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.
Challenge defenders to work in pairs but from different starting angles and distances from the attack. They will have to make decisions about whether to “manage” the attack by drifting or to close it down before it can spread the ball wide. MORE
in Contact, Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
This session works on players taking the ball into contact in groups of four. This is most likely in a game when you know the opposition is a good rucking team, the referee might be loose on hands in the ruck, or you need to increase your chances of ball retention. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Practice plans
This is a tough, physical session that works on players going forward in narrow spaces. The emphasis should be on ball retention in contact, with players using footwork to get to the edges of defenders while going forward. If their progress is stopped, they should recycle and attack the next space. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
Defending at the side of the ruck provides an excellent chance for a turnover because of the closeness of defenders. If the first defender can put the attacker on the ground, the second defender can cause the turnover by quick thinking. In this session, we develop the “run over” turnover. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Practice plans
This session works through the main kicks needed in a match: Grubber, punt, box and high ball. The players will also be able to work on catching. MORE
in Fitness & Conditioning, Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
This is a high-intensity, physical session that works on ruck and tackle contest techniques. It is ideal as a part of a pre-season programme once you have established your rucking policies. It encourages players to work hard in support and when they are fatigued. Poor technique will be easily recognised. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Practice plans
If the ball carrier can be powerful in the contact area, then they can offload or maintain possession more effectively. Less experienced and younger players have a tendency to fall over or crumple unless they practise good body positions and use a good step into contact. This session concentrates on this footwork. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
The fly half (10) has a controlling position to launch his team away from the opposition and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable with the options in front of him and this session works on these options. MORE
Players need to position themselves outside their intended target to make sure they come from out to in on the “blitz”. This session works on alignment to blitz as pairs and threes and then how backs and forwards connect in defence. MORE
in Contact, Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
Make sure you retain the ball if the ball carrier is isolated. The ball carrier has to be strong and active so he does not go to ground easily. His supporting players need to get into position quickly and use a range of clear out skills to protect and potentially rescue the ball. MORE
