The basic game consists of 15 players, however there are popular variations of rugby in which only seven people play a side.  The object of the game is to score as many tries(which would be equivalent to a touchdown in American football) as possible. This is achieved by grounding the ball which means applying downward pressure on the ball when in the goal area.  Points may also be awarded from a dropkick worth three points and a penalty kick also worth three points.

On offense, your back line should be lined up in a steep diagonal line with the forwards in a tight pack or supporting the backline, on defense, the whole team should come up flat as a group not to leave any "gaps" in the defense to prevent anyone from getting through (think of the childhood game red rover!). The fullback stays back and watches for an opposing team's kicks.

Every player has similar individual skills such as passing and catching. Passing skills should always be the most important, because today's gameplay deals with retaining possession of the ball. The team has collective skills such as front row of the scrum pushing as a unit. Then there are individual forward skills such as scrum and line outs then there are back skills such as speed and agility.  The highest level of skill is called open rugby for example a wing might have to maul a second rower might have to spring for the try players should always be alert attentive and thinking on their feet.