The fullback is the man who wants to doing things, meaning he needs to have the confidence to attempt what he thinks will be the answer to the needs of the moment in the game that will put the opposition under continual pressure
Simplicity is the key to his success in the game; complexity only increases the probability of mistakes being made
Because he is not the first line of defence or attack, he is the most available player in the team. He is the rear guard in defence and a rover in attack
He should endeavour to add an element of adventure and spontaneity to the game
A good fullback gives the impression he is available for all positions all the time, covering large amount of area on the field. This takes a lot of effort to do this for the entire game but it can be done
Simply the fullback needs speed, anticipation an ability to create and have courage (guts)
The fullback is one of the spine of the team- 15, 10, 9, 8, 2
Major Requirements
-Good positional skills
-Good concentration and cool nerves
-Must be able to field all sorts of balls- high ball, rolling ball, overhead ball
-Ability to kick the up and under
-Ability to line kick (touch kick) accurately
-Ability to defend well
-Ability to counter attack when required
Essentials
Handling:
-Must be able to field a high ball in the air or a ball on the ground
-Ability to call the mark under extreme pressure
-Ability to take a pass or give a pass to support players
-Ability to catch a high ball under pressure
Running:
-Positioning is of the utmost importance
-Must have the ability to run into the correct position quickly
-Must be able to run into space on attack
-Ability to execute direction on attack in a sprint
-Ability to accelerate into the backline when attacking or counter attacking
Kicking:
-An ability to kick under pressure
-Be able to kick with both feet
-An ability to execute a variety of kicks: Clearing, line kick, punt, chip, grubber, drop or place kick
Contact:
-Must be able to tackle from the front, side or back
-An ability to fall on the ball and immediately regain your feet
-An ability to make the ball playable to support players when caught in the maul
Positioning:
Attack:
-Enter the backline to make a positive contribution. Don’t stand in the backline in the backline as an extra pair of hands
-When entering the backline on attack make an impact by changing the pace, angle and rhythm of the attack. Do not enter if an extra pair of hands is going to slow the attack
-Enter the line as late and as unexpectedly as possible
-Do not stand in the gap that is to be run into before the move starts
-The pass to the should give the fullback three options:
-Close to the ball carrier
-In the gap
-Drifting out with the ball to an outside gap
-Be deep enough to sum up the options
Defence:
-Determine the pattern for the back three (wings and fullback) set it early and if necessary talk and move it into place as the attack develops
-Be positive in making the tackle, make the move early to reduce the opposing players reaction time
-Generally encourage a ball carrier to take an outside break so that the touchline can be used as a defensive boundary (touchline is the best defender of all)
-Adjust your position to suit the playing conditions and the position of set play on the field
-A good fullback can con the attack into believing there are gaps at the back. The attack kicks into them while you predict the position of the kick so as to regain the ball and counter attack
-It is better to catch a high ball while moving, try not to be standing still under the ball, rather catch it running and in the air. If you are standing still, catch it and move away immediately as it is difficult to tackle a moving fullback.
Role at 1st Phase Attack & Defence
1st Phase Attack
-Communicate
-Penetrate the defensive line and create space for the wings
-Act as a decoy
-Finish and score tries
-Exploit the blindside
1st Phase Defence
-Communicate for a staunch defence
-You are the last line of defence, thus tackle and field/ return kicks with interest
Role during 2nd phase Attack & Defence
2nd Phase Attack
-Communicate
-Pick space, find gaps, create space and feed the wings
-Support on the inside
-Act as a decoy runner
-Exploit the blindside
2nd Phase Defence
-Communicate
-Direct defence to cover holes
-Pull players into position
-Cover the field by tackling and fielding kicks
Role during penalties/free kicks
Attack:
-Same as 2nd phase on attack
-Organise the defence by communicating
What my unit does
-Unit = Wings and fullback
-Finish by scoring tries
-Create space
-Counter attack
-Counter any space the opposition attack has created
-Create opportunities
-Chase kicks
-On defence we organise the line
Who can help me do my job better?
-Forwards by going forward
-Wingers by working with me
-Inside backs cover me when I run forward following my kicks
-Forwards support me under the high ball
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