Rugby Union: Guide To Avoiding A Tackle

Step 1: The Sidestep

You're going to trick the person who's about to tackle you into thinking you're going one way, and then going the other.

As you approach them, your body language needs to suggest you're going to go the way you want them to think you're going to go.

Step wide with your outside leg in an almost overly-exaggerated manner. Not only will this help trick them into thinking you're moving to that side, it'll also give you that extra bit of spring to help speed you up when you pull a fast one on them.

Watch your opponent carefully. When they shift their weight to tackle you, that's your cue to sprint to their other side.

Step 2: The Dummy

Essentially, you're trying to convince the opponent that you're going to pass the ball, when in reality you have every intention of barging through him while he's confused about where the ball is.

First and foremost for this to work, you need to have a teammate near you that you can convincingly pretend to pass to.

Look at the person you're going to pretend to pass to, and keep your eye on them. Then feign the passing motion. Don't forget to not let go of the ball. You'll be needing that for the glorious try you're about to score.

At the apex of the pass, shift your body weight to the opposite side, and prepare to run.

All being well you'll be able to slip past them, and make a bee-line for the try-line.