EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Drills and activities that are suitable for social distancing and return to play.
in Email Newsletters, Return to play
Many of our sporting friends are facing tough times with lockdown rules reducing opportunities to play. However, if you can get out onto the pitch, but are perhaps limited to what you can do within your bubble, here are some ideas for sessions. MORE
in Return to play, Rugby coaching, Rugby drills
In Return to play needs more winning and competition, we discussed that competition plays an integral part in developing players whether we approve of it or not. In our current RTP environments, it might be missing. We gave the example of using intrasquad/interclub tournaments as a way of encouraging some competition in our sessions. In this article, we are going to discuss another way of creating competition, a Sports Day with our players as competitors. A 'Sports Day' gives us the perfect opportunity: To create a competitive environment within our sessions. Provide us with a chance to carry out some covert physical testing of players which can be used to guide future session design. To analyse how our players perform, and if extra fitness work is needed, adapt our sessions to provide more physical stimulus. MORE
Use these questions to support planning and reflection in your players after they have played in a Ready 4 Rugby match. Below each question, I add some of the possible answers and follow up questions. Of course, the players may come up with even better thoughts. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Return to play
Exploit the space on the outside for your wingers by using effective passing and fixing defenders. Give your speedsters enough room to run in that space. If you have a quick winger, then you need to hold up the midfield defence and allow that player time and space to attack. MORE
in Return to play, Small-sided games
Rugby is missing real competition. Whilst we can see how competition can sometimes hinder development, especially when coaches only prioritise work in sessions to achieve this goal, it must be said that without it lurking in the background, sessions feel a bit detached. MORE
in Return to play, Small-sided games
Use these questions to support planning and reflection in your players as they are playing Ready 4 Rugby matches/training. Below each question, I add some of the possible answers and follow up questions. Of course, the players may come up with even better thoughts. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Return to play, Rugby drills
Hone a better passing technique for your players with this coach-fed exercise which starts with a focus on one player at a time and their handling ability. Develop good habits for your players by encouraging them to turn their shoulders and hips to deliver short passes to team mates running onto the ball. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Return to play
If a player has made an outside break, they have to either make it to the try line or go as far forward as possible. That means straightening up. This activity develops this skill. Work on adjusting the line of running once a line break has been made. It’s good for all players to work on. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Return to play
Work on the players improving their timing and realignment by forcing them to begin a phase of play from a static start. They have to adjust quickly and attack with pace. Though many exercises start from a static position, you want to emphasise the stationary position for this drill. This will activate the minds more so because the players will be thinking ahead. MORE
in Return to play, Rugby drills
The progression to Stage D is another step closer to a full rugby return. The RFU guidelines now state 15 minutes of controlled contact. The amount of contact is 1v1 tackle below waist height, an additional 1v1 contest in the ruck (2v2 in total) and uncontested lineouts (no maul, scrum or tackle in gameplay is permitted). With these constraints, this is my approach. MORE
