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
Pit forwards against the backs in this exercise to develop straight running and quick handling. It puts your players’ skills under pressure and the session can be adapted to suit groups of any size. MORE
In coaching, there’s a time to tell and a time to ask. Both are powerful ways to help players understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as give them opportunities to learn. I asked one of our expert grassroots coaches, Ian “Didds” Diddams, to come up with the essential questions to use with yout players,... MORE
The Sky Sports try of 2018 was scored by Jersey Reds in their English Championship game against London Irish. Their attack coach Ed Robinson gave me some amazing insights into how the try was crafted, including nuggets you probably won't pick up from just watching the clip. MORE
Ruck pads, also known as tackle shields, provide a soft landing for shoulders (and heads sometimes) when practising rucking. They are not an alternative to rucking practice. Instead, they should help players to concentrate on details that they can apply to a bone-on-bone practice later in the session. MORE
