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.
in Attack, Practice plans
It is important that your players are aware of the different roles in attack from broken play. Though some may rarely play that role in the game, a greater understanding of the needs of other players will improve their own all round decision making. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
Simple patterns of play from breakdowns can create overlaps. Here is a pattern where the players behind the breakdown situation move to one side of the breakdown, leading to an overload. It works on running and handling skills with a real “in-game” feel to the outcomes. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Use this session to improve your players’ ability to break down an organised defence, simply by changing their running angles. It is not about fancy footwork in front of the defence. The ball carrier must hit a point and then move off at an angle with pace and force. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
Subtle changes of angle at full speed help the ball carrier beat defenders who don’t have time to adjust or are set to make the tackle. It can be used either as a one-onone skill or against an organised defence, to break the line. Gliding maintains the player’s balance, so he can pass at pace as well. MORE
A basic defensive system works around the cohesion of units of three players. If the players drift apart, any defensive line can be breached with good pace and angles by the attack. Of course the attack will attempt to disrupt the unit, so this session works on keeping the three defenders together in different attack situations. MORE
in Attack, Kicking & Catching, Practice plans
Developing a positive attacking mindset can affect your opponents psychologically. At kick offs, the chasing team does not expect you to open out and attack straight away. They may also be following up in an uncoordinated manner. Take advantage of these opportunities and punish their lackadaisical attitude. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
Create more 2 v 1 opportunities with the simple tactic developed in this session. When I have used it, my players have been amazed at how easy it can be to isolate a defender and then beat him. The tactic works especially well from rucks, even slow ones. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Practice plans
This session works on a common problem – drifting out with the pass. The drift is a natural action that has two unfortunate effects. First it reduces the space for the outside players. Second it allows the defence to drift across. Help your players to break the habit with “attack the ball” running lines. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Though the pop pass is short, it still needs timing and accuracy. As a basic skill, all players should be able to draw a defender and deliver a pop pass into space for a support runner to accelerate onto. “Pop play” will help your players develop not only the technique but also their awareness of when to give a pop pass. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Once the ball is won at the set piece, the number on a player’s back should have no relevance to the skills and techniques they use. Working together in small groups (sets) and getting used to various tasks helps the players individually and collectively become more aware of what is needed and when, especially at the tackle situation. 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
