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 likely they will not be compromised technically. Technically, because the tackle is the most likely area for a concussion, we need to improve tackle basics.
Training sessions should provide some of the fitness outcomes you want just within the session itself if you keep the intensity high enough. In reality, that’s never enough. Fitness testing provides a good way to encourage players to work on their own fitness outside sessions.
The Wilf Paish rugby tests – named after the late British Olympics athletics coach – examine a player’s general fitness. All you need is a pitch, cones, 30m tape measure, stopwatch and a helper… MORE
Before you begin training in earnest, you should establish what base your players are starting from. In the first of two articles on testing, we look at different ways to measure running fitness levels… MORE
Work on simple scenarios to improve your players’ execution of the ball presentation at the tackle collision. These skills should be practised throughout the season to speed up your ruck recycling. MORE
You’re deep into the season and your team’s tackling is looking ragged. How do you reinvigorate the players? It’s time to initiate a programme of exercises to bring your defence back up to speed… 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
One of the most difficult things to teach a group of players is their ability to change from a defensive mindset to an attacking one effectively. Here is an activity that does just that. Make the players think that they need to defend as an organised unit and then be able to attack at pace when the ball is turned over. It’s not going to be easy. MORE
Following on from last week’s defence exercise, replicate moving across to the pitch to defend from a slow or quick ruck. It’s a matching up then coming forward exercise. Defenders have to scan what’s in front of them whilst running across the pitch to get to the next ruck. They have to number up and adjust quickly. Once the ball is out, the outside defenders must close down the space in front of them. This session develops these ideas. MORE
Work on line-speed with specific targets for your defensive line as opposed to the normal “good line speed”. It will create pressure on the attacking line. Defensive cohesion is as important as making the tackles themselves. Work on line-speed and togetherness with this session. MORE