Rugby Try: How It Works and How to Score One

If you've ever watched a rugby match and wondered why the crowd erupts when a player dives over the line, you're looking at a try. It's the main way teams rack up points, and it’s simpler than you think.

What Is a Try?

A try happens when a player touches the ball down on or behind the opponent's try‑line, inside the in‑goal area. The ball must be under control – no tossing it forward – and the player’s body has to be on the ground with the ball pressed to the ground. When that’s done, the team earns five points.

After a try, the scoring side gets a chance for a conversion kick. If the kicker sends the ball between the uprights, they add two extra points. So a successful try and conversion can net a team seven points in total.

How to Score a Try

Scoring a try is all about space, support, and timing. Here are a few practical tips:

• Exploit the gaps: Look for weak spots in the defense and run straight through. The faster you get to the line, the harder it is for defenders to reorganise.
• Stay on your feet: A common mistake is going to ground too early. Keep running until you’re sure you can ground the ball safely. If you’re tackled, keep the ball in your hands and try to brush it off the ground.
• Use support players: Teammates should run alongside you, ready to take the ball if you get tackled. A quick pass can keep the momentum alive and put you over the line.
• Practice the dive: When you’re close, a well‑timed dive spreads your body and makes it harder for a defender to stop you. Aim to land on the ball with both hands and press it down firmly.

Remember, a try isn’t just about raw power. Good positioning, quick decision‑making, and teamwork usually beat brute force.

Defending against a try is the flip side of the same coin. Stay disciplined, keep the defensive line tight, and make sure at least one player is always covering the inside channel. If you see a player about to cross the line, a well‑timed tackle that drives them back can stop the try before it’s counted.

Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, mastering the try will instantly improve your game sense. Focus on finding space, supporting each other, and finishing strong – and you’ll see the scoreboard move in your favour.