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.
EXERCISE
Put four attackers between a set of cones.
They have to stand with their feet close together facing down the pitch.
Shout out which gate of cones they have to run to (they are all of different widths).
One player becomes the feeder and the other players have to realign to take and give a pass to go through that gate.
DEVELOPMENTS
Move the gates around and increase the distances apart.
Use one or two defenders to focus on closing down the first and second player in each group.
GAME SITUATION
Put five attackers at the end of the box.
Shout out which ball to attack from.
At the same time, three defenders run around one of the cones at the side of the box and close down the attackers.
The attack has to pick up and score at the far end without the ball carrier being two-hand touched by one of the defenders.
TECHNIQUE
Scan, think, then move. Where are they likely to receive the ball and when.
Move into position, then wait for the inside man before they move again.
Inside players, don’t use up the space between the attack and defence. Attack the ball hard, but pass early.
A session ideal for pre-season or in-season if you need to reconnect your players with their handling skills and pace onto the ball. Accurate passing is essential to maintain a flowing attacking move capable of exploiting mismatches and space. Look at the detail as well as the outcomes. MORE
Though we like players to pass on the run, for younger players it’s good if they can run, stop and pass to make sure they keep a move flowing and bring other players into the game. If you want to create a bit of width in your game, use this exercise to create opportunities to move the ball wide. MORE
A fun game which forces players to push their passes hard towards the target, improving their accuracy and pass strength. One group aims to intercept a pass with their own ball (the “skeeter"). This activity encourages hard passes to a target, so will create better passing habits. MORE
Develop running angles and passing at pace, with a try after three passes as the goal. Passing “chains” rarely run in straight lines. A series of passes might have players attacking from different angles. They require different types of pass. MORE
Here's my analysis of four different scrum half passes. Each one has their own style and is effective in its own way. Use these clips to inform your own coaching and share with your 9s to help them find improvements in their passing. MORE