Things to Consider While Training for Rugby
Rugby may traditionally have been considered an ‘establishment’ sport, but the class divide between the collective has narrowed to such an extent that all social classes now try their hand at the sport. With a surge in popularity over recent years, many more people are now starting to take rugby training seriously and trying to better their understanding of the benefits associated with the historic game.
Wearing protective clothing is probably the most straightforward rule when it comes to rugby training as an amateur. This full-contact sport isn’t for the faint of heart, but when proper safety guidelines are adhered to, it can be a rewarding experience. The most important feature of your rugby kit arsenal, especially for youngsters and newbies, is your headgear. A suitable headguard is a must for rugby. You will likely endure a blow or two to your head during game time. Headguards can, and do, protect from injury.
A mouthguard is also an important piece of rugby safety equipment. It is used to protect your teeth from damage during the heavy contact aspect of the game; it is also a defence against accidentally biting down on your tongue. It is probably a good idea to practise wearing a mouthguard while training, even if playing the non-contact version of the sport. The Australian Dental Journal states that the prevalence of orofacial trauma in rugby union players is 64.9%, with the most common injury being laceration to intraoral and extraoral tissues at 44.5%.
Let’s Not Forget the Legs
Top rugby players work on their kicks for years before being able to fully master the skill. The right kick can be the difference between a Six Nations title and finishing runner-up, so players tend to work exceptionally hard on their technique. The foot, shin, and calf muscles have to all work in unison to create the perfect kick. Sometimes, this means that immense power exertion is needed to pelt the ball down the pitch. A well-placed can win a match, so practicing for hours on end really can give great dividend.
After mastering the kick, you’ll need to work on your catching. It’s important to note that a rugby ball can come hurtling towards you at nearly fifty miles per hour, so a good catch can save you from potential injury. The first rugby balls were plum-shaped because they were made out of pig bladders. The oval shapes we see today are aerodynamically developed to be easier to catch, hold and run with. Hand-eye coordination is the most important thing to consider when working on your catching. You need to be sharp, focused, and calm when receiving the ball. The biggest mistake rookie players make is taking their eye off the ball to see what’s around them.
Workouts and Cardio
Training drills are a necessary part of your rugby training fitness regime. Workouts focused on cardio and short intense bursts of exercise are your best way to accrue stamina. While rugby training will no doubt improve your overall health, the real benefits come from training drills. You will need to manage your workout effectively to make sure that you’re working on your problem areas while also focusing on your overall rugby technique. Circuit training is a fantastic way to build up your resistance and make powerful gains. The overall result is a body that is structured and able to endure the most extreme physical exertion, which is imperative in a full-contact sport like rugby.
Mastering your playing style and tactics on the pitch can also land you a significant amount of money off the pitch. Rugby union betting has taken off in recent years, with devoted fans vehemently studying Union tactics and rules to successfully try and predict match outcomes.
The different aspects of rugby training cannot be mastered in a day. Indeed, it can take weeks, months, or even years. The important thing to take away from this piece though is the importance of safety. If the correct safety protocols are followed, you will have enough knowledge to make the proper decisions at the right time. At one point in your rugby playing, you might have to make a snap decision during the heat of a game. It is the way that you weigh up your options and decide your play that will really define you as a good rugby player. A cool, level-headed player will always gravitate toward the better outcomes than someone who has less patience and is possibly a little more hot-headed.
Once you have mastered your own training strategy, you will be much better equipped to tackle some of the more difficult aspects of the game. Your confidence will likely grow, along with the need to form tight social bonds with your team. These bonds will help nurture your ability to move forward and make new positive strides. New goals can be achieved, and foundations set for the future.
