Rugby is a physical activity that resembles soccer. However, when compared to soccer, rugby is less frequently played in Indonesia.
Rugby is played by carrying and landing the ball into the opposing team’s goal or back line.
Curious about the history and basic techniques of rugby? Come on, let’s just look at the discussion here!
What is Rugby?
Rugby is a ball sport played by two teams. Based on the number of players, rugby is divided into 3 main types, namely:
- Rugby union: each team consists of 15 players.
- Rugby league: each team consists of 13 players.
- Rugby sevens: each consists of 7 players.
Each team is required to score points by kicking, throwing, carrying and landing the ball through the goal or the opponent’s back line.
The ball used in rugby has a distinctive feature, namely an oval shape and tapered at the end.
With this shape, the rugby ball is easier to hold and carry by the players during the match.
History of Rugby
Rugby is a sport adapted from soccer. As the name suggests, the history of rugby began in the city of Rugby, England in 1823.
This game was created by a young man named William Webb Ellis. At that time, William, who was playing soccer with his friend, suddenly took the ball and ran towards the opposing team’s goal to score.
Rugby continued to develop and began to form its first federation, the Rugby Football Union, in 1871.
Rugby was first officially competed in an international sports tournament, the Olympics, in 1900.
Although it stopped being competed in 1924, rugby returned to being an official sport in the 2016 Olympic tournament and continues to this day.
Basic Rugby Techniques
Basically, rugby is played with techniques that resemble basketball and soccer. You can hold and kick the ball to score goals into the opponent’s goal.
Some basic rugby techniques that players need to master are as follows:
- Running
Rugby players are required to keep running on the field, both in attacking and defensive positions. Therefore, this sport will mainly rely on physical strength and agility. - Holding and Kicking the Ball
Rugby players will be given two options to score, namely holding the ball until it reaches the opponent’s back line or kicking it so that it passes the opponent’s goal.
In addition, kicking the ball in rugby is also done to start the match or is commonly called a kick-off.
- Passing and Catching the Ball
When in an attacking position, rugby players can pass or catch the ball given by teammates.
In passing the ball, rugby players usually use the underhand technique because it tends to be easier to catch. This technique is done by positioning the hand under the shoulder to throw the ball to a teammate.
- Tackling
When in a defensive position, rugby players are allowed to do tackling. Tackling is a technique for taking the ball from an opponent.
You can do this by wrapping your arms around your waist or knocking your opponent to the ground.
Please note, this technique must be done carefully and in accordance with existing rules to avoid unwanted things.
- Teamwork
Because it is played with a team, the basic technique of rugby that is important to master is teamwork.
By working together, you can create a special strategy to defeat your opponent effectively.
Rugby Rules
Rugby is played on a 100 x 70 meter field equipped with H-shaped goals on each back line.
A rugby match lasts approximately 90 minutes, divided into two halves and a break.
Each half lasts 40 minutes. Meanwhile, a break will be held between the two halves for 10 minutes.
Players can score by passing and holding the ball until it reaches the back line or kicking the ball to pass the opponent’s goal.
However, when in an attacking position, rugby players are only allowed to pass the ball to teammates to the side or back.
Meanwhile, when in a defensive position, players can block opponents from scoring using tackling techniques. This technique can only be done to opponents who are holding the ball.
When a team manages to hold the ball and reach the opponent’s back line, the score obtained is 5 points. Meanwhile, the team that manages to kick the ball past the opponent’s goal will get 2 points.
That’s a complete review of the sport of rugby that can be conveyed. How? Are you starting to be interested in playing this one ball sport?
If you want to start trying to play rugby, don’t forget to prepare yourself as well as possible!
Physical activities such as this sport require optimal concentration and focus. Therefore, one of the things that needs to be prepared before starting to exercise is mineral water.
Please note, a body that lacks fluids can cause impaired concentration. So, you should meet your body’s fluid needs before, during, and after exercise.
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