The Go-forward square drill
Create a team of players who go forward with the ball and find space to attack by using this square-shaped drill. MORE
Go Forward
Time: 30 | Age groups: U12-U16, U17+
This class will help your players master the basic tactics and skills associated with Go Forward, one of the Attacking Principles of Play.
Aims and outcomes
Players will understand:
- How “go forward” fits into the principles of play
- What is meant by go forward
- The different ways to go forward
- How go forward fits into tactics
The team will benefit from:
- Understanding why they focus on certain skills and tactics in training
- Knowing how to attack more effectively in a game situation
What you'll need
Different class types required different resources. This table sets out what we think you'll need in each scenario, but feel free to amend it if you find something that works for you.
| Lesson plan | Slides | Presentation notes | Handout | Online course | Quiz | Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online class | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Offline class | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Before training | Y | Y | |||||
| During training | Y | Y |
Resources
| File | Download |
|---|---|
| Lesson Plan |  |
| Slides |   |
| Presentation notes |  |
| Handout |  |
| Quiz |  |
| Certificate |  |
Activities
When you've delivered the class you'll want to embed the learning with some practical activities. We recommend trying some or all of the activities below in your coaching sessions to put the theory into practice.
Quick hands to the wing
Work on timing the run onto the ball and whether the ball carrier needs to step inside the covering defender. This session develops attacking with a flat alignment – with pace at the end of the line. MORE
Whole-part-whole handling games
Here’s a 30-minute session to work on your team’s handling decision-making skills using a whole-part-whole approach. Adjust the timings to suit your players. MORE
Touch rugby recycle
Quick hands and good running lines help finish overlaps in any form of rugby. But in touch rugby, if the movement comes to an end, quick realignment and a fast “play the ball” can also exploit space. MORE
VIDEO: The narrow channel game for intense learning outcomes
Split your playing group into three teams. Two teams on, one off. Play in a narrow channel, swapping teams when there's an error or a try. MORE
VIDEO: Going forward from every ruck
Use this simple game to build complex skills of realignment, changes of angle and pace onto the ball by letting the players discover the best solutions themselves. MORE
Swerving at pace
Develop the ball carrier’s ability to change direction at pace without breaking stride. They learn to lean to maintain their speed using this competitive session. Unlike a side step, a swerving player gently changes angle. Build up the skill with the players learning how to lean and run. MORE
Step to the edge
The receiver often takes a pass just before being tackled. If he can get to the edge of the defender, he might break through or offload the ball in contact. Work on that valuable skill with this session. MORE
VIDEO: Footwork, evasion and twists from a simple grid...
Use this activity to develop evasive movement before contact. The players start with a jump before accelerating, changing angles and then accelerating away again. Ideal as a warm up exercise. MORE
VIDEO: Passing race
Handling under pressure shows up whether the players have developed good passing habits. This fun game certainly motivates them to concentrate on the best skills to win the race. MORE
