The ruck (or roll ball) is a vital tag rugby skill. A team that can catch, pass and roll effectively will be able to offer a challenge to most sides they encounter. However, as with basic passing and catching, the roll ball is often overlooked as players look to develop more complicated (but less important or effective) ways of playing. The primary aim of rucking is to advance the ball up the field as quickly as possible while using the fewest number of tags. If executed correctly it is the simplest way to catch a defence offside which in turn creates opportunities to score. 

When to roll the ball back

After you have been tagged your forward momentum might have taken you forwards a couple of steps, or you might not have realised you have been tagged until the referee made you aware. Either way, it’s imperative you get back to the mark you were tagged as quickly as possible. This will usually be just in front of the defender who has tagged you. This is where you will execute the roll ball. 

How to roll the ball back

To execute a roll ball with the greatest efficiency place the ball on the ground between your feet lengthways so that the points of the ball are facing left and right as you see it.

With either foot, roll the ball back with the sole of your foot. However, not too fast as to make it difficult for the dummy half to pick up.