Turn and tackle
in Tackling
Develop better footwork skills to get close to the ball carrier, plus good teamwork in this defensive reaction activity. This session builds a better defence by getting pairs of players to work together. MORE
Stop and pass – putting pace onto the ball
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Though we like players to pass on the run, for younger players it’s good if they can run, stop and pass to make sure they keep a move flowing and bring other players into the game. If you want to create a bit of width in your game, use this exercise to create opportunities to move the ball wide. MORE
Dens
This is an adaptation of a game I use in school. It’s great as a warm-up or as a game to encourage and support creativity before moving towards a more rugby-specific game. It encourages and challenges evasion skills, spatial awareness, communication, as well as passing, kicking and catching. MORE
Scaffolding approach to tackling
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Inspired by the work of Nick Hart, a headteacher and author of the blog,Thisismyclassroom, here is a “scaffolding” approach to teaching tackling. Scaffolding is where you build support around a task as it is introduced and built up. You then take away the scaffolding as the player becomes confident and competent. It was first coined... MORE
Defensive line speed for an under 9s team
Line speed, that is the defensive coming forward quickly and in an organised state, certainly puts pressure on the attack. However, it’s notoriously tough to coach, even at the senior level. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t start putting in place some organisation. Here are some ideas to work with. MORE
Coach 2 v 1s with games only
in Attack, Rugby drills
Coaching 2 v 1s to young players can be a tough task. Why not try to coach them these skills through games only? How many 2 v 1s happen in a senior rugby match, let alone young players’ rugby? In the purest sense of just two attackers facing one defender, not many times in senior... MORE
Change your 2 v 1 expectations for young players
in Attack, Rugby drills
The classic 2 v 1 exercise doesn’t work well with young players. Don’t give up on it though. Try out these ideas to work on this crucial decision-making area of the game. A 2 v 1 exercise has the ball carrier fixing the defender before passing to a support player. However, for young players, this doesn’t work well. MORE
Game changer
in Return to play, Small-sided games
Challenge players to react to the chance to have an extra player in attack and how to defend against it. It’s a quick game, so decisions will need sharp action. No match has unequal numbers unless there’s a yellow card. But sometimes the attack has an overload as a tackler is temporarily indisposed. Replicate that with this game. The “changer” will be doing most of the thinking. MORE
Load the bases
in Attack, Return to play, Rugby drills
Fast recycling players is a feature of any top team. It means that players are in a position to take the ball from the next breakdown. If they are ready, they can attack with pace. When players reposition themselves after a set-piece or a ruck, they have to read the game and know their roles. A better understanding of this will enhance your team’s attacking cohesion. MORE
Footwork bumps
in Footwork and evasion, Return to play, Touch, Tag & Sevens
Encourage your players to use good footwork in small spaces by avoiding contact. These two fun activities are excellent for warming up body and mind. Though rugby is a contact game, avoiding it is a core skill. There are no set techniques because each player will have their own style. Let them develop it in these two activities. MORE
