{{Short description|Tactic in rugby league and rugby union}} [[Image:Crash ball animation.gif|200px|thumb|Animation showing how the crash ball technique can be used by the blue team to force two defenders of the red team to commit to a tackle creating a gap in the defensive line]] 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 (football move)#Rugby football|tackle]], then attempts to make the ball available to teammates by offloading in the tackle, performing a quick [[play-the-ball]] in rugby league, or recycling the ball quickly from the [[Rugby union gameplay#Ruck|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 teammates.
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 [[Rugby union positions#13. Outside centre .26 12. Inside centre|midfielder]]s as a way to create space for the [[Rugby union positions#Collective terms for positions|outside back]]s.
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 [[Rugby_union_positions#4._.26_5._Lock|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 (rugby)|try]].
Size, strength and resilience are the main assets of an effective crash ball runner; passing and handling skills are also important.
==External links== *[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/rugby_union/features/newsid_4038000/4038755.stm BBC Sports Academy - "Make big hits with the crash ball"]
{{Rugby football terminology}}
[[Category:Rugby league terminology]] [[Category:Rugby union terminology]] {{Rugbyunion-stub}}