AboutNick Vujnovich Expertise I can answer most questions in detail but I am best used for "Forward" positions especially the "tight 5" and the scrum. I am a front row guy myself. I have good knowledge of game strategy and tactics. I cannot give detailed help with kicking myself but I can suggest general training applications and point you towards good resources. I am a New Zealander living in Southern California, USA.
With regard to fitness or weight training: please understand that you are best going to a gym and getting first hand consultation from a qualified trainer. The risk of injury is too great for me to simply give you a program without being able to analyze your fitness or capabilities in person.
I really suggest going through my previously answered questions as well. The most common repeat questions refer to tackling.
Experience I have played rugby from the age of 5 (I am 33 now) I have played "Premier" rugby in New Zealand, London, California, Colorado. I have coached youth, Mens and Womens rugby.
Organizations
Education/Credentials College Degree
Awards and Honors Forwards MVP 2004 Season Back Bay Sharks, Newport Beach Ca., Division 1.
Question i play at nom 8 for u 15 and i want to get better at tackling i am ok at tackling but i need some tips on the subject if you have any please tell me
Answer Hi Murry,
I get this question a lot so please understand why I have cut and pasted a recent answer below. Good luck and have fun...
Here is some information on tackling (from an Aussie coach I once had) Read through the old answered questions I have done as well there is a lot of info there.
Questioner: David
Category: Rugby
Private: No View Published Answer
Subject: tackling
Question: have you got any tips on how to make a big open field tackle where you knock the opposition back? thanks
Answer: Hi David, I suggest going over all my old answered questions I have pasted one below to get you started, takling comes up a lot.
Subject: tackling
Question: QUESTION: Hey, I am a winger and I like to rush up at kick offs, how can I be sure that i will not miss tackle the opposition because I am always by myself when i get there?
ANSWER: Hi Addison
I have recently answered a question like this so I pasted it below, the same applies to you. In particular to wing: make sure you "shepherd" the player to the side line. If you miss the tackle there is a better chance the player will step out or get caught by a team mate in support.
"I suggest the simplest thing. When a player is moving towards you (or vice versa) do not look at their body as a whole, instead focus on the point of center between their hips. Often a coach will tell you to "eyeball" the "string of their shorts". This focus will allow your brain to only register the runner's center of gravity: the "mass" of their torso. No matter what a runner's arms, legs or head does the torso is usually stagnant.
Keep you feet active, stay on your toes either moving towards them or running in place. Close the space between you and the runner swiftly but stay in control. This is to limit the runner's options as much as possible.
Focus on the "string of their pants" and drop your center of gravity to set up the hit. Aim the shoulder to that string.
so summarize:
1. keep the feet active "live"
2. focus on the "string of their pants"
3. drive the shoulder to the "string of their pants"
As for fitness, get a trainer if you can or use the links provided and aim to educate yourself with books, magazines and shows as much as you can. If in doubt run. 30-40 minutes timed aim to run further in the same time. Maintain flexability with stretching even yoga in the off season. Press ups, lots of crunches! Squats with your own wright then a small friend on your shoulders. Get a trainer, join a gym and tell them your goals. Eat healthy.
