Need to inject some new ideas in your return-to-play training. Sometimes the old activities have run their course. Well, for the time being anyway.
Here are some fun games which are quick to set-up with few rules. Though they are primarily aimed at mini-tag, you can easily adapt them for older players. I think you find the energy generated quite uplifting.
Pass and win is a simple chase game which starts with some short passing between the players. You can match up players of similar speed and agility, and there are plenty of variations you can employ.
With an activity named after a post-match drinking game, Fizz, Buzz again starts with some passing before a chaotic challenge for both attackers and defenders to think differently.
Tiger trap works on evasive skills for the attacker and defensive support. Especially good for attackers who tend to run sideways, this activity encourages forward movement while trying to evade a defender in front.
Finally, Gangsta will see your players jumping up and down in anticipation of victory. Rival gangs aim to prevent their swag from being captured by the other side.
Develop passing techniques before unleashing an attacking and defence situation. A quick-fire game to challenge players to think about space and communication (it happens sometimes!) MORE
Develop your attackers go-forward and evasion skills in this tough footwork exercise. Quick to set up, you can have lots of groups going at the same time. 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
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
We are itching to get back to contact. While there's lots of fun and learning to be had around the touch rugby, lots of players (and coaches) want to get physical. Here are four ideas to use when returning to contact. You can easily dial up the intensity and perhaps combine two of them in quick succession after a couple of training sessions. MORE
The basis for good defence always starts with strong tackling. However, the defenders also need to be connected as a group to ensure that the attacking options are closed down. Here are some defensive activities that you can run in training, even if you are not allowed to use tackling. All of them require good connections and decision-making. The attacking group will want to "win" and score, so the defensive group has to find creative ways to stop them. MORE
Give your players lots of fun ways to improve their skills with simple games which have easy-to-define outcomes. Here are four to play around with. Though they are aimed at tag, you can easily adapt them for older and more experienced players. MORE
Many of our sporting friends are facing tough times with lockdown rules reducing opportunities to play. However, if you can get out onto the pitch, but are perhaps limited to what you can do within your bubble, here are some ideas for sessions. MORE
