Go with the flow coaching session

Instead of passing the ball wide directly from a restart, your team use a series of phases of play all going the same way. This sucks defenders into each breakdown and creates space as the ball is moved wide.

It also means your players know exactly where to be at each phase of the attack. This makes it easier to recycle the ball quickly at each breakdown and set up for the next attack.

At the same time, the defence are trying to anticipate where you are attacking next and they will be chasing the game.

Introducing "go with the flow"

• Start with three players working across a 30m wide channel.
  
  
• The players pass the ball from left to right and the outside player places the ball down on a cone about 10m in from the side. He then becomes the clearing passer for the next phase, while the other two players realign to attack the space between this cone and another 10m away.
  
  
• They repeat the pattern for the last space, placing the ball on the far touch line.

Practise working in both directions across the pitch. When passing left to right, players will often need an extra phase so they are not passing too far.

Ensure players realign quickly and get deep so they can run onto the ball for the next attack.

Progressing "go with the flow" rugby drill

Introduce more players into the attack. This increases the need for communication among the players and allows them to realise they do not need to be involved in every phase of play.

Vary the width between each breakdown and the number of phases needed to complete the width. Younger players will need more phases as they won't be able to pass as far or as accurately.

Nominate a scrum half and fly half. These two players stay in their positions and all the other players run off them. They need to dictate where they want runners and how wide each attack is going to be.

Continue the attack. Once the ball reaches the far side of the pitch the same pattern of play is repeated back in the opposite direction.

Get more rugby coaching tips and drills delivered to your inbox by subscribing to Rugby Coach Weekly, published for new coaches or coaches of children and inexperienced players.