EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
The coaching manual tells us (or certainly it should) that there are two types of defence – organised and disorganised. An attacking team needs to disorganise a defence to then penetrate. Some players look outstanding against a broken defence and yet are seemingly becalmed by an organised defence. Carlos Spencer (the former New Zealand fly half, 10) and Brian O’Driscoll (the Ireland outside centre, 13) are two such examples.
Of course, I’m not saying that Spencer and O’Driscoll are poor players. Players at all levels find it difficult to play against a strong defensive line. The reason is that they have little opportunity to find even the little space they need to weave their magic.
And herein lies the problem. Let’s say you have a player who can be a great game breaker. Do you give them the ball and expect them to achieve the break every time they receive it?
More realistically, teams need to disorganise a defence before they can expect to use the game breakers to the best effect. This means using tactics to probe defences with big runners, or stretching defences by playing the ball wide. However, the best tip is to keep your backs, and more essentially the game breakers, “on their feet”.
That is, don’t let them go into rucks and mauls or take up crash balls. Instead, let team-mates work off them until the chances appear.
If you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your game breakers, then my Rugby Attack! manual could be the answer. Containing 27 pre-prepared plays, Rugby Attack! will help you produce co-ordinated attacks that suit your team’s strengths and target weaknesses in the opposition.
in Attack, Rugby drills
Use all your handling skill options in these three attacking scenarios. The outside backs need to communicate clearly where the spaces are to help the inside backs make the right decisions. MORE
in Attack, Attack, Rugby drills
They can lift or break a team’s spirit – such is the power of an interception try. This exercise develops defensive and attacking decision making as outside backs look to intercept the ball as it’s passed wide. MORE
Multiple pass movements in wet weather are hazardous. Use this activity to focus on the pre-contact footwork and techniques required to gain ground in matches where width may not be possible. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Rugby drills
Use this simple looking exercise to improve your forwards' pick-and-go techniques. There are three key points which you need your players to employ to give them more go-forward every time. MORE
in Attack, Attack, Rugby drills
Create a team of players who go forward with the ball and find space to attack by using this square-shaped drill. MORE
in Attack, Attack, Rugby drills, Tactics
The inside pass is an effective weapon against a sliding defence. The receiver hits a flat pass and a gap in the defensive line to break through. This activity finishes the break with a try. Initially work on an inside pass against a sliding defence, with three attackers and two defenders. The player taking the... MORE
Like other disciplines, rugby has a jargon of its own. Unless the meanings are explained they can be meaning-less. That's why I've explained them in plain, simple English and with large, clear illustrations in my manual Rugby Tactics Made Simple. But not only that, you'll learn how to coach the tactics with my tips. If you’re new to coaching or prefer a more simple style this is a great, straightforward introduction to rugby tactics. "It highlights the key fundamentals of all aspects of play & gives coaches a good understanding of terminology and techniques at the highest level" - Richard Whiffin, assistant coach at London Irish MORE
Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggling to get your points across at training? Perhaps you sometimes simply run out of preparation time? Possibly you're feeling your sessions are getting dull? Do you want a few new skills to boost your player's skills now? Or to help your players develop the techniques for seasons ahead? Maybe even the core skills for their whole rugby playing career? Here's the answer... MORE
Ready-made, age-appropriate, safe training activities, to provide a complete rugby coaching curriculum for players from ages 11 - 16. MORE
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