Rucking Basics: What Every Rugby Player Needs to Know

Rucking is the part of rugby where the ball sits on the ground and players fight for possession. If you’re new to the game or want to sharpen your skills, understanding the ruck is key. In a ruck, you can’t use your hands – you have to use your body to push, drive, and protect the ball. Getting the basics right means you’ll win more ball, avoid penalties, and keep the game flowing.

How to Join a Ruck the Right Way

First, make sure you’re on your feet. Drop to your hips, keep a low centre of gravity, and drive straight into the ruck. Your shoulders should stay low and your head up – never tackle the opponents from the side. Bind onto a teammate’s hips or the player in front of you, and push through your legs. This gives you power without risking the illegal ‘hands in the ruck’ call.

Second, stay on your feet and keep your hands away from the ball. The moment the ball is on the ground, you’re not allowed to grab it. Instead, use your body to shield the ball and push the opposition off. If you’re the first player arriving, try to get over the ball quickly, support the ball carrier, and keep the shape tight.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Many players lean too far forward and lose balance – they get knocked over and the ruck collapses. The fix? Keep your weight over your heels and drive with your legs, not your back. Another frequent error is staying on your knees or going to ground; that’s an instant penalty. Stay upright, even if you need to bend a little to get lower.

Sometimes players forget to bind, which leads to a “no‑binding” penalty. Grab the back of a teammate’s shorts or the waist of the player in front of you. A quick grip is all you need to stay legal and strong.

Simple Drills to Build Ruck Power

Try the “Ruck Machine” drill: set up three cones in a line, place a ball in the middle, and have two players push from each side while a third player joins the ruck. Rotate positions so everyone practices entering, binding, and driving.

Another easy drill is the “Shuttle Ruck”. Line up five balls spaced a few meters apart. Sprint to each ball, drop low, and push an imagined opposition for five seconds before moving to the next ball. This builds stamina and the habit of staying low.

Don’t forget core work – planks, dead‑bugs, and side bridges give you the stability needed to stay on your feet during heavy contact.

Rucking might feel chaotic at first, but with the right technique, you’ll become a reliable ball winner. Keep your head up, stay bound, drive with your legs, and always respect the no‑hands rule. The more you practice these simple steps, the more likely you’ll dominate the ruck and help your team keep the ball moving forward.