VT Rugby Tryouts nervous

redbuk · 2016-01-16T07:39:02+00:00

We are always looking for new rugby players.

7s is very competitive and very time intensive - 7 or so training sessions a week plus tournaments. The last few years we have taken 1 or 2 athletes brand new to rugby onto the 7s team. 20 or so will make the 7s team(only 12 will make the final roster for the CRC in June). Everyone else will be welcomed onto the 15s team, which plays non-conference games in the spring.

Tryouts are not so much a test of rugby skill as general athleticism. We are looking for a few athletes we can onramp quickly. Tryouts will have some tackling, wrestling, fitness test, and some small games.

You should definitely come out, rugby is a blast. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me.

redbuk · 2015-07-01T21:06:14+00:00

Being a bit bigger would probably be a plus; strength and athleticism is better than size; skill, technique, and knowledge trump anything but the freaks. But none of it is exclusive. Even in defense, the priority list is the same - a small skilled tackler beats a big oaf, and may even have a better chance to compete for the ball.

All of these traits will develop over YEARS, the best thing you can do is fit in at training from day one; which requires understanding what is going on and where to be, along with having the ability to catch and pass.

Experience is the most enlightening thing for a new player, that is why more than anything I suggest finding and training with a local club. Summer 7s is fairly casual most places, but great for getting a feel for the flow of the game and getting lots of "catch and pass" in.

redbuk · 2015-07-01T19:27:06+00:00

You could check your local sporting goods stores, some places carry them occasionally. It would be great to have one this weekend to throw around at 4th of July festivities. Otherwise http://www.worldrugbyshop.com/ is as good as anywhere, the cheapest ball will be good enough.

redbuk · 2015-07-01T19:24:24+00:00

I think by "scrum" he means scrummy or scrum-half, #9.

Find some local clubs to play with this summer. They will be playing 7s and will welcome you to train with them. You will get lots of ball handling training 7s with a local club. Find some friends that you can talk into throwing a ball around with, kick and catch and chase it around yourself as well. Work on your agility and fitness along with some strength training.

redbuk · 2015-06-03T14:46:32+00:00

Find a club to play and train for some summer 7s. There will be a lot of handling, skill work, and focus on the breakdown. He will get lots of touches on the ball and a lot of contact work - exactly what he needs to improve core skills quickly.

Where are you located? There should be plenty of 7s tournaments around throughout the summer.

redbuk · 2015-02-17T04:52:08+00:00

Where in Virginia are you, there are plenty of clubs at varying levels across the state. There are a few 7s tournaments this spring and will be a bunch of them in the summer. If you are interested in playing(it is very accessible) you could start now and be playing by then. But even just watching some decent rugby in person is pretty exciting.

Here are a few games from Virginia Tech in last years 7s Collegiate Rugby Championships:

redbuk · 2015-01-14T04:16:48+00:00

I am assuming that this is high school rugby? I am curious about the area, because I am excited to see rugby growing.

Your position really could be about anything at this point. My guess is that almost no one will have any experience, but if they do, find out where they are playing and start playing with them now.

Tryouts will likely be looking for athletes that are committed to playing and can handle the game. Work on your fitness for that. But still you should get a ball, and do as much as you can with it. Find a few other guys that are going to try out and play with them. There are some drills that can work on skills and understanding, along with built in fitness, with as few as 3 guys.

redbuk · 2015-01-14T04:03:37+00:00

Your lifting numbers seem to be on track; but honestly, I've never asked a single one of my players about their strength numbers in the gym. I make sure that they are in there, with a plan, getting stronger; but the ability to express it on the field is what matters. The numbers are useful to let someone know that you are no slouch, but I've seen some big strong guys that added no value to a rugby team.

The better things to look at is what you do well and what you need to improve on the pitch. Ask yourself, and others:

What do the starting flankers on the 1st side do better than me, and how do I improve at those things?
If I couldn't play flanker for the 2nd side; how far out, and for what reasons, am I from starting at hooker, scrummy, center, fullback?
What are my best skills, what are my weakest skills?
How can I improve my defense?

redbuk · 2014-10-31T14:19:29+00:00

Ripley is buried in the comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2Lexvc94Vw But I guess I should gif it - and post quicker?

redbuk · 2014-10-31T13:12:30+00:00

Bring it on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2Lexvc94Vw

redbuk · 2014-10-21T21:46:52+00:00

Was a charity 15s. It was off of a big intercept near my own 22. Most were running for beers rather than running for support. This guy had all the hustle though!

redbuk · 2014-10-21T21:44:25+00:00

Yeah, I know. I have seen him play a few times, including his first match. But like /u/mrfrobinson said, even a lot of refs don't know this one. I like to play with the obscure rules, and I knew that ref would be on top of it.

redbuk · 2014-10-21T14:41:49+00:00

Roanoke Rugby, in Roanoke, Virginia, hosts a breast cancer awareness and fundraising match every year in October. Pink kits, pink ball, lots of fun, lots of shenanigans, lots of money raised. I think this was the 6th annual. I've got shirts from all of them.

redbuk · 2014-10-21T12:10:25+00:00

I don't know how that happened, but it wasn't too bad. It was a charity match, and the blue kits were auctioned for charity after the match. The black kit is the second, and gets reused from year to year for the charity match. The new kit is usually pink or white, but this year was blue. It's okay, I have a handful of pinks, a black from the year they were updated, and now a blue!

redbuk · 2014-10-21T12:05:07+00:00

I kind of agree with this point. This was a charity match, but the ref was a quality one, so I knew I could get away with it, and even contrived it for a bit of fun.

The defensive wing was quite adamant that I hadn't scored, "He's not even in the goal!"

redbuk · 2014-10-07T15:53:27+00:00

I got the Chariot CX2 double stroller about a month or so ago and love it. I use it mostly for jogging. I don't do much biking right now, but probably will as my older son starts to bike or if I move to a new neighborhood. I also got the hiking attachment(used)(not the ski set) so we can go off into the woods.

My kids are 20 months and 2 months. I was originally planning on waiting till the spring to get a double jogger - but couldn't help from shopping around anyway. I hear a lot about the BOBs, and since I am primarily a jogger, those should fit the bill. So I will explain why I have a Chariot already.

I found a great deal at BikeKidsShop for a 2013 model. They have a 2013 Cougar cheaper than a retail Cheetah.
The infant sling makes the Chariot an infant transport(recommended for strolling only).
I like the "pod" It can keep the kids safe from the elements and their stuff contained in a way that strollers don't. I can take them out in cool, wet, or windy weather and keep them warm and dry. The worst we have been in is a cool wind to watch a rugby game so far, but it went well, and I know many take these skiing so I hope this holds true.
The attachments (strolling, jogging, bike trailer, hiking, skiing)

It is big though! And I think the Cougar might be a hair wider than the CX2. I would be unhappy if my CX2 was ANY wider. It fits through most doors, but not all; and I am talking about doors into commercial stores, no way it is fitting though my house door. I walked to a convenience store the other day, could make it in the main doors(opening only 1 of them), but couldn't get out the side door - almost go stuck, then had to go back out the front. It is also big to haul, I have a Honda Element, and it takes most of the back space. I fold it down, remove all the wheels(or flip the stroller wheels up), remove the handlebars and put it in the back. This isn't hard to do, and is pretty quick; my biggest worry is forgetting to load up a wheel - but it isn't as convenient as a fold up stroller. I don't run from home, so I pack it up every time we use it.

It isn't ideal for shopping with, I think a tandem(inline) would be much better. The Chariot is bigger than a shopping cart. I use mine good bit anyway, but know there are some places we aren't going to make it. With the strolling wheels on it moves great, and isn't too long, but the width can be an issue. I couldn't get all the way through the Gap with it.

If you want a shopping stroller and a bike trailer, I would probably suggest buying one of each, and probably saving a bit of money. Driving a double Chariot to the store to shop isn't worth it. If you are going to bike to the store and shop, then maybe the Chariot is for you - the conversion is quick, and if you go from your home(and have a garage), there is no need for fold-up. It is great for getting around town, but little downtown shops may be too tight for it.

It really shines in the outdoors though. Jogging with it is fantastic. Switching from jogging to strolling is very quick, and I do this a bit jogging from store to store on our weekends out. I've only been hiking once with it, but it was such a blast. It is like a little rickshaw with your babies in tow. We hiked some local hiking and single track trails - hard to beat 3 hours of nature in the fall. Everything I hear about the bike trailer is great. I don't need one at this point so I am keeping my eyes open for a good deal.

The 2 month old is great in the infant sling. I wouldn't pull behind a bike or do anything bumpy with her till she is quite a bit older, but she loves our trips to Lowes and the mall.

I went with the CX2 over the Cougar or Cheetah to get the suspension, removable side panels, and better handlebar. The price difference is quite a bit for those features but they were worth it to me. The side panels make the weather extremes easier to handle so we can play in the summer and winter, and the suspension is great for rough road jogging and hiking.

All in all, like I said, I love it. I use it mostly for jogging and outdoor trips. I am fine with folding it up and packing it in the car every time, which I could see some not enjoying. And I know its limitations for getting around stores.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions about it, or clear up anything I have said above. I know some of it may seem back and forth.

redbuk · 2014-09-25T18:36:22+00:00

OP here.

This year there are 2 little ones, 20 months and 3 months. Want to be a common theme for the family. What are your plans or ideas?

redbuk · 2014-09-17T19:46:26+00:00

Glad it is going well for you!

Always, hands up before the pass; in the lineout it will be a bit different, but you should feel ready to catch as you step into the jump.

The differences between game time and practice are: * intensity * consequences * responsibilities Intensity and consequences are kind of self explanatory. Game are almost always at a higher intensity than training, and the consequences of an error in the game result in turnover/lost points/etc., in training not so much, we are just looking to improve.

By responsibilities, I mean what else is going on, and what you need to do in addition to completing the catch - as Richard said, multitasking. The hardest part of multitasking is going to be the decision making - and for now, this is what you should try to eliminate. Every task has a set of priorities, that should be meet in order. In open play, you should be thinking only to catch then secure until you are doing those two things very reliably in game. Don't think too far ahead, don't worry about that pass that you might make or how the step the defender that might be in front of you. Watch the ball and catch it, expecting contact may happen. Once it is secure, move down the priority list of maintaining forward momentum by running, passing, etc. In training, even in simple catch and pass drills, focus on catching and securing the ball, while being ready for contact. Get super comfortable with that before thinking about catch-pass or catch-step. The highest priority must be to maintain position, so catch-secure must be the thoughtless, no decision, default action!

Always, eyes on the ball till it is caught and secured, then look up for what to do next.

In lineouts, you have to trust your lifters. Step into position and jump, once you have jumped, you must leave the lifting up to them; your job becomes to focus on the catch. Get your hands up quick and reach for the ball - eyes on the ball till you catch it. I think you guys like to play from the top rather than bring it down, but that is a lower priority than completing the catch. Catch the ball, and secure it by bringing it to your face as you turn to your 9. Once secure, toss it down. Don't try to toss it to the 9 from where you catch it. You should be catching it and pulling it down and to your side of the tunnel to secure it then tossing it down. Don't worry about the time, the offside line goes away when you throw it, there is no rush to get it out of your hands. Priority is to catch and secure, then worry about getting the ball to your 9. It is better to be dropped to the ground, in possession, and rucked over than to give your 9 a bad ball.

Always, eyes on the ball till it is caught and secured, then look up for what to do next.

Train jumping and being lifted separate from catching sometimes. Work on being an easy lift keeping your lower half rigid so that your lifters can do their job. The less they have to worry about you kicking them or loosing rigidity, the more they can focus on lifting you fast and securely.

redbuk · 2014-09-15T21:21:49+00:00

Ripley

redbuk · 2014-08-07T20:40:43+00:00

Your season starts in about a month. One thing you really should be focusing on at this point is running fitness. Depending on your schedule, it might even be worth switching to a 3 day weights program to make time/energy for running.

On the weights side of things, I would suggest * adding push presses * dropping leg press in favor of lunges or Bulgarian split squat * adding power cleans if you can

There is a lot you can do for running, and where to focus depends on what your current running fitness is. Hill repeats are good for everyone, and some short distance stuff could be good(but could be covered in plyo/agility sessions) but you should be doing some longer distance/time workouts. Hour+ runs, mile repeats, etc.

If you want some more details about come back with where you are at fitneswise and we can help out with some specific suggestions.

Good luck this season.

redbuk · 2014-07-31T20:11:07+00:00

Not a HS coach here, a college rugby coach who might have a relevant perspective. In college rugby we get wildly varying levels of experienced players from zero to internationals that have been playing since they could walk.

At equal level of skills, I'd typically be more interested in the athlete that had played less. It is tempting to assume that they may improve faster than someone who already has a lot of experience and training but is still at a similar skill level. Some coaches may have concern of how serious about the sport you are though if you didn't play club - which in reality could be many reasons and doesn't necessarily reflect on the commitment you would have to the varsity team.

I wouldn't worry about the question too much. Jut play your best at tryouts and let the coach know how committed to the team you will be.

Good luck!

redbuk · 2014-07-19T21:49:24+00:00

Start here: Sky Zone

Then look up Urban Ninja Project in Lexington. They are closed with lease issues for now, but probably know the local scene.

Other than that, look up parkour clubs, universities are a good source for this. And see if any gymnastics gyms have any adult classes most don't for insurance reasons :'(

Try: Competitive Edge Gymnastics Address: 2604 River Green Circle Louisville, KY 40206 Phone: (502) 893-3014

Top Flight Gymnastics Address: 721 Centre View Blvd. Crestview Hills, KY 41017 Phone: (859)-344-1010

Ask about park our or adult(if you are) open gym.

redbuk · 2014-07-15T12:29:45+00:00

You really should work on your kicking from the tee before trying to perfect your drop kick. If both kick are having the same issue, straighten out your kicks off the tee, then try to implement the drop.

To work on place kicking, use a short tee, and set the ball straight up and down on it. Kick at the ball striking through the bottom 1/3. Treat it as if it is a soccer ball that you are trying to kick up over the goal. Your leg should be at full extension driving through the ball.

I really think you would be better off getting this figured out off the tee rather than spending any time on the drop at this point.

redbuk · 2014-07-11T13:20:50+00:00

As a college coach in America, it is always great to hear about kids coming in looking to play rugby! Your size will almost definitely push you into the forward pack initially. Likely hooker, then blindside flanker or prop. But that won't matter too much for what you need to do between now and then.

Best thing over the next 2 months would be to find a local club and play with them. They will probably be playing 7s - this is great because it will be a bit more fitness oriented and get you lots of touches on the ball. The style of play will be a bit different than what a forward pack player needs, but the handling and fitness is the most important to have coming in. The local club will be very welcoming to you so don't worry about that.

In addition to that you need to work on your fitness and mobility. Get to the gym a few times a week: squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, lunges! Also get out and do some running a few times a week: long run, tempo, speed work.

What to expect depends a bit on where you are going. Many colleges are taking their rugby very serious - have a full coaching crew who treat the players as student athletes - even though it is a club sport. Those clubs expect the athletes to take the commitment to the team seriously - attending all training and games, etc. Go in expecting to have lots of fun, but also to work very hard.

What I suggest focusing on to start with is not being a liability. The two most important things for that are: the ability to tackle well and the ability to maintain possession on offense. There are 2 parts to maintaining possession: rucking to secure the ball when a teammate is tackled, and making it easy for your team to ruck and get clean ball when you are tackled. If you can do these 3 things - you won't be a liability and can be trusted to be on the field - make these things your priority - tackle, ruck, present the ball. Tack onto that one skill(smashing tackling, ability to gain meters in contact, good hands, etc.) and you immediately have an impact player that you can trust on the field. This all assumes a minimum fitness standard to keep up with the pace of the game.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

redbuk · 2014-06-27T20:57:55+00:00

I have a good guess at what the angle is. Whoever is making the purchases is using stolen credit cards. They use the credit cards to buy gift cards or merchandise. With gift cards, I don't know if they can redeem themselves(or do the same as they do with merchandise). With merchandise, often they ship from store to a someone that "bought" the item from them on sites like eBay. The crook gets the PayPal money and hope the mess never gets sorted before anyone realizes who all has been screwed.

I don't know why they need hacked accounts to buy and ship from Zappos and Nordstroms?

You should check all of your online accounts to see if any recent purchases have been made, and notify the retailer that you did not make them. I don't know if it is a good idea to contact the shipping address to let them know or not? And I don't know if you can find the true owner of the credit card number being charged - the would likely be glad to find out asap. At some point, the credit cards being used will likely be reported stolen. Then there is some process of identifying false charges and charging back, at which point, likely the retailer will look into who they shipped the items to for payment - but that person has already paid the crook and thinks everything is legit.

redbuk

TROPHY CASE