Rugby drills are the nuts and bolts of the game. Some people object to the word “drill” as it has been used negatively in the past to describe activities where players spend more time in lines than they do practising. But, they are a fundamental part of coaching. So whether you call them drills, activities, sessions, games… this is the most valuable section of the site for you.
The rugby drills in this section will help you coach your players in the core skills of the game. We’ll tell you what to look out for, how to get the ideas over to your players, and we’ll give you games and exercises to really power-up their skills.
ACTIVITY: TRACK THE ATTACKERS Tell players to: “Move together towards a target” “Tell other defenders which way to move” 1 Three attackers spread out along one of the long sides of the area and two defenders stand on the opposite side. The attackers pass a ball from side to side between themselves. 2 When […]
The attacking box kick is a much-used tactic at the top level so grassroots coaches should be looking to use it as a means of exerting pressure and gaining territory. Why use it A box kick can be used as a contestable attacking kick in the opposition half and even if they do gather it, […]
By Eamonn Hogan, experienced rugby coach working with representative teams in the UK and the US Agility, or the ability to avoid being tackled, needs to be practised. Game-related activities are always a great option but, sometimes, you need to break down the skill to the basics and the best way to do this is […]
By Colin Ireland, Physical Education teacher with sixteen years’ experience working for the Scottish Rugby Union Overview Being able to keep the ball alive is important when trying to break down well-organised defences and moving the ball forward from A to B can be done much quicker if it’s kept off the ground. Set up […]
From EasiCoach Rugby Skills Activities U9 & U10 Get your players used to tackling side-on with either shoulder. 1. Split your players into pairs, give them a ball and get them working on a “halfway” tackle. This means that the tackle starts halfway through, with the tackler already in position with his shoulder on the […]
From Rugby Coach Weekly Live situations help you check your tight head’s shape and footwork under pressure from the opposition hooker and loose head. This is key with the “crouch-bind-set” laws. Why use it Prepares your tight head to react to different pressures from opponents while using his own lock and flanker for power. Set […]
By Mark Calverley, RFU Level 3 and IRB Level 4 qualified coach, and owner of the NZRFU Practicum award – the highest coaching award in New Zealand Simply put, the best way to keep possession in Sevens is to avoid going into contact. In reality however, the opposition will press you and aim to make […]
By Eamonn Hogan, experienced rugby coach working with representative teams in the UK and the US Some coaches like to have their players bind before they enter a ruck situation. This was a popular move in the ’80s with the All Blacks. Pros of pre-binding 1. Clears out defenders with the power of two Two […]
By Ian Diddams, RFU coach tutor with over 20 years’ experience in coaching at grassroots level Overview In Sevens, winning a ruck with just one player is a vital skill to maximise numbers post contact. Set up Three attackers and three defenders. A 10m x 5m box. Three ruck pads. Three balls. What you get […]
By Colin Ireland, Physical Education teacher with sixteen years’ experience working for the Scottish Rugby Union With a large group of players new to tackling, there are four approaches you can take. Use two experienced players to demonstrate tackle technique. Then pair players up and let them have a go, with you observing and helping […]
