum. Flankers are typically the smallest players in the pack, but they are also among the most mobile and athletic. They are responsible for tackling the opposition and slowing down their attacks, as well as supporting their own team’s attacks.
Editor’s Notes: “Understanding flanker rugby union”Flanker rugby union is an essential part of the game. Flankers play a vital role in both defence and attack, and their performance can often determine the outcome of a match.
After analyzing and researching various sources of information, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to flanker rugby union. We hope that this guide will provide you with a better understanding of the position and its importance in the game.
Key differences or Key takeaways
| Openside Flanker | Blindside Flanker | |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Loose forward | Tight forward |
| Objective | Break down opposition scrums | Carry the ball |
Main article topics:
- The role of the flanker in rugby union
- The different types of flankers
- The key skills for a flanker
- How to play flanker in rugby union
- Tips for playing flanker in rugby union
1. Key aspect
Flankers are responsible for covering a wide area of the pitch, both in defence and attack. They need to be able to move quickly and easily to get into position to tackle the opposition, support their own team’s attacks, and cover for their teammates.
- Speed – Flankers need to be able to sprint quickly to get into position to tackle the opposition or support their own team’s attacks.
- Agility – Flankers need to be able to change direction quickly and easily to avoid being tackled themselves or to get into position to make a tackle.
- Endurance – Flankers need to be able to maintain their mobility for the entire 80 minutes of a rugby match.
- Decision-making – Flankers need to be able to make quick decisions on the pitch, as they often have to react to changing situations.
Mobility is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers who are able to move quickly and easily are more likely to be effective in both defence and attack.
2. Key aspect
Strength is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers need to be strong enough to tackle the opposition and slow down their attacks. They also need to be strong enough to carry the ball and make tackles in support of their own team’s attacks.
- Tackling – Flankers need to be strong enough to tackle the opposition and bring them to the ground. This requires strength in the legs, back, and shoulders.
- Carrying the ball – Flankers often carry the ball in support of their team’s attacks. This requires strength in the legs, back, and arms.
- Making tackles in support – Flankers often make tackles in support of their teammates. This requires strength in the legs, back, and shoulders.
There are a number of exercises that flankers can do to improve their strength. These exercises include squats, deadlifts, bench press, and pull-ups. Flankers should also focus on developing their core strength, as this will help them to stay balanced and stable when tackling and carrying the ball.
Strength is an essential quality for flankers. Flankers who are strong will be more effective in both defence and attack.
3. Key aspect
Agility is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers need to be able to change direction quickly and easily to avoid being tackled themselves and to get into position to tackle the opposition. They also need to be agile enough to support their own team’s attacks and cover for their teammates.
- Facet 1: Footwork
Flankers need to have good footwork to be able to change direction quickly and easily. This involves being able to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction without losing balance.
- Facet 2: Body control
Flankers also need to have good body control to be able to avoid being tackled. This involves being able to use their body to absorb tackles and to change direction quickly.
- Facet 3: Spatial awareness
Flankers need to be aware of their surroundings and the position of their teammates and opponents. This helps them to anticipate the opposition’s moves and to position themselves to make tackles or support their teammates.
- Facet 4: Decision-making
Flankers need to be able to make quick decisions on the pitch. This involves being able to assess the situation and to choose the best course of action.
Agility is an essential quality for flankers. Flankers who are agile will be more effective in both defence and attack.
4. Key aspect
Tackling is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers are responsible for tackling the opposition and slowing down their attacks. They need to be able to tackle effectively to stop the opposition from making progress and to create opportunities for their own team to attack.
There are a number of different tackling techniques that flankers can use. The most common technique is the front-on tackle, where the flanker tackles the opposition player head-on. Flankers can also use the side tackle, where they tackle the opposition player from the side, or the rear tackle, where they tackle the opposition player from behind.
Effective tackling requires good technique, strength, and timing. Flankers need to be able to get low and drive through the tackle, using their legs and arms to bring the opposition player to the ground.
Flankers who are good tacklers can make a big difference to their team. They can stop the opposition from making progress, create opportunities for their own team to attack, and turn over possession.
Real-life example:
In the 2019 Rugby World Cup, South Africa’s flankers Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi were key to their team’s success. Du Toit was named Player of the Tournament, and Kolisi was named captain of the te
am. Both players made a significant contribution to South Africa’s victory, with their tackling, carrying, and support play all being of the highest quality.
Du Toit and Kolisi are two of the best tacklers in the world. They are both strong, physical players who are able to tackle effectively in all situations.
5. Conclusion
Tackling is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers who are good tacklers can make a big difference to their team. They can stop the opposition from making progress, create opportunities for their own team to attack, and turn over possession.
If you want to be a successful flanker, you need to be able to tackle effectively. Work on your tackling technique, strength, and timing. The better you become at tackling, the more effective you will be as a flanker.
6. Key aspect
Support play is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers need to be able to support their own team’s attacks by carrying the ball and making tackles. This involves working with their teammates to create overlaps and attacking opportunities.
- Carrying the ball
Flankers often carry the ball in support of their team’s attacks. This involves running with the ball and trying to gain ground. Flankers need to be strong and powerful to be able to carry the ball effectively.
- Making tackles in support
Flankers also make tackles in support of their teammates. This involves tackling the opposition players who are trying to stop their teammates from making progress. Flankers need to be good tacklers to be able to make effective tackles in support.
- Creating overlaps
Flankers can also create overlaps for their teammates. This involves running lines that take them past the opposition players and into space. This creates opportunities for their teammates to receive the ball and attack the opposition.
- Working with teammates
Flankers need to work with their teammates to be effective in support play. This involves communicating with each other and understanding each other’s roles. Flankers also need to be able to adapt to the changingp of the game.
Support play is an essential part of flanker rugby union. Flankers who are good at support play can make a big difference to their team’s attack. They can help to create overlaps, gain ground, and score tries.
7. Key aspect
Communication is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers need to be able to communicate effectively with their teammates to ensure that they are all working together as a unit. This involves being able to give and receive information quickly and clearly, both on and off the field.
There are a number of different ways that flankers can communicate with their teammates. They can use verbal communication, such as shouting or talking to each other. They can also use non-verbal communication, such as hand signals or body language.
Effective communication is essential for flankers to be able to work together effectively. They need to be able to communicate their intentions to each other, and to be able to respond to each other’s cues.
For example, if a flanker is about to make a tackle, they need to be able to communicate this to their teammates so that they can provide support. They also need to be able to communicate with their teammates if they are under pressure from the opposition.
Flankers who are able to communicate effectively with their teammates are more likely to be successful. They will be able to work together more effectively, and they will be able to make better decisions on the field.
Real-life example:
In the 2019 Rugby World Cup, South Africa’s flankers Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi were key to their team’s success. Du Toit was named Player of the Tournament, and Kolisi was named captain of the team. Both players were excellent communicators, and they were able to lead their team to victory.
Du Toit and Kolisi were able to communicate effectively with their teammates both on and off the field. They were able to give and receive information quickly and clearly, and they were able to respond to each other’s cues.
This effective communication was a key factor in South Africa’s success at the Rugby World Cup. Du Toit and Kolisi were able to lead their team to victory because they were able to communicate effectively with each other and with their teammates.
8. Key aspect
Decision-making is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers are often faced with changing situations on the pitch, and they need to be able to make quick decisions in order to react effectively.
- Facet 1: Reading the game
Flankers need to be able to read the game and anticipate what the opposition is going to do. This allows them to make better decisions about where to position themselves and how to react to the opposition’s moves.
- Facet 2: Adapting to the situation
Flankers also need to be able to adapt to the changing situation on the pitch. For example, if the opposition changes their attacking strategy, flankers need to be able to adjust their own game plan accordingly.
- Facet 3: Making quick decisions
Flankers often have to make quick decisions on the pitch. For example, they may need to decide whether to tackle the opposition player or to let them go. Flankers need to be able to make these decisions quickly and decisively.
- Facet 4: Communicating decisions
Flankers also need to be able to communicate their decisions to their teammates. This is important so that everyone is on the same page and working together as a team.
Decision-making is a key aspect of flanker rugby union. Flankers who are able to make quick and effective decisions are more likely to be successful.
FAQs about Flanker Rugby Union
This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about flanker rugby union.
Question 1: What is the role of a flanker in rugby union?
Flankers are responsible for tackling the opposition, slowing down their attacks, and supporting their own team’s attacks. They typically play in the back row of the scrum, and they are usually the smallest players in the pack.
Question 2: What are the key skills for a flanker?
The key skills for a flanker are mobility, strength, agility, tackling, support play, communication, and decision-making.
Question 3: How do you become a flanker?
To become a flanker, you need to develop the key skills for the position. This can be done through training and practice. You also need to be a team player and be able to work well with your teammates.
Question 4: What are the benefits of playing flanker?
Playing flanker can improve your fitness, streng
th, and agility. It can also teach you teamwork and communication skills.
Question 5: What are some tips for playing flanker?
Some tips for playing flanker include:
- Be mobile and agile.
- Be strong and powerful.
- Be a good tackler.
- Be a good support player.
- Communicate effectively with your teammates.
- Make quick and effective decisions.
Question 6: What are some of the challenges of playing flanker?
Some of the challenges of playing flanker include:
- The physical demands of the position.
- The need to be able to make quick decisions.
- The need to be able to work well with your teammates.
Summary: Flanker is a demanding but rewarding position to play in rugby union. Flankers need to be mobile, strong, agile, and have good tackling, support play, communication, and decision-making skills.
Transition to the next article section: If you are interested in learning more about flanker rugby union, please continue reading the rest of this article.
Flanker Rugby Union Tips
Flankers are an essential part of any successful rugby union team. They play a vital role in both defence and attack, and they need to be able to perform a variety of skills to be effective. Here are a few tips for flanker rugby union players:
Tip 1: Be mobile and agile Flankers need to be able to move quickly and easily to cover the wide area of the pitch that they are responsible for. They also need to be able to change direction quickly to avoid being tackled themselves. Tip 2: Be strong and powerful Flankers need to be strong enough to tackle the opposition and slow down their attacks. They also need to be strong enough to carry the ball and make tackles in support of their own team’s attacks. Tip 3: Be a good tackler Tackling is a key skill for flankers. They need to be able to tackle effectively to stop the opposition from making progress and to create opportunities for their own team to attack. Tip 4: Be a good support player Flankers need to be able to support their own team’s attacks by carrying the ball and making tackles. They also need to be able to create overlaps and attacking opportunities for their teammates. Tip 5: Communicate effectively with your teammates Flankers need to be able to communicate effectively with their teammates to ensure that they are all working together as a unit. This involves being able to give and receive information quickly and clearly, both on and off the field. Tip 6: Make quick and effective decisions Flankers often have to make quick decisions on the pitch, as they often have to react to changing situations. They need to be able to make these decisions quickly and decisively. Summary: By following these tips, flanker rugby union players can improve their skills and become more effective on the field. Transition to the article’s conclusion: Flankers are an essential part of any successful rugby union team. By following these tips, flanker rugby union players can improve their skills and become more effective on the field.
Conclusion
Flankers are an essential part of any successful rugby union team. They play a vital role in both defence and attack, and they need to be able to perform a variety of skills to be effective. In this article, we have explored the key aspects of flanker rugby union, including mobility, strength, agility, tackling, support play, communication, and decision-making. We have also provided some tips for flanker rugby union players to help them improve their skills and become more effective on the field.
Flankers are often the unsung heroes of rugby union, but they are essential to any successful team. They are the players who do the dirty work, and they are the ones who make the big tackles that can change the course of a match. If you are interested in playing flanker, or if you want to learn more about this important position, we encourage you to continue reading the rest of this article.
