How mini rugby players can avoid conceding a cheap turnover

Quick turnover ball is what attacks thrive on – so how do you avoid giving away possession when you are isolated? You could stay on your feet in contact, giving your support players more time to reach you, but the jack-knife roll can be harder for the opposition to defend against and provides much quicker ball.

This move involves the tackled player rolling towards the opposition line, keeping the ball tight to his chest and using his legs to drive the roll. As he rolls towards the player attempting to tackle him, he protects the ball between his body and the floor, before ending up facing his own team. He also puts the defender on the back foot.

To ensure his team then retain possession, he uses his core strength to snap into a long body position and present the ball. Watch the video above to see two mini rugby players demonstrating the jack-knife roll.

This is just one of a series of videos Rugby World has put together to show mini rugby players how to perform various skills, from the switch to the two-on-one. The aim is to help improve players’ all-round game.

Every month Rugby World magazine features a ‘Hot To’ guide on a specific technique and a fun game to use in training that will keep the players entertained and help develop skills like the teamwork, communication, support play and evasive running.

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