Yesterday was the beginning of my rugby training sessions in tackling and it was such a thrill! I was also very excited to learn that Yvonne (from South Africa) on our New College football team joined rugby. She is an incredible football player and wanted to try something new, just like me. So we shared a few good laughs over how different and slightly awkward it was to do rugby moves and full-force tackling compared to the slight of foot in soccer.
We began with slow motion attacks to make sure that the approach was correct, moved into stationary attacks against an oncoming opponent, and then finished with defensive drive tackling. What I learned from this was the key is you have to come in low. It was especially hard for me because I am much taller than many of these girls so I practically had to sweep in off the ground to come in at the right angle. Your head should be tilted to whatever side you are taking them down on (never straight back) and allow your shoulder to dig forcefully into their middle, just around/above the stomach area. So if you combine this head & shoulder approach with driving force low off the ground, the strength from your leg muscles will allow you to easily offset their balance and knock the approaching player over out of play. I really got down the shoulder technique and was impressed even with my own tackles already. Our coach, Ann, wrote a team email later explaining training times for next week, how we had a good practice that day and mentioned that she has a big bruise developing from my "awesome shoulder action". Haha....oops. It's a good thing though, it means I'm getting somewhere. I really like this new found strength on the field of play! I'm a little sad though that I can't use it for any other sports. I wonder if they'll let me get that physical in IM football next fall at Hillsdale...
To quickly update you all, I've otherwise been keeping busy with mass amounts of reading and paper writing, but I am very happy that it still leaves enough time open for football practice, matches, and socializing with friends. That reminds me...Caitlin and I need to get on top of booking for our trip to Italy to visit Kristen Elmes the weekend of the 16th. We'll do that after my football match this afternoon. Until the next post, have a beautiful fall weekend & happy Guy Fawkes Day on the 5th! (It's like the British 4th of July, but not as commercialized)