rugby for dummies

pinc

Can someone please advise me on how to learn the rules of rugby so that I can explain them to a 41/2 yr old.? Is there a book/website that I can use? My 19 yr old nephew is a great rugby player, hence the interest, but can't/won't take the time to talk me through a match("dumb female" attitude). Any pointers greatly appreciated.

Tim Robbins

pinc wrote: »

Can someone please advise me on how to learn the rules of rugby so that I can explain them to a 41/2 yr old.? Is there a book/website that I can use? My 19 yr old nephew is a great rugby player, hence the interest, but can't/won't take the time to talk me through a match("dumb female" attitude). Any pointers greatly appreciated.

Peter McKenna wrote this book which is very good.
http://www.irishrugby.ie/6855_8885.php

Not sure if it would be simple enough for a four year old, but for someone like yourself it would be fine.

Colm_OReilly

I'm sure if we pitch together we can explain it to the young lad.

First thing I guess is, they have to stay behind the ball, and you have to pass it backwards.

That big man with red hair is Paul O'Connell, he decides who wins.

That should get him started.

eigrod

The real key is to get him to watch games on tv, or better still, bring him to games.

The more he watches, the more he'll understand (although some referee calls are beyond comprehension )

I never played the game, but I find it one of the most compelling games to watch.

funky penguin

Try wikipedia to get a start on it.

Nice and free!

komodosp

A four and a half year old? You have to run past that line and put the ball on the ground! Ireland are the lads in green! Sometimes you can kick the ball over the bar...

ManoCornuta

komodosp wrote: »

You have to run past that line and put the ball on the ground!

My coach has an irrational fear of one of us crossing the line and not putting the ball down...:)

Sandeman

The BBC website has a very nice section that explains in a simple way laws, positions, scoring etc
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/rules_and_equipment/default.stm

If you click on the links you might find some pictures that makes it easier to visualize and understand. Some videos in there too.

toomevara

Sandeman wrote: »

The BBC website has a very nice section that explains in a simple way laws, positions, scoring etc
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/rules_and_equipment/default.stm

If you click on the links you might find some pictures that makes it easier to visualize and understand. Some videos in there too.

Thats an excellent steer, a really concise, unpatronising and insightful explanation of the game...OP, rugby is a remarkably simple game in its fundamentals. You'll be able to appreciate a game in no time..my advice to you is watch it, lots of it...and if you want to know what a certain position is all about just follow that particular player through a game or a half.

and remember no one has a monopoly on knowledge re: the game....get stuck in, start watching and you'll be away on a hack in no time...

Good luck!

pinc

Appreciate the tips. Sometimes wish I had a girl,"sigh". Years of dirty gear ahead of me! Off to practice my rugby tackles-at least they'll come in handy.

Sundy

pinc wrote: »

Appreciate the tips. Sometimes wish I had a girl,"sigh". Years of dirty gear ahead of me! Off to practice my rugby tackles-at least they'll come in handy.

Its not the dirt of the gear is the worst thing, its the smell. Very hard to describe how bad my gear smells now after being worn twice in the wet and not taken out of the bag in between.

WithCheesePlease

Colm_OReilly wrote: »

That big man with red hair is Paul O'Connell, he decides who wins.

I love it

WithCheesePlease

Some youtube videos...

Taking the ball into contact: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxLHlMrsGys
The ruck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ykoLI1RSs
The tackle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc-sqwOqKIM
The maul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDefXKVN_y4
The scrum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u9ma7GDHUE
The lineout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ISOVKyjatE

Legion2008

Official IRB beginners guide can be found here:

http://www.irb.com/mm/document/training/0/beginners20guide20en_7391.pdf

ManoCornuta

pinc wrote: »

Sometimes wish I had a girl,"sigh".

That didn't make it any easier for my parents!

Serenity Now!

pinc wrote: »

Can someone please advise me on how to learn the rules of rugby so that I can explain them to a 41/2 yr old.? Is there a book/website that I can use? My 19 yr old nephew is a great rugby player, hence the interest, but can't/won't take the time to talk me through a match("dumb female" attitude). Any pointers greatly appreciated.

Playstation. I kid you not. Really does help make it clear.

Stealdo

ManoCornuta wrote: »

My coach has an irrational fear of one of us crossing the line and not putting the ball down...:)

We atually had a guy do this at schools level many years ago now. We were short players and convinced basically the toughest/strongest kid in the school to come along for a couple of training sessions and a match. In his first game (a friendly) he crossed the line and then spiked the ball American Football style. It was hilarious, with both sides laughing their asses off at him and the ref trying to explain to him what he'd done wrong.
Funnier was our coach at the next training session talking about it and demonstrating what had been done wrong at the same time, the bounce of a rugby ball was never crueller than when it popped back up towards his gentleman's area.

damselnat

My uncle has two young sons of about 6 and 8m, and they had a book by the RFU detailing the rules, techniques etc. I think it was entitled, 'Know the Game' or something along those lines, it was very simple and simplified, and full of pictures and diagrams that explained what it was saying. It was published in a few years ago so a couple of things might a bit out of date. It was a very slim volume, imagine it cost under a tenner and explained everything you'd need to know for basic understanding and enjoyment of the game. If you check rfu.com they might have it/ a new edition of it on sale?

pinc

Thanks so much but please stop with the links already! My computer is on fire/slow mode. I now can't wait to show off my newfound kudos on the field/ -err umm, pitch/- um err, sort of ground type place. Thanks all -no tips on turning him on to ballet instead,then ? My elbow hurts from too much rugby/ rugby research!!
Appreciate the input.