An extra split second of pressure on the opposition can be the difference between success and failure. Rugby defence is not just about defensive systems. The best defensive teams enjoy defending. They are positive in defence and loud and accurate with their communication. So, does your rugby team see defence as a chore or as a great chance to win back the ball? Use the defence drills below to get your team working together to form a more cohesive defensive unit.
The defender who’s very low and over the ball at the tackle area is very difficult to remove. If you decide not to coach the “croc roll”, what are your alternatives. MORE
Encourage all the best attributes in a good defensive line with this game of slide and hammer. It will improve your teams’ line speed and cohesiveness. MORE
Organisation and line speed are the foundations of an offensive defence. This activity develops the lines of running, communication and speed to put pressure on the attack. MORE
Good defensive systems need organisation and communication, and quick line speed. You can only close down effectively with these three elements. For the player it all starts from a good foot position. This session gives the player the right set up to make better decisions when he is defending. MORE
Develop the sorts of tackles and positioning needed to cover attacks when they start to overload one side of the ruck. This session builds up the scenarios they might face. MORE
Don't despair after suffering a heavy home defeat in your first game of the season. Learn from what went wrong, move forward and focus on putting your plan to succeed into action. MORE
Wales scored a magnificent try against England, executing FOUR "2 v 1" situations in quick succession to score a try that started inside their own 22m area. Two attackers against one defender is a classic decision-making training scenario. There are lots of different ways to set it up. Here are four activities which ensure that there are plenty of variations to keep the players focused on using accurate skills under pressure. MORE
Defending is not just about stopping the opposition from scoring, it is about trying to regain possession. To achieve that you need a defence that moves forward as a unit and puts the opposition under pressure. “Up together” gives you the tools to develop your defensive organisation so all your players understand their roles in it. MORE
