Beach Rugby is a form of rugby played on a small, sand playing area by a reduced number of players. Rules and scoring are also simplified due to a lack of goalposts.

Beach rugby is a variant of traditional rugby that takes place on beaches and other areas made of sand. Teams consist of 5-7 active players that can be freely substituted. Scoring is slightly different, with trys worth 1 point and a lack of uprights preventing goals. The team with the most points at the end of two, 5-7 minute halves is the winner.

Record as many points as possible by advancing the ball towards the opposition goal line and scoring trys.

Beach rugby is usually played on a 30-50 meters long by 20-35 meters wide area of sand. Lines are marked with tape or rope. Teams consist of 5-7 players on the field, and 3-7 reserves. Players are substituted during game play, similar to substitutions in ice hockey. Games consist of 5-7 minute halves. Teams with the ball attempt to move it towards the opposition's goal line. When advances are stopped with a tackle, teams form a ruck to win possession of the ball. When tackled, players must pass or release the ball, allowing the opposition to contest possession. Trys are worth one point. Teams cannot attempt goals, as uprights aren't erected on the beach. The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

Physical games involving the carrying of a ball were played in the British Isles as far back as the Bronze Age. These games influenced a style of football played at the English prep school, Rugby School. Until 1823, players were allowed to handle the ball, but not run with it. This changed when William Webb Ellis broke the rules by picking up the ball and running with it. This new style of play contributed to the game's explosion in popularity. By 1845 the first official Rugby rules were written. In the second half of the 20th century, British and Australian vacationers began playing rugby on beaches. The sport's relaxed rules and limited equipment demands made it a huge success at vacation areas around the world. Today it is played casually, and in leagues mostly in Europe.

Ball

Rugby is a dangerous sport due to the immense amount of physical contact between players. Playing on sand adds another element of danger due to the strain it places on the legs.

Rugby players must be, above all, fast and strong. Weight training, aerobic exercise and running drills can help develop these skills. Strong knees and calves are essential due to the sand playing surface. Experience passing and kicking a ball is also extremely helpful.

Try - scoring maneuver worth 1 points; occurs when a team carries the ball over the opposition's goal line

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_rugby