EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
01/14/2023 | Ask Dan
Our problem is that one of our players, who is not small (quite tall and lean), despite training okay with tackling, during a game just doesn’t commit to a tackle. He will be running along in a good position and never move into the tackle. MORE
01/27/2023 | Rugby coaching
Need to plan your first session. Here's a plan on how to plan! MORE
01/26/2023 | Rugby coaching
To run the best sessions, you need the following three pieces of kit: MORE
05/14/2022 | Mini tag
Use parent stations to allow you to run lots of activities with a parent overseeing each activity. It requires one parent, minimal setup and minimal instructions. Each station runs for two to three minutes before the players move to another station. MORE
05/13/2022 | Mini tag
Use parent stations to allow you to run lots of activities with a parent overseeing each activity. It requires one parent, minimal setup and minimal instructions. Each station runs for two to three minutes before the players move to another station. MORE
07/28/2020 | Mini tag
Get your ball carriers used to running forward to score tries. This session can be run as a warm-up or as a proper tackling session as well. Often players fail to run forwards even when they know the try line is that way. This session should encourage them to attack a space in front them and go for it. MORE
01/10/2023 | Rugby drills
I was helping out a representative under 15s training session. I had been given two techniques to cover as part of a skill. One attacking technique and one defensive. MORE
01/5/2023 | Small-sided games
This session was run to improve both the attack and defence contact skills. Using games, it aimed to pressurise both sides into more accurate execution, motivated by wanting to win. The “ultras” added some extra pressure. MORE
11/28/2022 | Small-sided games
Young players don’t get into position to restart games well. Help players discover better solutions with these game-based activities. MORE
02/5/2023 | Rugby drills
02/2/2023 | Rugby drills
01/18/2023 | Rugby drills
12/15/2022 | Rucking & Mauling
12/7/2022 | Passing & Handling
12/6/2022 | Kicking & Catching
The session looks at running and support lines from the back of the lineout. There is a run up of around 10-15m for the ball carrier before he meets the lineout defence and support players arriving from the side. Both attack and defence need to consider how to cover this space effectively to create or prevent breaks and quick ball. MORE
This is a decision-making exercise I used with Ospreys U16s. To be successful, the attack must scan the defence and then adjust their pace and depth. Using the “disco” effect (different coloured cones replicating the different coloured lights) you can determine the shape of the defence, forcing the attack to take quick and effective passing and running options. It also works defenders, who have to reconnect after being pushed out of position. MORE
A quick launch of the jumper into the air at the lineout is a distinct advantage. If it is done without much movement or giving away when the throw will be, so much the better. This session challenges the jumping pod to set and lift quickly and efficiently under pressure. MORE
01/28/2022 | Warm Ups
Get your players ready for contact with these games. They'll warm up your players’ shoulders and upper bodies in a fun way to prepare for sessions involving contact. It will put them into dynamic positions that they might not usually be used to. MORE
01/13/2022 | Rugby drills
Get your session buzzing with these three activities for an active warm-up. By using games, chaos and lots of movement, the players will be using all the key physical literacy skills in a busy environment. MORE
09/4/2021 | Rugby drills
"When asked what my three go-to U12s warm-ups are, I have no hesitation in listing them out", says Dan Brockhurst, owner of DB Sports Coaching. MORE
01/31/2023 | Rugby coaching
When you are speaking to the players during the sessions, you will be doing one of the following: Praising their performance. Providing feedback on where they can improve. Challenging them to engage, through questions. MORE
01/30/2023 | Rugby coaching
Coach in a safe environment by following these actions. MORE
01/29/2023 | Rugby coaching
If you’re enjoying your own session it’s pretty likely the players will be as well. So, before you sit down to plan your first session, remember that you want to be part of the fun. MORE
01/28/2023 | Rugby coaching
Here are some tips on how to organise your players into teams quickly. MORE
10/19/2021
Lineout training should be based around getting the basics right first. When Gary Gold was coaching the South African team with Victor Matfield and they were the best lineout in the world, he used to say: "They know where the ball is going, but Victor will always beat them into the air." But a lineout is not just about the jump/lift. It's also about what happens afterwards. Here are four activities to develop different aspects of this set-piece situation. MORE
10/5/2021
There are so many elements to passing, which ones do you concentrate on first and how do you train them? Here are a bunch of the priority skills you need and then great ways to train them. MORE
06/15/2021
The RFU has brought forward plans to reduce the tackle height at age grade rugby to below the armpits. Talking to experienced school coaches in particular, they don't see much change in the impact on the game as a whole. However, it is an excellent opportunity to reexamine your tackle technique training. MORE
“The boys have really enjoyed the drills from Rugby Coach Weekly. It's been great having them at my fingertips and every training session this season we tried new things, which I believe helped keep the boys interested and enthusiastic.”
Phil Hopkins, Perigueux, France
72 of the Game's Tactical Concepts in Simple, Plain Language MORE
With so much to cover when coaching young players, it can be a daunting task to know the basics... now there's help MORE
