Contact 2 v 1s: the punch ball

in Rugby drills, Tackling

Not all 2 v 1s have the support player in lateral support. Work on the passing and offload options in tight channels, where the ball carrier might take contact and the support punches through. MORE

Defenders one and two must defend front first

in Defence, Tactics

The first two defenders at the edge of the ruck must understand their roles to ensure they don’t get caught out by the running 9 or an inside pass from the opposition 10. MORE

Attacking the coffee table

in Attack, Attack, Rugby drills

Draw in defenders and release attacking options with your 10 putting himself into the best place to deliver the ball. It’s a coffee table shape. Use this exercise to develop these possibilities. MORE

Quick hands, quick decisions

in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills

Good attention to detail with handling can make the difference between a clean break or the play breaking down. Put your players under pressure to execute accurately with this activity. MORE

Miss one, blindside wing insert move

in Attack, Backs moves

Attack wide by holding their midfield defenders to create an extra man on the outside. Ideal from a lineout as well as a scrum, check the detail to make the most of a possible break. MORE

You can still play when your set piece is...

in Rugby coaching, Scrums & Lineouts, Tactics

Sometimes you are going to find your scrum and lineout under pressure. Have your tactics in place to ensure you retain the best possible possession and still be able to go forward in attack. MORE

Realign fast, attack hard

in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills

If you win quick ruck ball you want your backs into position quickly to exploit any spaces. Here’s how to work in threes and find the gaps… MORE

Decision-making in the tackle

in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling

The type of tackle a defender might use depends on the space either side of him. Practise this activity to work on the defender’s decision-making in the set-up, footwork and tackle execution. MORE

Tackle reaction

in Defence, Rugby drills

Coming in the defensive line at speed needs the players to react to possible changes in angles by attackers or late entry into the line. Use this activity to work on awareness and footwork… Good line speed tends to increase pressure on the attack but it can cause problems for the defenders unless they can react quickly to last moment changes in the attackers. This activity keeps defenders on their toes and moving forward MORE

Attack the inside edge

in Attack, Tactics

When the 9 runs, it creates an extra player in the line. So exploit that to create gaps between the opposition 10 and open-side flanker at the scrum. This play should be used from a left-side scrum. MORE