Crash ball

The crash ball is an attacking tactic in rugby league and rugby union where a player receives a pass at pace and runs to the opposition's defensive line. The crash ball runner attempts to commit two or more opposing players to the tackle, then attempts to make the ball available to team-mates by offloading in the tackle, performing a quick play-the-ball in rugby league, or recycling the ball quickly from the ruck in rugby union. By committing players to the tackle, the crash ball runner creates holes in the opposition's defense, thereby creating attacking opportunities for team-mates.

The crash ball is a common tactic in rugby league, especially amongst props and second rowers. In rugby union, crash ball running is often performed by midfielders as a way to create space for the outside backs.

The crash ball may also be used when an attacking side is a couple of meters away from the opposition try-line. A player, usually a lock or other forward, will run onto a pass and attempt to run into a defender with enough force to be able to push them back over their line and then be able to ground the ball and score a try.

Size, strength and resilience are the main assets of an effective crash ball runner; passing and handling skills are also important.

Step-by-step diagrams

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  Scrum-half passed ball from breakdown to a player running at pace

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  Player running at pace aims directly towards opposing player, without slowing down

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  Defender fails to stop player. Second defender forced to commit to tackle.

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  With second defender now stopping the runner, the ball is quickly off-loaded to the scrum half, who passes to another runner

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  This creates a two-on-one situation, with the runner required to draw the defender, before passing the ball to give his supporting player a clear run.

External links

• BBC Sports Academy - "Make big hits with the crash ball"