EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
If your key passers can easily change their action to disguise a pass, it will open up gaps as defenders set themselves for a short pass when a longer pass is used, and vice versa. This session works on different types of pass and the crucial running lines of attackers to make these passes work.
Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7
You are developing the passer’s whole body movement to shift the ball. He does not need to be looking at the player he is passing to, but if he is, his body language must disguise this fact.
The best passers have their hands in the middle of the ball, controlled by their fingers. Their arms provide the power, the wrists the acceleration and direction.
Players can try the dummy-pass-pass in the same direction. For example, they look to pass right, hold onto the ball, but then pass right in their next action.
The aim is to create enough uncertainty in the defence to make them plant their feet. The receiver can then step to the side and perhaps through a gap.
Put four attackers and one feeder at one end of the square and three ruck pad holders at the other end (see picture 1). The attackers have to try to beat the ruck pad holders without the player in possession being touched by a ruck pad.
Score three points for a clean break with only one pass used after the feed, two points for a two-pass clean break and one point for a try following a break where the ball carrier was not knocked off line by a ruck pad (see pictures 2 and 3 for further guidance).
Put four attackers and a feeder at one end of the square and three ruck pad holders at the other end.
Reduce or increase the number of ruck pads in the square, and change the starting points but not the width.
Allow the ball carrier to kick as well as pass.
Take away the ruck pads. The defenders now have to grab the ball carrier by the shorts for a valid tackle.
The attack aims to score at the other end using deceptive passing so the ball carrier does not get hit by a ruck pad. Score three points for a one-pass no contact try, two points for a two-pass no contact try and one point for a try without the ball carrier being knocked offline (a weak pad contact).
Split into teams of five players. Put two teams into the box, about 10m apart. Put a ball at the edge of each side of the box. Shout which ball and which team will attack.
The defence has to send two players to their own try line and wait. The attack has five seconds to set up.When you shout go, play full contact rugby but no rucks only offloads
Encourage players to look like they can pass long when they can also pass short.
in Passing & Handling, Small-sided games
Ged Hall challenges players to be effective in finding space and passing, either on their feet or from the ground (the deck!). Good for fitness as well as decision-making. Deck hands is seemingly a very simple game to play, but beneath its simple exterior is a game that challenges players physically, mentally, tactically and technically. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Small-sided games
Keep the players thinking about where to attack as the defence move around dynamically, adding in players as the attack becomes more successful. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Attackers need to identify when a blindside is ripe to attack. They do that as they move into position. Test if they can call it and then execute it. MORE
in Backs moves, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
In Hard and Fast with the Miss Pass, we set up a “miss pass” training session. The miss pass is a long pass which skips one player, with the missed player drawing a defender in the process. MORE
