Never say never in your own 22

Innovation in the way your rugby team plays can be held back by one crucial factor - you.

Look at the picture below and imagine getting quick ball for your backline. Against which defensive backline would you prefer to run the ball?

The biggest gaps are in the top picture (A). The defence wingers are standing back waiting for a kick, with the full back sitting in behind the centres, about 30 metres away. Your best option here would seem to be to run at the defence.

Faced with a flat line of defenders, as in the bottom picture (B), your most likely option would seem to be to kick.

But think about where are you most likely to see these two types of backline. In picture (A), your opponent's backline will probably be lining up in YOUR 22m area. In the picture (B), they're more likely to be lining up in THEIR 22m area. In other words, with their wingers and full back in the backfield when you want to kick, and with a flat backline when you want to run.

But why not try to run the ball in your own 22?

First, with a quick miss pass to your outside centre, who holds his opposite number, and then feeds your full back. This should create a two-on-one in your team's favour and yet retain your option to kick if things go wrong.

To pull off a move like this your team needs to have good core skills, particularly passing and running. Develop these, though, and there'll be obvious benefits throughout your game. As such, innovation gives you and your team more than just one tactic - it gives you access to a wide range of other opportunities.