Get players creating a driving maul from their own lineout
Start with a pod of three players – one player (the catcher) has the ball and the supporters bind on making sure they have their feet, shoulders, hips and arms in the right places (see diagram, right).
Once players are comfortable getting into the correct positions, add a fourth player to the pod plus a thrower, then set out three different coloured cones along the touchline at 10m intervals. Put a ball next to each cone.
When you call out a colour, here “Red”, the players run to that cone and line up for a line out, with the lifters/ support players (S) either side of the jumper/catcher (J) and 4 at the back acting as the ripper.
The thrower throws the ball for J to catch and J is sealed off by both support players who drive forward. At the same time, 4 comes round the back and gets in position behind the maul, ready to rip the ball.
Progress to a full lineout with two more players (5 and 6) binding on to 4 once he has the ball.
You will need
Balls
Coloured cones
Got more players?
Run several lineout pods simultaneously.
What to tell your players
“Bind in front of the jumper”
“Keep your feet in line and drive forward”
“Get round the maul quickly to rip the ball”
Sometimes I still have to pinch myself and realise we have missed 18 months of competitive contact rugby. And watching the attritional British and Irish Lions Tour recently got me thinking about how we as coaches can look to prepare our youth players for the new season.
I have put together some non-contact tips on how I would work to improve the tackle technique for my players. MORE
Work on attacking the edges of the ruck defence. That means not attacking next to the ruck, but the area often less well-defended two players out.
Normal ruck defence is set with two defenders close to the ruck. Attack outside these players. MORE
This session thrives on the odd directions a rugby ball takes when it rolls along the ground and how the players react to it.
It will improve footwork, vision, communication and reactions skills, as well as making for an alternative method of training. MORE
Though you want to avoid defenders, sometimes you will have to take contact. Develop ways to retain possession at the ruck and after by keeping the ball carrier active in the tackle.
Defences will aim to force turnovers if the ball carrier can’t release a pass. If the ball carrier works hard to twist, turn and spin during the tackle, they will become less of a target. MORE
Help players make good decisions at the breakdown on whether to pass, run or ruck depending on how many defenders are threatening the tackle ball.
You want enough players to win quick ball without compromising your chances to launch effective attacks. MORE
