EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Players must win the race to the best space when attacking. In defence, players must work early, scan early and look to close space to force errors. Attackers seek space, defenders take it away. This is also true over the ball. Run this game over a series of sessions to gain the most benefit as the players develop their understanding of the tactical implications. MORE
Here’s a game I’ve been using in training around decision making at the breakdown in defence and attacking the best space when in possession. It is best delivered over a six to eight week block to embed the learning in both attack and defence. MORE
Use this blocked attack game (one team attacks for a period of time) to challenge players to apply the principles of play under pressure. The attacking team get extra “lives” for good support when they score tries. MORE
Using an NFL theme of gaining ground for each attack, this skills game focuses on the principle of support. It encourages players to focus on pass and follow actions and understand what good support looks and sounds like. MORE
Challenge players' decision-making during transitional phases of play. The game presents lots of opportunities to work against a broken defence, build momentum and create opportunities to score. MORE
in Rugby drills
If you have access to a rebound net or even two, you can use this high energy game to work on awareness, handling and movement. MORE
in Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Here are two versions of the same game. In each one, it is a basic 2 v 1, but the angles of attack and defence keep changing depending on the target. It really challenges the role of the support player to put themselves in a good position to give the ball carrier options. MORE
in Return to play, Small-sided games
Use this passing, defence and decision-making game to challenge players to improve their accuracy, communication under game-like pressure. There are incentives for both the attackers and defenders to "win" their side of the game. MORE
