With the exciting possibility of a return to rugby less than five weeks away and sometimes earlier in other countries, here are two ideas and a bunch of activities to get you and your coaches ready.
ONE: LET’S PLAY (WITH A PLAN)
Everyone will want to be playing. Depending on the protocols, there will be some restrictions on contact and perhaps even the numbers allowed to play together.
However, have a plan. Fitness levels will be very low, so keep the game areas small and provide plenty of breaks.
Of course, the emphasis is on fun and connections. I would also sprinkle in some tactical intentions. These are ideas that have been flourishing in your mind during lockdown.
What’s a tactical intention? It’s not a structured tactical plan. Instead, it is a toolbox of skills that will allow your team to play to their strengths.
So, if it is a quick ball game you want to play, you will have some form of hurry-up in your game. Therefore, “let’s play, and, by the way, here’s a little bit of a plan”.
TWO: EASY-HARD RUGBY STEPS
Don’t think you can make up for lost time with an accelerated curriculum of skills and tactical appreciation. Instead, rebuild your players’ confidence with some skilful building blocks.
While most of the players will appreciate that they will have lost out on some technical development and their own skill levels will have reduced, they are less likely to appreciate some “back-to-basics” work.
In which case, use activities that require basics, but in a slightly pressurised context. Slow down or speed up the exercises during the session, mixing them in with games.
Here are two activities that work on passing “basics” which can be varied for speed.
A session ideal for pre-season or in-season if you need to reconnect your players with their handling skills and pace onto the ball.
Accurate passing is essential to maintain a flowing attacking move capable of exploiting mismatches and space. Look at the detail as well as the outcomes.
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When you return to rugby, there will be a long list of areas you need to do to rebuild your team's skill levels and understanding.
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In this planning for post-lockdown training, we are going to look at the supporting roles around the ball carrier. Specifically, the way that players are ready to take a pass to attack space or once the defensive line is broken.
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.
Here’s a four-week plan for busting the line and supporting, but you can split this up into more sections if you want. MORE
In this planning for post-lockdown training, we are going to look at breaking the defensive line. Specifically, the best body shapes, lines of running, handling and support roles. 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
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