The primary role of the flyhalf is to organise and communicate well with the forwards and backs.
Choosing the right options is essential for the backs to be given space and time in which to move
The flyhalf is the general of the team and normally the main decision maker. He chooses the direction (left or right), the width (close or wide) and the depth (short or long) of the attack
Major Requirements
-Must be a good communicator with the forwards and backs
-Must be a good defender (tackles well)
-Must be a good organiser
-Must be able to dictate the nature of the game
-Must be a good passer
-Must be able to make a break
-Must be able to kick with both feet
-Must be able to read the game very well. Work hard at understanding the game and develop tactical knowledge. Seek as many resources as possible
-Must be able to take pressure
-Must be aware of different options on attack and defense
-Must be unselfish
-Must have good handling skills
-Must have a high level of agility
-Must have good judgment
-Should be able to penetrate opposition defenses
-Must have good running skills
-Must have speed off the mark
-Must have vision
-Must be able to pick up any pass
-Know the laws of the game! Especially the offside laws after the up and under
Essentials
Passing:
-Must be able to pass a long. To do this it is easier to stand still and then pass. Stand flatter to compensate for not running onto the ball
-The pop pass and the normal no spin pass should be used as well as the spin pass. The spin pass is harder the catch
-The dummy pass must be practiced and be part of your skills
Kicking:
-Should be able to kick with both feet under all sorts of pressure
-The kicking effectiveness of the flyhalf has a big impact on how the teams perform.
-He can either make it easier for the forwards or very hard depending on where he kicks
-Be aware of the wings positioning, the blind side wing may sometimes drift across field thus a kick can be made into space and provide a valuable attacking position
-Watch the fullback and see how he reacts to high kicks, long/short kicks and how he positions himself, test him using various kicks to find his weakness
-He should be proficient in the up and under, grubber, chip and drop kick
Running:
-The flyhalf should be able to change pace, side step, change direction or swerve effectively
-Speed is essential especially off the mark, by having this skill it enables you to control the defence
-Running onto the ball is essential as it commits the defence. Passing at speed is one of the most sought after skills of the flyhalf; to be able to do this gives you an advantage over most flyhalves
-Balance running onto the ball with standing still to pass to the support runners (normally centres)
-Use the evasive skills to attack the defence especially off scrums
-Use the blindside, stand wide on openside and run behind ruck/maul/scrum at pace
-Don’t just be a passing flyhalf as the defence know the ball will be spread wide thus they will drift too easily and take space on the outside
Tactics:
-Choose options that fit in with the team game plan. Understand what your team want to achieve!
-Continue with the options that have proven successful as the game progresses
-If possible choose the tactic before receiving the ball – however don’t be afraid to change the plan if the defence has not reacted as you thought it would. Use your head and play according to what you see in front of you
-Communicate clearly with the players required to run certain moves
-At breaks in play involve others in the decision-making
-Watch the defensive patterns of the opposition, and come up with tactics to beat it
-Our defensive options should be chosen to create uncertainty in the opposition attack
Role at 1st Phase Attack & Defence
1st Phase Attack
-Communicate; call the right move for the field position
-Use the blindside, run at pace and receive the ball close
-Use quick hands
-Kick when required to relieve pressure, improve field position or place the opposition under pressure
1st Phase Defence
-Lead up the defensive line, communicate while running up and if a change is needed.
-Most defensive breakdowns occur when there is confusion
-Make your tackles!
-Look for the loose ball and create turnovers
-Know when to fall back to receive opposition kicks
Role during 2nd phase Attack & Defence
2nd Phase Attack
-Read the game and take the right attacking option
-Run onto the ball
-When changing direction of play, hit it close to hold the defence and at speed to penetrate
-Pay attention to the use of miss passes to put players into space if it’s on
-Use the players outside of you to take out the defenders (fix with running lines)
2nd Phase Defence
-Same as for set plays:
-Lead up the defensive line, communicate while running up and if a change is needed.
-Most defensive breakdowns occur when there is confusion
-Make your tackles!
-Look for the loose ball and create turnovers
-Know when to fall back to receive opposition kicks
-Reorganise and communicate
[/toggle] [toggle title=”Role during penalties/free kicks“]Attack:
-Communicate and get into position quickly
-Be accurate when kicking for poles- don’t miss
-Be accurate when kicking for touch- gets it out as far up field as possible
-Look for space and direct play to take advantage of the space
Defence:
-Look for loose forwards to take up inside defensive positions and then fall back behind to cover any miss directed kicks
-Talk with back 3 (wings and fullback) to cover the field
What my unit does
-Unit = Scrumhalf, flyhalf, inside centre
-Reads the game
-Communicates options
-Directs play to the appropriate zone
-Analyse results of attacking plays and adjusts the game accordingly
-Creates space for outside backs (Outside centre, wing, fullback) instead of using it up
-Provides quality link between scrumhalf and other backs
-Keeps team going forward by kicking, passing, running and tackling
Who can help me do my job better?
-Forwards by going forward
-Scrumhalf by clearing quickly off the ground and putting the ball in front of me to run onto and by kicking when I am under pressure
-The outside backs by communicating clearly where the opposition weaknesses are, where and when opportunities exist, where space is and where the pressure is coming from
How do I measure my performance?
-By doing the basics (perfectly)
-By my work rate and mobility around the field
-By filling in my performance charts- reaching my performance goals
-Communicate successfully (Discuss with team mates, coaches and mentors)
-The team sacrifices I make