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, Girls/Womens, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Use this introductory exercise to improve depth in realign, and then accurate passing. The random starting points makes the players think more about their roles in relation to the first receiver. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Practice plans
Some players are built for taking the ball into the heart of the defence: these big beasts are your primary runners. But they must rely on support players to provide options – whether for a pass, offload in the tackle, or help in the contact area. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Using two lines of attack can create chaos as the opposition struggles to cope with deep-lying attackers running late into gaps. Work on these “hidden threats” with this punchy exercise. Second-line players can choose when and where to enter the front line as it reaches the defensive line. That leaves defenders caught between covering different spaces. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Use these activities on rotation, spending around 5 minutes on each station, then swapping twice (20 minutes in all). The first works on support roles at the ruck, the second on handling and getting into position to run onto the ball. MORE
in Attack, Rugby coaching videos
Develop footwork from the ball carrier to attack a gap between two defenders and then pass out of the tackle to a supporting player. This is a powerful tactic to create line breaks against a defensive line. The drill works on evasive skills, offloading and support play. Former Worcester Warrior coach Richard Hill explains the detail. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
Retrieving kicks can mean a chance to counter attack, but it carries risks. Your ball carrier is likely to be behind his team mates and therefore needs to find support so he does not become isolated. This session is about players’ options when running with the ball. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Here’s how Mike Hall, formerly head of academy at Bristol, likes to put together an academy session for his U16 players at Bristol. Each session has two themes but we're going to look at one half of it – in this case, moving the ball into space. MORE
in Attack, Backs moves, Rugby drills
Build your players’ understanding of running lines so they can read what’s in front of them. These exercises will help your fly half and centres decide on the best pass or running line to use in a game. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Often backs and forwards are mixed up after the first phase of play. This session helps them get quickly into position so they can take the ball forward or support team-mates in or before contact. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Practice plans
Continuity out of the tackle is one of the most powerful weapons to break down defences. Players have to decide whether they can offload or go to ground and wait for support. Players must either risk making a pass or keep the ball and present it safely. MORE
