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neurologyYou need to know

• A legal rugby pass in open play must travel sideways or backwards relative to the passer (a forward pass is not allowed).
• The gain line is an imaginary line across the pitch through the position of the ball at the start of a phase, which the attacking team aims to cross.
• In limited contact rugby, tackles must be below the waist and high tackles are not allowed for safety.
• A safe tackle requires the tackler's head to be to the side of the ball carrier's body, never in front.
• A shoulder charge is illegal because it involves contact without attempting to wrap the arms.
• After a tackle, the tackler must release the tackled player immediately and roll away so they do not obstruct play.
• After a tackle, the ball carrier may place the ball back towards their own team but must then release the ball (they cannot hold on).
• At the breakdown (after a tackle), players must be onside behind the ball to take part in play.
• In general play, a player is offside if they are in front of a teammate who last played the ball and they interfere before being put onside.
• At a ruck, the offside line for each team is the hindmost foot of their own side; stepping beyond it before the ball is out is offside.
• A drop kick is used for restarts and is made by letting the ball hit the ground before kicking it.
• A place kick is used for conversions and penalty goals and is kicked from a stationary ball placed on the ground.
• A punt kick is used in open play and is struck directly from the hands without the ball touching the ground first.
• When a teammate kicks the ball, players in front of the kicker are offside and cannot chase or play the ball until they are put onside.
• Kicking can be used tactically to gain territory by moving play closer to the opponent's try line.

• Run with the ball securely in two hands while scanning ahead for space, defenders, and support runners.
• Execute a lateral pass by turning towards the target, presenting hands to the receiver, and following through so the ball arrives chest-height to a teammate in space.
• Decide under pressure whether to run, pass, or draw a defender, choosing the option that creates or exploits space for the team.
• Break the gain line by accelerating into space and using evasive footwork (side-step or swerve) to avoid a tag or tackle point.
• Support the ball carrier by tracking their line, communicating early (e.g., calling for the ball), and staying in a passable position behind or level with the ball.
• Perform a safe low tackle by approaching under control, staying low and balanced, placing the head to the side, wrapping the arms, and driving with the legs to bring the player down safely.
• Complete the tackle phase by releasing the player immediately, rolling away, and only contesting again once back on feet and onside.
• Present the ball after being tackled by turning side-on, placing the ball back towards own team with extended arms, then fully releasing it to allow quick possession.
• Apply kicking skills in game play by selecting an appropriate kick (punt, drop kick, or place kick) and ensuring teammates stay onside before chasing.