1. ONE PLAYER

Push the angle

Have a player push a ruck pad along the ground, making sure their hips are in line with their shoulders. If not, they will probably be pushing it into the ground which is poor technique.

2. TWO PLAYERS

Fight to the ground

In pairs, have one player with a ball in a strong grip and another with their hands on the ball but about one step away. The ball carrier rips the ball down, goes to ground and presents the ball so the other player cannot grab it within two seconds.

3. THREE PLAYERS

Knees up

One player goes on their hands and knees facing two players doing the same. Have a ruck pad and ball in between them. The ball can be on either side of the pad. When the one player moves, the others can. It’s the first side to have their hips over the ball, but on their feet, that wins.

4. FOUR PLAYERS

Gates

Split into pairs, with three of the players on one side of a ruck pad which is in the middle of a small box, and another player on the other side. Have a ball on one side of the pad, indicating which side is the attack. Shout out who’s attacking. Each group run into position to win the contest over the ball.

5. FIVE PLAYERS

Not fair

Play three v two in an 8m box. Start the teams not more than 3m apart. Throw the ball to either side and they aim to score. If they are tackled and go to ground, they aim to retain possession. A point for scoring or a point for gaining/retaining possession. Play only one phase and don’t allow passing.