Need to inject some new ideas in training? Sometimes the old games 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 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
Kick with a purpose, kick with a plan. That means connecting the kicker and the chasers too. Here are some activities to build those connections, plus a bit of back to basics for young players to the game, so they can learn the essentials of how to kick.
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Rugby is essentially an invasion game. One of the core skills is evasion, and therefore, by definition, interception. Evasion is not just running to where a defender isn't. It's try to fool them at the same time, to make that easier. Of course, the defender should be thinking the same, just in reverse! MORE
An offload is just another name for a pass out of the tackle. It's a powerful skill because it can create opportunities to attack a less-organised defence. If it is so powerful, why don't more teams use it? Because there are plenty of risks involved, firstly in terms of the difficulty of the skill. Reduce these risks by using the following techniques, activities and games. MORE
Kick offs can be the stuff of nightmares. For some reason, players shutdown from their normal operations and there's a danger that any advantage from just scoring is thrown away. That's just one of many reasons to spend time on the skills needed to secure the ball, skills that some players will only use during this phase of the game. MORE
Like other disciplines, rugby has a jargon of its own.
Unless the meanings are explained they can be meaning-less.
That's why I've explained them in plain, simple English and with large, clear illustrations in my manual Rugby Tactics Made Simple.
But not only that, you'll learn how to coach the tactics with my tips. If you’re new to coaching or prefer a more simple style this is a great, straightforward introduction to rugby tactics.
"It highlights the key fundamentals of all aspects of play & gives coaches a good understanding of terminology and techniques at the highest level"- Richard Whiffin, assistant coach at London IrishMORE
Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggling to get your points across at training?
Perhaps you sometimes simply run out of preparation time? Possibly you're feeling your sessions are getting dull?
Do you want a few new skills to boost your player's skills now? Or to help your players develop the techniques for seasons ahead? Maybe even the core skills for their whole rugby playing career?
Here's the answer... MORE
