Great rugby starts with the fundamentals

At The RT Academy, we often discuss the importance of developing skills, building confidence and preparing young players for the challenges of rugby. At the heart of all this is one simple truth:
To achieve greatness, you first must get the fundamentals right.

Why fundamentals matter

Every elite player you see today whether they are representing their country or leading their club to victory, started the same way. By mastering the basics.

From passing and tackling to kicking and ball handling, these core skills are the foundation that every player needs. Without them, even the most talented youngsters struggle to progress. However, when the fundamentals are strong, they open up a whole new level of performance.

The tricky part is that these basics are often overlooked in club training. The focus tends to be on game preparation, team drills and tactical awareness. While this is important, it leaves little time for breaking down the nuances of a perfect pass or the subtle movements needed to catch a high ball under pressure.

Where elite players get it right

The reality is that elite players do not simply wake up one day with perfect skills. They put in the work to build strong foundations, and even at the top level, they continue to revisit them.

Players who master the fundamentals stand out because they have invested in consistent, structured skills training. They do not just focus on what looks impressive, they focus on what works. They understand that the finer details of technique are what allow them to perform confidently under pressure.

This is why at The RT Academy, we place such a strong emphasis on core skills training. It is not just about working hard; it is about working smart. Focussing on the techniques that will give young players the confidence to execute their skills on game day.

Why feedback makes the difference

One of the most important aspects of mastering core skills is getting the right feedback. It is not enough just to practice, you need to know whether you are doing it correctly.

At The RT Academy, we focus on one-to-one feedback because it makes a significant difference to player development. When a coach can pinpoint a small adjustment, whether it is hand positioning during a pass or foot placement in a tackle, it saves players from forming bad habits.

Feedback helps players hone their technique and understand how to apply it. Not just in isolated drills but in real game situations.

The goal is not just to practise but to practise with purpose. When players know exactly what to work on, they can train smarter and see real progress on the pitch. That is where confidence truly builds, from knowing your skills are solid because you have put in the targeted, corrected effort.

The six pillars of fundamental skills

We focus on building from the ground up, using these six core pillars:

1. Passing - From basic passing to scrum-half-specific skills, mastering ball delivery.
2. Tackling - Safe, effective tackling across all positions.
3. Kicking - All types of kicks, including box kicking for halfbacks.
4. Handling - Catching, high-ball skills, lineout jumping, and accurate offloading.
5. Contact - Rucking, jackling, ball carrying, hand-offs, ball presentation, and running lines.
6. Movement - Footwork, speed, fitness, and mobility for well-rounded athleticism.

By breaking skills down into these fundamental areas, we ensure that players are not just focusing on the impressive elements, they are building a base that will make them consistent and resilient.

Individual training: Where progress really happens

One of the biggest challenges at club level is finding the time to break down and rebuild core skills. That is why individual training makes such a difference. It is where we can really dive into the details, correcting small errors that could have a big impact.

When a player takes the time to refine their passing technique, for example, they stop forcing the ball. Instead, they deliver it accurately and confidently. When they practise proper tackling form, they are safer, stronger and more effective.

Mastering the basics gives young players the freedom to express themselves on the pitch. They are no longer worrying about whether they will make the pass, they just know they will.

Why we keep coming back to the basics

Even professional players continue to practise the fundamentals. Why? Because the game does not get easier at the top - it becomes faster, more physical and more demanding. Being able to fall back on reliable core skills when under pressure is what sets elite players apart.

At The RT Academy, we do not just train skills, we develop the mindset of consistent improvement. We know that building great players means going back to the basics repeatedly, perfecting the small details that make a significant difference.

Supporting your child’s rugby journey

If your child is serious about taking their game to the next level, the best thing they can do is invest in the fundamentals. Getting the basics right now will set them up for success later on.

Our membership at The RT Academy is designed to help players build confidence through structured, progressive training. With expert guidance and support, they will be ready to take on every challenge the game presents.

Learn more about mastering the fundamentals in our membership.