EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Develop good footwork in the last few steps before the tackle. First, to power into a tackle situation, and then to adjust as the tackle target moves either to the left or the right. This activity uses low-impact outcomes with tackle tubes to focus on the technical aspects of the skill. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Use this tackle tube activity to focus on good technique under pressure, with lots of strong repetitions and enough distractions to keep the players fully aware of their team mates in the defensive line. This is low-impact exercise is ideal to develop the technical aspects of the skill. MORE
in Small-sided games, Tackling
This game is an excellent “game understanding” exercise. It requires the awareness to read a situation and make the right decision, whether that’s choosing to run the ball or implement a suitable kicking strategy. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Small-sided games
In this game, you are looking for your players to demonstrate their ability to make ground and hold possession using the core skills of rugby, while eliminating mistakes from their play. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
This exercise promotes game understanding. It’s an organised kick and chase for one side, while the other side must use their extra possession to gain field position and exert pressure. MORE
A game of quick reactions that promotes the need to switch from attack or defence quickly, and examines both the mindset and the tactics needed to cope with a fast-changing situation. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Small-sided games, Warm Ups
In this warm-up game, passing and catching are important, but vision and awareness are paramount. When the player is lining up to run, he needs to know who is going, when he needs to go, who he’ll receive from, who he’ll pass to and where he’ll line up next. MORE
In a real match situation, teams need to be ready to adjust from attack to defence, or vice versa, in the blink of an eye. This game helps players understand how to gain field position and realign quickly when play changes round suddenly. MORE
This variation on two-handed touch rugby promotes moving the ball at speed. It’s a good exercise for developing game sense and awareness skills, as players need to be head up at all times, supporting team mates and looking for options. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Small-sided games
This exercise is set up like a game of American Football, with a quarterback and a receiver, which makes for an entertaining way of practising the core skills of gripping, carrying and catching the ball. MORE
Like other disciplines, rugby has a jargon of its own. Unless the meanings are explained they can be meaning-less. That's why I've explained them in plain, simple English and with large, clear illustrations in my manual Rugby Tactics Made Simple. But not only that, you'll learn how to coach the tactics with my tips. If you’re new to coaching or prefer a more simple style this is a great, straightforward introduction to rugby tactics. "It highlights the key fundamentals of all aspects of play & gives coaches a good understanding of terminology and techniques at the highest level" - Richard Whiffin, assistant coach at London Irish MORE
Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggling to get your points across at training? Perhaps you sometimes simply run out of preparation time? Possibly you're feeling your sessions are getting dull? Do you want a few new skills to boost your player's skills now? Or to help your players develop the techniques for seasons ahead? Maybe even the core skills for their whole rugby playing career? Here's the answer... MORE
Ready-made, age-appropriate, safe training activities, to provide a complete rugby coaching curriculum for players from ages 11 - 16. MORE
