EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
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.
It happens frequently – a ball carrier facing two defenders is isolated from his team mates. He needs to work out how to protect the ball and await support. This session works on the roles of ball carrier and support player while developing defensive roles. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Develop good footwork in the last few steps before the tackle. First, to power into a tackle situation, and then to adjust as the tackle target moves either to the left or the right. This activity uses low-impact outcomes with tackle tubes to focus on the technical aspects of the skill. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Use this tackle tube activity to focus on good technique under pressure, with lots of strong repetitions and enough distractions to keep the players fully aware of their team mates in the defensive line. This is low-impact exercise is ideal to develop the technical aspects of the skill. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
Defensive systems are not an excuse for individuals to miss tackles. This session puts defenders in a line and then isolates one of them in order to make a tackle in their channel. This has to be run with full contact to make sure players match up correctly. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
Work on the role of the second player at the tackle. He can either help make the tackle or attempt to go for the ball. It will depend on the relative strengths of the ball carrier, the first tackler and the angle that the second tackler arrives from. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Here's a short clip of a tackling exercise which works on low tackles in pairs and then attempting to steal the ball. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
Winning the space over the tackled player is a key factor in winning quick ruck ball or disrupting an opponent’s attacking ball. Reaction training comes from creating slightly unusual positions for players to work from, so they have to make more quick decisions. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills
It’s customary for the “middle five” to do the lion’s share of tackling in a match. So accommodate this activity to work on the types of tackle the back row and half backs are likely to make. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills
Your defence starts at the breakdown – with the tackling of your front five. Use these two elementary set-ups to help them knock opponents to the ground around the fringes. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills
If each player knows their role, you should be able to mark all the attacking options from a scrum. Use these exercises to connect your defensive backline and forwards with your scrum-half. MORE
Like other disciplines, rugby has a jargon of its own. Unless the meanings are explained they can be meaning-less. That's why I've explained them in plain, simple English and with large, clear illustrations in my manual Rugby Tactics Made Simple. But not only that, you'll learn how to coach the tactics with my tips. If you’re new to coaching or prefer a more simple style this is a great, straightforward introduction to rugby tactics. "It highlights the key fundamentals of all aspects of play & gives coaches a good understanding of terminology and techniques at the highest level" - Richard Whiffin, assistant coach at London Irish MORE
Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggling to get your points across at training? Perhaps you sometimes simply run out of preparation time? Possibly you're feeling your sessions are getting dull? Do you want a few new skills to boost your player's skills now? Or to help your players develop the techniques for seasons ahead? Maybe even the core skills for their whole rugby playing career? Here's the answer... MORE
Ready-made, age-appropriate, safe training activities, to provide a complete rugby coaching curriculum for players from ages 11 - 16. MORE
