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Playing Rugby League
Topic Started: Apr 30 2006, 09:00 AM (64 Views)
Dicko
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Playing Rugby League:

Rugby league is played by two teams on a rectangular field with a length generally double the width. The in-goal areas, located at each end of the field, are used to score a try. At the intersection between the field of play and each in-goal area are also a set of goal posts in the shape of the capital letter H, used for point scoring via a field goal, penalty goal or conversion. The aim is to score more points than the other team, and each of the above scores carry different numbers of points. Although the exact number for each has varied over time, currently tries are worth four points, conversions and penalty goals are worth two points and a field goal also known as a drop goal is worth one.

Rugby league consists of an attacking team who has possession of the ball and a defending team who must attempt to stop the attacking team from scoring. In order to score points the attacking team must move up field. To do this they use a combination of kicking and running head-on into the defensive line to either force back the defence or break the defensive line. The defending team must devise tactics to limit the effectiveness of the attacking team's ball running and kicking.

The attacking team has six chances to attempt to score. The defending team tries to stop the attacking team from scoring by tackling the player with the ball. When a player is tackled, the entire defending team, with the exception of two markers, must move back 10 metres towards their in-goal area. The tackled player must then play the ball.

After each tackle the attacking team is usually closer to the opposition's in-goal area and hence goal posts. If the attacking team is tackled a sixth time, a change over also known as a hand over takes place, where the defending team becomes attacking and vice versa.

Typical markings for a rugby league field:

Posted Image

Attacking Tactics:
The largest players generally move the ball up field through what is known as a hit up in order to push back the defence; in other words gain field position.

Skilful forwards will attempt to pass the ball after drawing in the defence which breaks down the effectiveness of the defensive line; known as an off-load.

The attacking team may use combinations of plays utilising speed, passing and kicking designed to confuse the defence, breaking down the effectiveness of the defensive line.

Kicking is most commonly attempted as a last ditch attempt to score, when a team has used all of its 'chances'. Kicks are used to break the defensive line or to gain field position.

Defensive Tactics:
A defending team must effectively defend against ball runners. The sliding defence and the umbrella defence are effective in stopping line breaks.

Players in the defence usually drop out of the defensive line to cover the back half of the field in order to defend against line breaks and kicks.

A defensive team may force the attacking team in to touch or force errors which gives possession to the defending team.

Late during the tackle count an attacking team uses an array of tactics to put themselves in the better defensive position on the opposite side of the 'change over'.
 
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