Practice plans

Mirror ball

in Attack, Practice plans

Run backs moves in a competitive format to force players to run the correct lines under pressure. This session/game will enhance “move” execution and decision making. It is best run as a unit skills session with the backs and, because players are running at each other, they will need to play with their heads up. MORE

My maul

in Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling

Mauling could be a very powerful weapon for you this season and you don’t have to be a big side to use it. Here’s a simple tactic – set up a maul from the back of rucks to give your side go forward and tie in their defenders. It is easier than you might think to execute. MORE

Pirates

in Fitness & Conditioning, Footwork and evasion, Practice plans, Touch, Tag & Sevens

This session is fun, easy to set up and works your players’ footwork and conditioning. The players will be jumping and side stepping around a “shipwreck” trying to avoid “pirates”. The game further develops the decision making elements from the initial session. (You can also get the players to set up the “wreck”.) MORE

Maul ball for all

in Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling

Mauling is a powerful weapon and you don’t have to be a big side to use it. A great tactic is to set up a maul from the back of a ruck to create go-forward and tie in their defenders. MORE

Inside and outside clean

in Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling

Protect your rucks by covering against the “inside” defender in the tackle contest. Have a player who works on the “inside clean” to drive this potential stealer of the ball and the “outside clean” to check the even more savvy defender. MORE

Block and tackle

in Practice plans, Tackling

Individual defenders have to react quickly to changes in potential ball carriers. This is because attacking teams use “blockers” and dummy runners to fool defences. A “blocker” runs flat and sometimes in front of the pass. This session develops a defender’s ability to slide on to the ball carrier, sometimes at the last moment. MORE

Pass out, pass in

in Passing & Handling, Practice plans

Passing moves the ball to a player in a better position. Passes can also be used to manipulate the defence. A wide pass followed by a short pass back the other way is a surprisingly easy way to create gaps in the defence. Two backs could put a strong running forward into a gap, reducing the need for that forward to pass the ball. MORE

Kings of the counter ruck

in Defence, Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling

Counter rucking spoils the attacking team’s quick ball. Either your players win back the ball or, at worst, disrupt the opposition scrum half’s attempt to clear it. Once techniques have been embedded, this session progresses to the decision-making process for counter rucking. MORE

Latch and smash

in Contact, Practice plans

Here is an easy-to-coach contact technique that will help break through defensive lines. It is especially good if you have a smaller team, a support player simply latches on to the ball carrier and pushes him through the defender. MORE

Always score – tackle the core

in Practice plans, Tackling

Better tacklers anticipate where a ball carrier is going. You can improve anticipation skills by using this session to help focus on the core of the ball carrier. The hips don’t dummy, so if the tackler can keep his eyes on this area, he should make more tackles. MORE