EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Covering core and advanced skills, each Practice Plan provides the blueprint for an entire session for you to run with your team. A quick read through and you've got a ready-made session to take on to the pitch. Perfect for when you're running late and don't have time to hunt around for new ideas.
Practice Plans can be adapted by the coach to suit any age group from age 7 to 16, and are appropriate for adult teams. As a Rugby Coach Weekly subscriber you can access all 200 Practice Plans on the website covering the entire range of skills and tactics, in a format you can easily print and take to training.
Being aggressive in the tackle and presenting the ball well creates quicker ball at the ruck. This session focuses on how your players take contact if they can’t avoid it. Winning the contest at the breakdown is a fundamental piece of your core unit skills. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
This session makes oral communication a feature. It forces the players to be accurate, concise and urgent when they are without the ball – both in attack and defence. You will see the difference when you take the communication option away. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
Creating an extra player in attack is a great advantage. It certainly makes the decision making process for your players more straightforward. It is even more of an advantage if the extra player arrives from deep and at speed. MORE
in Attack, Backs moves, Practice plans
Most teams, despite attempts to be more flexible, need the same 9 and 10 in position to run the game. “Running the show” will help sharpen these players’ decision making skills and help the other players understand the half backs’ role in different parts of the game. MORE
Low tackles stop the progress of ball carriers. While they are more difficult to avoid, they also require more courage on the part of the tackler. So use this session to encourage good technique, but also create greater confidence in the tackle. MORE
in Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
The first attacking player to the tackle contest can ensure quick ball but only if he can protect the tackled player. Especially with less experienced and younger players, one player can dominate the ruck with a good body position, either until the ball is cleared or further support arrives. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Having to receive a low pass at knee level or below (a “daisy cutter” pass) happens no matter how much your team practises. Help your players prepare to cope with this type of pass so they never drop the ball or knock on and keep the attack moving. This is achieved by turning a poor pass into a good pass in one smooth movement. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
When your opponents have extra players in attack and create an overlap, it is crucial your team works hard to scramble back. Players must slide across in defence to cut down the attack’s space and tackle the ball carrier. This session outlines how to implement such an overlap cover. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
Wrapping up the ball carrier in a smother tackle stops them passing or presenting the ball on their terms. It also slows the attack down, letting your defence get organised. There is the added opportunity to regain the ball if the tackler can pull the player down and turn them to your side. MORE
in Attack, Backs moves, Practice plans
Dummy scissors pass (DSP) is a simple move that can be used by all the players, not just the back line. It is still used by the top sides in a number of situations. These teams have added extra decoy runners and other variations, but at the core is the DSP. This move will add an attacking edge to your team from all phases. 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 Irish MORE
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
Ready-made, age-appropriate, safe training activities, to provide a complete rugby coaching curriculum for players from ages 11 - 16. MORE
