Nine and Ten

"If you don't know what you are looking for you don't see it. - Nine & Ten". - Ian Snook

Nine and Ten have always played a huge part in the success of any team. These are the players who have most ‘touches’ in a game and are inevitably challenged with making ‘key decisions’ that will determine how well the team plays.

Some things don’t change in rugby. The challenge for these two is to make choices and execute skills and tactics that ensure the opposition are placed under pressure. However, the new laws have placed an even greater emphasis on having multi skilled, explosive,  and quick thinking players in these roles.

The  requirements of a halfback have progressed from a fast passing, forward motivating, cover defender; to a quick thinking decision making, fast passing, elusive running, aggressive tackling, forward motivating, cover defending, strong and fit athlete.  

Likewise, the ten cannot be satisfied with his contribution if he is only a passing-catching-kicking player, no matter how accomplished he is in these aspects. Certainly they form the core of what he must do, but now he  must add to his role: quick thinking decision maker, clever ball carrier, front on tackler, support player, and a strong and fit athlete.

If these positions are individually not a threat on attack, and make good judgements on the ‘run’, then the team will not be as effective. In fact, it is likely to be a team  that runs side to side and seldom breaks the line.

Look at televised games  and analyse the good and the bad. Using the roles as above mark the combinations out of ten as you view the game. Look at other aspects. Is nine scanning as he heads to the tackle area? Is he able to make an instant decision? Is it a good decision?  Why/why not?  Is the skill aspect up to standard?  If not, what is wrong? Where is he at any given time?

Where does ten receive the ball? Is he moving or static?  What is his running line? Is he a threat? Why/why not?  Has he scanned before he receives the ball at set play or phase play? Was his decision making appropriate?  What would you have done? What skills is he good at? Do these skills determine how he plays?

Make up some more questions that you want the answers for. Draw up your own conclusions as to what is required for the team you coach. Make a list. Draw up some activities that you will carry out. This is the fun part of coaching!