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.
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
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
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
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 Lockdown planning: Quick ruck ball sessions, we focused on applying pressure on the defence. Now, let's plan for the other side of the ball. France's defence coach, Shaun Edwards says that it is his main metric for success: slowing down ruck possession. To enhance learning, you are better off focusing on an “arc” of learning for a specific area. This means spreading out the training over a number of weeks, rather than dedicating one session to this. MORE
If you are able to train, then you will be aiming to improve your players' skills and tactical appreciation around specific areas of the game. If you are in lockdown, it's a chance to hone your session planning in readiness for your return. MORE
Here’s a headline that’s not going to get your players back to training quickly: Tackling and Fitness Training. However, as we focus on safety and reducing the exposure to a concussion, all the most recent data suggests we need to have better-prepared players. In particular, the fitter the player, the stronger they are, and more... MORE
With lots of teams thinking about tackling again, here are four activity ideas to build up tackle confidence and defensive awareness. They can also be combined into one session: Technical warm up: Tackling memory jogger Skills development: Tackle balance Skills game: 2 v 4 contact box Game awareness: Bounce out tacklers MORE
Another lockdown...another chance for a parent and child to connect through sport. It's been exciting to see a bunch of parents and their children out in the parks, rugby ball in hand, running (well the kids mostly), kicking and passing. Here are my four top tips to help support you and your child get the most from your time together. MORE
It's going to be wet and wild across the UK this weekend. If you are in another part of the world, we hope you will be enjoying better weather. Covid lockdowns mean that, if you can get out and train, this is a massively important connection time for your players. Here are four ideas for activities you can use. Quick to set up and play. We hope you enjoy your weekend. MORE