EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
in Defence, Rugby drills
As the attack goes the same way from a ruck, where should the first defenders line up? There are no hard and fast rules, so use this breakdown activity to help them make the right decisions. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Once you’ve gone to the tackle line with your attack and have won quick ball, you need to be in shape to attack again quickly. Use this low-impact exercise to realign quickly and efficiently. MORE
in Attack, Kicking & Catching, Rugby drills
Work on your counter-attack policies for the back three. This activity covers two phases: first, players must find space from the return, then they need to play away from a quick ruck to exploit an overlap. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
The chop tackle is a great way to put a ball carrier to ground quickly so you can compete for the ball. Use this exercise to improve your low-tackle technique and decision-making in the breakdown area. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
The scrum half needs to execute different types of pass in the blink of an eye. So work the three main passes by the 9 in quick rotation – clearance pass, pull back and pass and, finally, a scoot and pass. MORE
in Contact, Rugby drills
The best way to stop an opponent stealing your ball is to beat him to the breakdown. But if you do lose the race, use one of these three techniques to thwart him – in and out, scissoring or breaking the pane. We don't endorse the "croc roll" where the player is rolled out. MORE
in Attack, Core skills, Tactics
Practise attacking plays for wet weather so that your players are prepared for rainy match days. Use these two simple plans to attack space and pressurise the opposition in the middle to last third of the pitch. MORE
in Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
The All Blacks do this better than anyone – making the right decisions. In this exercise, create dynamic breakdown situations so that players must decide whether to enter the ruck or stay in the line. MORE
Use this pick and go from a lineout play into the midfield to create a soft seam to run your forwards at. By driving opponents at the ruck in and back against the grain, it opens up the field to allow your forwards to continually pick and go at the backs. MORE
Bring your quick winger into the game by hiding him at the back of a ruck and then unleashing him down the blindside. Run a play into the midfield from a scrum or lineout. Put your winger behind the ruck and then, as you go back blind, pass to him behind the forwards. The opposition winger will be marking too many options. 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
