The role of the outside centre
If you're coaching young players, use these rugby coaching tips to make sure your outside centre makes the most of his pivotal role in deciding when to commit to the tackle and when to hold off.
Positional sense: outside centre
The outside centre (13) relies on his fly half (10) and inside centre (12) to create space for him, but he needs to be able to deliver the killer blow when it counts.
Physical importance
The outside centre needs to work on his acceleration over 20 metres and his ability to change direction and speed effectively.
Train with sprinting from a rolling start over a variety of distances between five and 30 metres. Introduce changes of direction and changes of pace at various points.
When the player is competent at changing pace and direction, introduce a ball. Start with the player holding the ball and progress to passing it to him at different phases of the run.
Key rugby coaching technique
The outside centre is at his most dangerous when he can break the line and give an accurate pass at pace to a support player. This exercise develops the outside centre's need to break the tackle and make a decision about where and when to pass.
The player accelerates on to a pass and busts through the two tacklers with bags. He is then immediately faced with a two against one situation which he must exploit.
As he develops his rugby skills, add a second defender behind the tacklers with bags and another support player. This creates a challenging three against two scenario.
World class outside centres to watch
Players can learn from watching rugby stars on TV. Here are three with different styles of play.
- New Zealand: Conrad Smith
- Ireland: Brian O'Driscoll
In particular look at these players' running lines and how they move up in defence.
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