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
Whether you are refereeing in training (a good thing!) or have to referee your team on a Sunday (not such a good thing!), you will probably find yourself refereeing in some capacity this season. You will need to be confident that you can apply the laws as a coach to satisfy referees who take charge of your team. And if you do find yourself reffing, then it's far more than that...game management, crowd control, position, language, whistle control and signals. MORE
Use these breakout exercises to focus on handling decision-making before returning the players to a game. Avoid stopping and starting – just let it run to allow the attackers to find solutions. MORE
Here’s how Mike Hall, formerly head of academy at Bristol, likes to put together an academy session for his U16 players at Bristol. Each session has two themes but we're going to look at one half of it – in this case, moving the ball into space. MORE
Because there are so many possible situations at rucks, teaching these skills is a real challenge for coaches. You need to create a balance of good techniques first and then bring them into game contexts as soon as possible. MORE
A message to the Twitter rugby community.
What would you do differently? How would you improve the players? What you suggest to do next? #coachingthoughts #strainthebrain. This is what Twitter suggested after they had watched this video MORE
