A rugby term is a specific word or phrase that is used to describe a specific aspect of the sport of rugby. These terms are used to communicate and understand the different strategies, techniques, and rules of the game.
The use of rugby terms is to communicate and understand the different strategies, techniques, and rules of the game and make them more specific to the sport. It helps coaches, players, and officials to communicate effectively with each other and make decisions about the game.
Anyone who is involved in rugby, whether as a player, coach, official, or fan, should learn rugby terms. They are essential for understanding the game and making informed decisions.
Beginners should definitely learn rugby terms as it helps them understand the game and communicate effectively with their teammates and coaches. It also helps them to understand the strategies and techniques that are used in the game, which can help them improve their skills and performance.
60 most common rugby terms for beginners
- Scrum: A set piece used to restart play, in which the forwards from each team bind together in a formation and attempt to push the other team’s forwards backward to win possession of the ball.
- Lineout: A set piece used to restart play after the ball has gone out of bounds, in which players from each team form a line perpendicular to the touchline and try to win possession of the ball that is thrown in from the touchline.
- Ruck: A phase of play in which players from each team bind together and attempt to win possession of the ball that is on the ground.
- Maul: A phase of play in which a player with the ball is held by one or more teammates, and they attempt to move forward while being held by the opposing team.
- Try: The primary method of scoring in rugby, awarded when a player touches the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area.
- Conversion: A kick taken after a try is scored, worth two points if successful.
- Penalty kick: A kick taken at goal after a penalty is awarded, worth three points if successful.
- Drop goal: A kick taken during open play, worth three points if successful.
- Knock-on: An infringement in which a player loses possession of the ball forward.
- Forward pass: An infringement in which a player throws or passes the ball forward, rather than backward.
- Offside: An infringement in which a player is in an illegal position on the field.
- Backline: The group of backs (players who are not forwards) on a team, typically composed of the scrum-half, fly-half, inside center, outside center, and wingers.
- Blindside: The side of the field opposite the open side, where the scrum half is positioned.
- Fly-half: The back who typically directs the play and makes decisions on kicking, typically the first receiver of the ball from the scrum-half.
- Loose forward: A forward who is not in the scrum or lineout, typically responsible for ball carrying and rucking.
- Open side: The side of the field where the scrum half is positioned.
- Prop: A forward who is in the front row of the scrum and lineout, typically responsible for scrummaging and lifting in the lineout.
- Touch: The area between the touchline and the dead-ball line, where the ball is out of play.
- Turnover: When a team regains possession of the ball from the opposing team, often as a result of a tackle, ruck, or scrum.
- Yellow card: A caution given to a player for a serious infringement, resulting in a temporary suspension from the game for 10 minutes.
- Red card: A dismissal given to a player for a very serious infringement or a second yellow card, resulting in the player being sent off for the remainder of the game
- Tackle: A defensive move where a player attempts to stop the progress of the ball carrier by wrapping their arms around the opposing player and bringing them to ground.
- Grubber kick: A low, flat kick that bounces along the ground, used to put pressure on the defense or to kick the ball out of bounds.
- Chip kick: A high, looping kick used to kick the ball over the heads of the defense and into open space.
- Box kick: A kick used to clear the ball out of a team’s half of the field, typically taken by the scrum-half or fly-half.
- Scrum-half: The player who receives the ball from the scrum and makes decisions on when to pass or kick the ball, often referred to as the “quarterback” of the team.
- Rolling maul: A phase of play in which a team moves the ball forward by repeatedly passing it along a group of players who are all moving forward together in a line.
- Tackle bag: A padded bag used in practice to simulate the act of tackling.
- High tackle: A tackle made above the shoulder, which is illegal and can result in a penalty or card.
- Sin bin: A temporary suspension given to a player for a minor infringement, typically for 10 minutes.
- Knock-on: A term used when the ball is knocked forward by the player, resulting in a scrum to the opposing team.
- Ruck: A phase of play where one or more players from each team bind together to try to gain possession of the ball which is on the ground.
- Maul: A phase of play where the ball carrier is held by one or more teammates and they try to move forward while being held by the opposing team.
- Forward pass: An infringement where a player throws or passes the ball forward, instead of backward.
- Touch judge: An official who watches for infractions and signals to the referee when the ball goes out of bounds.
- Drop goal: A kick used to score points, typically taken during open play.
- Place kick: A kick used to score points after a penalty or free kick.
- Counter ruck: A defensive tactic used to disrupt the opposing team’s ruck and win possession of the ball.
- Mark: A term used to indicate that a player has caught the ball cleanly from a kick and is entitled to a free kick.
- Quick tap: A tactic used to quickly restart play after a penalty, where a player quickly taps the ball with their foot and runs forward before the opposing team is ready.
- Wing: A back position, known for its speed and agility, typically responsible for finishing off attacks and covering kicks.
- Halfback: Another name for the scrum-half, who is the player who receives the ball from the scrum and makes decisions on when to pass or kick the ball.
- Charge down: When a player blocks or deflects an opposing team’s kick, often resulting in a turnover.
- Chip and chase: A tactic where a player kicks the ball high into the air and then chases after it, often used to regain possession or put pressure on the opposing team’s defense.
- Counterattack: When a team quickly regains possession and attacks in the opposite direction, often used to catch the opposing team off guard.
- Counter kick: A kick used to clear the ball and gain territory, often taken after regaining possession.
- Decoy runner: A player who runs in a specific direction to draw the defense away from the actual ball carrier.
- Dummy pass: A faked pass used to deceive the defense and create space for the ball carrier.
- Field position: The location of the ball on the field and the corresponding advantage or disadvantage for the team in possession.
- Forward drive: A coordinated effort by the forwards to push the opposing team backwards, often used to gain territory or set up a scoring opportunity.
- Front foot: The foot that a player is using to propel themselves forward when carrying the ball or making a tackle.
- Gap: A space in the defense that can be exploited by the attacking team.
- Grounding: When a player touches the ball down to the ground to score a try.
- Inside pass: A pass made to a player who is closer to the center of the field.
- Outside pass: A pass made to a player who is farther from the center of the field.
- Overlap: A situation where a team has more players in a specific area of the field than the opposing team, often used to create a scoring opportunity.
- Play the ball: When a player releases the ball from their possession and it becomes available for either team to play.
- Playmaker: A player who is responsible for making decisions and creating scoring opportunities for their team.
- Scrum cap: A padded headgear worn by players to protect against head injuries.
- Tackle bust: When a player breaks through an opposing team’s tackle and continues to advance with the ball.