Stand off, Fly Half

Major Requirements

1. Possess an awareness of the options available in attack and defence play.
2. Have good judgement and an ability to select the correct option.
3. Possess the skill to execute the appropriate option.
4. Have a high level of fitness, agility and speed.
5. An ability to pass, kick or penetrate the oppositions defence.
6. Unselfishness.

Essential Skills

Handling

1. Ability to take a variety of passes early enough to have a wide range of options.
2. Ability to pass the ball quickly and accurately with varying weight and length.
3. Ability to pick up the ball off the ground at speed.

Running

1. Ability to accelerate quickly off the mark.
2. Ability to run with control, change pace, side step, change direction and swerve.
3. Ability to support other backs in attack and defence.
4. Ability to vary pace and sprint fast over 30 metres.

Kicking

1. Ability to kick accurately in attack and defence with either foot and under pressure if necessary.
2. Ability to use correctly a variety of kicks i.e., punt, grubber, chip, dummy kick, clearing kick, line kick, box kick and drop kick.
3. Ability to kick varying lengths and height with control.

Contact

1. Ability to tackle from the front, side and rear.
2. Ability to fall on the ball and immediately regain feet.
3. Ability to maul and kick.

Remember

1. You are in a key position to control play.
2. Choosing the right option is essential
3. You need to have a good understanding i.e., position, pass, play etc with your halfback and threequarters.
4. You should be aware of a variety of threequarter attacking and defensive moves.
5. Your threequarters are dependent on your skill, fitness and option chosen.
6. Defence is just as important as attack.