EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Rugby attack patterns are used to get your players to make the most of the attacking opportunities that come their way during a game. In these attacking drills I look at ways to create chances for your attackers, rugby games that will sharpen their reactions near the try line, and tips on how to coach your attackers to be try-machines.
in Attack, Practice plans
The use of pods, that is small pre-defined groups of players, used to be the preserve of the top teams. However you can utilise these groups to help your players gain more structure and, crucially, know where they have to run and who they have to support. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Practice plans
The fend is controversially illegal up to certain age groups. It is an important attacking weapon though, which can be utilised to beat a player one-on-one or to offload to break through a defensive line. It needs practising, especially so players can use it in games once they’re of age. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
This session will help players highlight their core skills under pressure. It works especially on short passes when the ball carrier is running “offline”. Offline means the passer is either running towards the intended receiver or away. MORE
in Attack
What is meant by attacking the line and how can you use this effectively in your tactics? MORE
in Attack
Use this activity to work on options to attack the line flat or pull the pass back to a player who is running wider into space. This is a tough decision-making exercise because players have to make late passing decisions, while receivers have to time their runs to find the gaps. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Replicate game situations where forwards have to ruck and handle in quick succession, with a degree of decision-making. It needs the simple things done well. Forwards often have to mix contact and handling skills in a short space of time. Challenge them to move quickly from skill to skill. MORE
in Attack
Help attackers realign quickly so they can run onto the ball and exploit gaps with passing. To attack effectively, players need to see where to run and then come onto the ball with pace. They can only do this with good realignment. That means being in a good position relative to their team mates. MORE
in Attack, Core skills, Rugby drills
Putting a defender into a weak tackling position allows the attacker to either win the contact situation or fix them to pass onto a player in a better position. Here’s how to “sit down” a defender. “Sitting down” is where an attacker makes a defender plant their feet and stop moving forward. In other words, the defender rocks back onto their heels and looks as if they are “sitting down” on a chair. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Develop players who are used to running on to - and delivering - passes at pace. This will leave defenders behind and allow you to make the best use of your line breaks. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Spinning out of a tackle can provide the momentum to break through it and move beyond the defender. Support players need to read the spin and be on hand to take a pass. This session works on both these skills. MORE
