Back to action games planning

Next week is back to training in England, back on level terms with the rest of the rugby world.

Challenge your players to think harder about how they play and prepare to play, even if they may not be playing a match at the weekend.

First, play games with a purpose. Of course, retain the elements of fun, but be clear on what potential outcomes each game might have.

Second, play a variety of games and game situations. Mixing up the games will force players into changing mindsets and figuring out different problems.

Here’s a selection of our latest games and scenarios, all published in the last few weeks.

Focus on a principle of play, for both attack and defence with Ged Hall’s Pitch invaders game for go forward.

The Colours game from Tom Brocklebank helps your team think about realignment, which then translates into support and go forward.

Chain reaction challenges both attack and defence to think about space, creating space and covering space.

Finally, Dan Meehan’s Rainbow run decision making game is an ideal small-sided breakout exercise for a burst of 2 v 1s between games.

Pitch invaders game for go forward

in Attacking Principles of Play, Small-sided games

Despite being the most fundamental attacking and defensive principles of play, getting a team to Go Forward can often be a challenge. Use a game of Pitch Invaders to emphasise the importance of this principle. MORE

Colours game

in Small-sided games

Use a game of “Colours” to challenge the awareness and communication skills of your players. The game revolves around different coloured try lines (and eventually balls), either the players or coach can call the change of colour, which then changes the direction of the attack. The challenge: All the players must react to the change in direction of the pitch, being aware of which try line is where, where their players are aligned, which way they are now attacking and defending, and communicating to support a faster, more effective transition. MORE

Chain reaction

in Girls/Womens, Small-sided games

Try this fun game to help players work on defensive organisation. By forming a physical defence chain, players work together to stop attackers from scoring. This game also helps attackers identify gaps on the wings and learn to execute opportunities.   It develops an idea from Andrew Drayton who coaches Credition girls, Devon. MORE

Rainbow run decision making game

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