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
Work from left to right and back a number of times up a channel, aiming to keep possession and go forward at the same time. It is a tactic that can be used to retain possession when running down the clock or to set up a drop goal. MORE
in Attack, Footwork and evasion, Practice plans
Scoring tries is too often a given skill. This session makes a virtue of good body positions. It creates a hard session which the players will enjoy because of the obvious potential outcomes, scoring tries. Your team will also learn how to protect the ball close to line and how to coordinate a last ditch defence. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
Any player who loops around another or peels round from a lineout, is running around a corner. That corner is defended by just one player. Attacking around the corner creates an extra attacker. If the corner is taken sharply, without much loss of pace, then there is good chance for a break. This session develops those skills. MORE
in Attack, Practice plans
Turnover ball can be as important an attacking weapon as clean setpiece ball. Quick use of the turnover ball can make it even more potent. This session builds on the tactic of clearing the ball from the danger area with two passes. The final game adds in the key factor of not knowing exactly when the turnover is going to occur. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills, Warm Ups
This drill based practice is designed to get players comfortable receiving the ball at maximum speed. MORE
in Attack, Backs moves
Get defenders off balance and less effective by making them commit to one tackling line while attacking another. You can do this by varying your angle of attack. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Encourage support players to be ready to follow the ball carrier through the line break, either to take an offload or if there is a clean break, ready to take the next pass. Line breaks can be anywhere along the defensive line. Create scenarios for the players to react and support. MORE
in Attack
This quick to set-up game creates enough chaos to make the players think about their catch-and- pass skills under the sort of pressure they might be under in a real match. Getting players used to using “soft hands” will result in more catches and greater continuity. MORE
in Attack
Create better go forward for players who are taking the ball close to the ruck and close to the tackle line. The activity also works on better ball placement and support options. Isolate one defender then attack another, maintain momentum before presenting the ball so the defence have less time to “jackle”, which means go for the ball. MORE
in Attack, Email Newsletters, Rugby drills
If our players communicated more effectively, then the ball carrier would know when to pass or when to take contact. Create more opportunities for this to happen by making it matter. The best exercises provide chances for players to see the value in calling for the ball. Here are four good activities to use. MORE
