Better communication and support

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.

Support with depth

Supporting the break

Run, step, pop and support

Two station activity: (1) Ruck support (2) Pass realign

Support with depth

in Attack, Rugby drills

Encourage support players to keep their depth and width, and get onto the end of a pass from the ball carrier either pre or post contact/tackle. If support players can learn the body language and intentions of their teammates, they can anticipate the best lines to take. MORE

Supporting the break

in Attack, Return to play, Rugby drills

Develop how the support player tracks the ball carrier so he can be ready to take a pass or help the ball carrier should he be tackled. Reading the movements of the ball carrier means the support player can find themselves in the best positions to receive the next pass. MORE

Run, step, pop and support

in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills

Draw defenders out of position and then use short passing for the support player to run onto. Use this activity to get the timing right and then put into a game situation. MORE

Two station activity: (1) Ruck support (2) Pass realign

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