January : Fullback
The fullback and the 2 wings work as a unit in defense.The fullback organises the unit in terms of width depth and pattern
Width is the positioning the fb takes across the field relative to the ball.
This varies according to the skill and speed of the fb and because the fb has to play the kick first before moving across and up in run defense, I get my fb's to start by positioning behind his 10 at scrums and general play and behind the outside centre at lineouts.(where his blind wing can move infield to the 15m line and cover infield and the sideline from there)
Depth is how far back from the ball the fb stands....weather conditions affect this ....generaly a compromise between being able to move into fielding a kick and being able to move up towards the front line of defense if necessary.
Pattern is who he takes when moving up into run defense, whether it is his own man or the extra man where ever they enter the line , or if the open wing pinches in and the fb takes the last man on the outside (overlap defense)
All of this changes when the fb and his team are inside their 22m where the fb doesn't ? need to play the kick anymore and can join the line.....just be crefull you are not open to a little chip over ala france v nz wc semi final..!
All of these are affected by the individuals ability,speed etc , weather conditions and the oppn tactics.
The fb needs to know about fwd play , learn the calls and options and to understand from the formation of rucks and mauls who is going to win the ball , or if a turnover is likely.He needs to analyse the oppn especially the 10 and start to know by how he stands what he is going to do , which foot does he favour , can he kick under pressure etc.
