Rugby Sevens is both a team effort as well as an individual one. There are many skills needed to be an amazing sevens player and here are a few of the basics.

PASSING

In the game of sevens rugby, the ball is kept in hand the majority of the time. With that in mind, passing is a crucial part of the skill set needed to be a great player. “I’m a stickler for some basics in passing, the ability to push your hands through and extend towards the targets.” – Ben Ryan – Head Coach Fiji Rugby Sevens

TACKLING

Tackling is one of the most important skills when it comes to rugby as a whole. When it comes to sevens rugby, it becomes even more important as there is more space for speedsters to run, step and score.

SIDE STEPPING

In Sevens Rugby, size and strength doesn’t always beat the player. Stepping has become a very important aspect to players skill set as it opens space for teammates to find the gaps.

OFF LOADING

One of the best Rugby Sevens teams in the world Fiji is well known for their amazing offloading skills. “…when I see the ball in one hand, when I start to see stuff out the back, around the corner we are on point. When you see that stuff happening you should be worried from an opposition point of view.” –Ben Ryan Head Coach Fiji Rugby 7s.

http://www.worldrugby.org/sevens-series/video/143682

DROP KICKING

After every try the team has the opportunity for an additional 2 points via a conversion. These kicks must be done by a dropkick, which is harder than a place kick with a tee. It is very important to have a player with the ability to slot kicks from all positions because many points may be left on the table if these skills are not up to par.

TRAVEL

With stops all over the world teams are having a hard time with jetlag and lengthy plane rides. With minimal time to recover and assimilate to their environment, coaches and team management are spending just as much time on travel preparations as they do on tournament training.

FITNESS

Arguably some of the fittest individuals in the world, Sevens Rugby players are put through the paces with sprint after sprint for 7 straight minutes. With a short break at halftime, players must be able to collect their breath before heading out and doing it all over again!