IDEAS AND PRODUCTS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR GAME
Some rugby legends have defied the odds to get to where they are today. Shane Williams is arguably one of the greatest players to play for Wales. Yet he is only being 1.7 metres tall (5 ft 6 in). Despite set backs, many players are able to play at an international standard and go down in history for being well and truly brilliant. To reach this excellence, it takes determination, hard work and a whole lot of balls – in both senses. Without this, an ability to improve rugby skills probably isn’t achievable. But what if we were to tell you that there are some very simply things you can do to improve 5 core skills fundamental to the game of rugby?
HOW TO IMPROVE RUGBY SKILLS: PASSING
Without passing, rugby would be a pretty boring sport- nobody likes a one-man show. To play the game at a decent level, players must be able to deliver a variety of effective passes in different situations.
One simple way to improve rugby skills such as the accuracy of your pass is to put different targets on a wall and pass the ball to each target- obviously trying to hit as close to the target as possible. Here, repetition is key. Did you know that some professional rugby players practice their passing for up to 2.5 hours a day?
I know most of us don’t have the time to improve rugby skills like this. So if you’re like me and time isn’t on your team, there is a little something that can help you. Studies have shown that rubbing vapour balm (link to vapour release balm) on your temples and wrists can increase the accuracy of performance. This is supposedly because blood flow to your brain is increase so you are more alert. Whether this is actually scientific, or just the workings of a placebo affect, if you really want to improve rugby skills, it’s worth a try!
HOW TO IMPROVE RUGBY SKILLS: RUNNING
Just like with passing, running is pretty fundamental to rugby; otherwise the game would be a lot like Netball- except with a significant disadvantage to the person holding the ball. Particular skills that need to be used during rugby include changing pace and direction whilst staying balanced. This is especially important just before contact situations. To improve rugby skills like these, incorporate multi-directional running into your entire warm ups and work on running skills every week. Some exercises include multi-directional cone work, or speed endurance using a ladder.
To optimise on your speed, or ability to change pace, you must ensure that your muscle fire optimally. To improve the firing of your muscles, we recommend using a muscle rub to speed up your warm up and optimise muscle performance. This allows you to achieve marginal gains through running, as well as being able to improve rugby skills in other areas.
HOW TO IMPROVE RUGBY SKILLS: TACKLING
Tackling is arguably the star skill of the sport: it defines rugby. The overall target should be that all players are competent tackling in one-on-one situations. This is why tackling should be included in every training session. To improve rugby skills, like tackling, it’s useful to put players in different situations. This way they can vary what tackles are used.
As previously mentioned, tackling is a fundamental skill to the game of rugby, but it’s also a dangerous one. If tackles are done incorrectly, this can result in injury. Similarly, improving rugby skills altogether can result in sore and stiff muscles. This which can prevent you from training at your best potential the next day. To ensure you constantly improve rugby skills, we recommend using a cooling body wash so that your muscle recover quicker and you are able to get back to training optimally sooner than usual.
So here’s how you can improve rugby skills using both repetitive drills and helpful products. For an overall improvement in skills of any sport, we recommend using Bullet and Bone’s products. Made using all natural ingredients, with amateur athletes in mind, Bullet and Bone products enable sportsmen to achieve marginal gains with every workout, meaning you’re always one step closer to becoming like your idol.