The maul is one of rugby's unique phases of play and can be a powerful attacking weapon or an effective defensive tactic. Like the tackle and ruck, the maul has specific laws that every player should understand.

A maul is formed when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents while remaining on their feet, and at least one teammate binds onto the ball carrier. A minimum of three players is required to form a maul. The ball must remain off the ground. If the ball carrier goes to ground, or gets a knee to the ground before the maul is formed, play will usually continue with a tackle and potentially a ruck instead.

The team in possession aims to drive the maul forward, gaining territory while keeping the ball safely at the back of the formation. Players may transfer the ball backwards through the maul, continue driving toward the try line, or release the ball to a player outside the maul to launch the next phase of attack.

Defensively, teams often try to stop the maul's momentum or prevent the ball from emerging. If a maul becomes stationary and the ball cannot be played, the referee will stop play. In most cases, the team not in possession when the maul began is awarded the scrum put-in. This makes creating a legal maul and preventing the ball from emerging an important defensive strategy.

The maul has a number of technical laws relating to binding, joining, collapsing, and offside. Before practicing mauls, players should become familiar with the World Rugby Laws to understand how this important phase of play works.

Key principles of the maul

• Stay on your feet – A maul can only continue while players remain on their feet
• Bind securely – Hold firmly onto a teammate using your whole arm, not just your hands
• Keep a low, strong body position – Stay balanced with a flat back and bent knees to generate power
• Drive with your legs – Power comes from leg drive, not pushing with your upper body
• Work as one unit – Everyone should push in the same direction and at the same pace
• Protect the ball – Keep the ball safely at the back of the maul and away from defenders
• Communicate constantly – Players should call directions, pace, and when to release the ball
• Stay legal – Join from behind the hindmost foot, stay bound, and never intentionally collapse a maul