Ruck touch
How it works
- Touch rugby. When touched, the ball carrier goes to ground, turns and places the ball back long.
- One attacker must step over the ball before it can be played. One defender may come through from behind the ball, on their feet, to try to pick it up.
- Everyone else stays out. No diving, no hands on the floor. Play on from the placed ball.
Coaching points
- Only a small number of players ruck (check the rules page for your age group). Everyone else holds a line.
- Praise the first player to step over, not the pile.
- Ask “did you need to go in?” after a crowded ruck.
Ready for the next level when: Rucks are two or three players, on their feet, and the ball comes out quickly nearly every time.