EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
in Return to play, Rugby drills, Tackling
This session reintroduces players to the tackle, checking that players remember the basics of tackling safely and working on getting clear of the tackle area quickly once the tackle is completed. MORE
in Return to play, Rugby drills, Tackling
Here are some activities to support your stage D tackling training. Using small groups, they look at rebuilding tackling skills in a low impact environment and developing a game-related understanding at the same time. MORE
in Return to play, Small-sided games
Challenge players to react to the chance to have an extra player in attack and how to defend against it. It’s a quick game, so decisions will need sharp action. No match has unequal numbers unless there’s a yellow card. But sometimes the attack has an overload as a tackler is temporarily indisposed. Replicate that with this game. The “changer” will be doing most of the thinking. MORE
in Attack, Return to play, Rugby drills
Fast recycling players is a feature of any top team. It means that players are in a position to take the ball from the next breakdown. If they are ready, they can attack with pace. When players reposition themselves after a set-piece or a ruck, they have to read the game and know their roles. A better understanding of this will enhance your team’s attacking cohesion. MORE
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 Return to play, Small-sided games
Let's discuss the different ways on how to plan and structure a coaching session using games and other practices based on your session or longer-term intentions. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Return to play, Touch, Tag & Sevens
Encourage your players to use good footwork in small spaces by avoiding contact. These two fun activities are excellent for warming up body and mind. Though rugby is a contact game, avoiding it is a core skill. There are no set techniques because each player will have their own style. Let them develop it in these two activities. MORE
in Attack, Return to play, Rugby drills
Get the ball carrier to attack straight and then the supporting player to move in behind to react to where the ball carrier moves to. Avoid the support player dictating where the ball carrier runs to. Instead, he has to be in the best position to take a pass if the ball carrier needs support. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Return to play, Small-sided games
Use this passing and movement game to help players work on their decision making, 360 visual and communication skills plus improve their evasive running. You can easily adapt the set up to allow more players and change the length of the passes. Think about using different balls too, like netballs or tennis balls. MORE
in Return to play, Rugby coaching
Use these questions to support planning and reflection in your players before taking part in Ready 4 Rugby matches/training. These are the pre-session questions. 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. THE QUESTIONS What opportunities do the... MORE
