Im a young rugby player weigh 14 stone 5'10 with 12.7% body fat under 18s I play centre/winger I can run, sidestep and pass but fending off is another issue I can never seem to get the confidence or remember to fend off an opponent any ideaws why and how this can be changed?Im a young rugby player weigh 14 stone 5'10 with 12.7% body fat under 18s I play centre/winger I can run, sidestep and pass but fending off is another issue I can never seem to get the confidence or remember to fend off an opponent any ideaws why and how this can be changed?

i have been playing for 16 years and have been under some excellent caching, so trust this advice! if the tackler is coming head on, then (if you are right handed) hold the ball in your left arm, run slightly to the left so you are running at his shoulder, as you draw nearer resist the urge to try to fend to early as this will prove un-effective. once you are about half a meter away push you arm into his torso and 'guide' him around you, keeping immense pressure on his chest at all times. vice verse for left handed players. if the tackler is side on it is much simpler. if you are right handed, hold the ball in your left arm,and wait until he is about 1 meter away, half extend your arm and push into his shoulder. next fully extend your arm applying maximum pressure into his shoulder knocking him backwards and potentially into the ground. Hope it helps.

Guessing your at the age so you can hand off if so use that. Technique is hard if the player is behind you. But remember ever yard gained in a plus. If your going into contact head on drop your shoulder into it. Players like mat kvesic drop theirs and roll while standing which evades a front tackle but if your playing wing just run as fast as you can and rely on back up for the ruck