Contact
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, Tips
Taking the ball into contact is unique to rugby, as are the skills and mentality required to succeed at it. So introduce contact sessions early to your players to help them assimilate the concept over time. MORE
in Contact, Footwork and evasion, Practice plans
One of the simplest “weapons” in your attackers’ armoury is the “step and pass”. Here the ball carrier runs toward the defender and, at the last moment before making contact, steps to one side and passes the ball back into the space he has just run from. Meanwhile, a support player is running into the space to receive the ball. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Practice plans
Do your players have the courage to fight for every 50/50 ball? When the ball is on the ground, players need to react aggressively to win it – before driving forward. MORE
in Contact, Rugby drills, U12+
Dominating the collision in attack will lead to better ball presentation and increase the of a clean and speedy recycle. Use this exercise to improve – it starts with a cone-flipping race. MORE
in Contact, Rugby drills
Young players are often wary when it comes to taking contact, either with the ground or when on their feet. Use these exercises to boost their contact confidence and ability to manoeuvre their body. MORE
in Contact, Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Get your rucking players coming to the breakdown from different angles – replicating what happens in a match. And make sure they read the tackle situation to know how to protect or challenge for the ball. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Practice plans
A support player can “ride shotgun” on the ball carrier going into contact. In this 2 v 1 session make two players bind to drive the ball into one defender. The outcome should be go forward ball. If the ball carrier falls over, the other attacker can grab the ball or protect the tackled player. It should lead to fast ball. MORE
in Attack, Contact, Practice plans
Players love simple targets such as moving the ball from one end of a box to another. This session works on the ball carrier and his support making progress while a defender attempts to stop them. This expands into a game where “power ball” might be used. MORE
in Contact, Rugby drills
Make sure your players take off when they arrive at the tackle contest – they should “land” first and then drive up. This activity will reinforce the correct technique and put your team on the front foot. MORE
in Contact, Rugby drills
To help your team dominate the contact area, players need to be low and able to drive forward. Get your players to work in strong body positions by taking up the shapes of gorillas, and then driving through. MORE
