EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
It’s not always easy to get young players to embrace contact which is why we’ve spent so much time devising and testing contact drills that will help your players grow in confidence. Use them alongside our tackling drills to develop a team of players that are comfortable making and taking contact.
in Contact, Core skills
Improve different types of ball placement with the added bonus of work-rate to get back into the game. You can see how much Dylan enjoys the challenge. Dad Mark is on the camera and stick. MORE
in Contact, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
If the ball is on the ground, then players need to react, and react aggressively. This activity works on what happens immediately after the ball is won. MORE
While many factors led to England dominating the game against Ireland, their ability to win the contact area, both in attack and defence, certainly made a massive difference. Andy Farrell, Ireland's coach, was certainly quick to acknowledge that his team came second in the physical contest. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Practice plans
Winning turnover ball is the goal for the defence, but the ability to attack decisively from it is the ultimate objective. So players need to be aware of how to attack with turnover ball, as well as how to win it. MORE
in Contact, Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills
Make your contact contests more game representative. This gives your players greater transfer into match day situations. In this activity, the ball carrier is tackled and the next arriving player has to compete effectively (and legally) for the ball. MORE
in Contact, Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills
Build up the techniques for better ball presentation in this ball placement skills zone activity. The players develop their understanding through walking through, then increasing the pressure with defenders. MORE
in Contact, Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Offloading out of contact is “risk and reward” rugby. It maintains continuity and might get your attack behind the defence. Offloading the ball out of the tackle while still on your feet is often the quickest option, but the offload off the ground can be just as effective. The support runner can then attack the space where the tackler was. MORE
in Contact, Rugby coaching videos
Use this small-sided contested exercise to work on attack and defence around the first arriving players at the tackle contest. In this video, note how I maintain momentum in the exercise, with quick feedback, questioning and reinforcement. MORE
Whoever is closest to the tackled ball carrier must be prepared to clear away threats. As a general policy, it should take two players to ensure the best and quickest ball, unless the ball carrier has become completely isolated. It requires awareness and communication, which develops from simulating the game situations. MORE
in Contact, Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Not all rucks are made the same and neither are the players. Especially in the forwards, the difference in height can mean they need to explore varied techniques. Here’s how… MORE
