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.
Since the back row is closest to the opposition attack from a scrum, it can make the most difference on defending attacks within 10m of the scrum. This session looks at its roles from normal and wheeled scrums and how it might stop the attackers on the gain line. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
“A defender races into position, squares up and comes forward to close down an attacker.” MORE
Challenge defenders to work in pairs but from different starting angles and distances from the attack. They will have to make decisions about whether to “manage” the attack by drifting or to close it down before it can spread the ball wide. MORE
in Defence
There is a lifecycle to a tackle that starts with the contact point and ends when the ball is either recycled or turned over. Concentrate on this philosophy to improve tackle outcomes. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
Defending at the side of the ruck provides an excellent chance for a turnover because of the closeness of defenders. If the first defender can put the attacker on the ground, the second defender can cause the turnover by quick thinking. In this session, we develop the “run over” turnover. MORE
Players need to position themselves outside their intended target to make sure they come from out to in on the “blitz”. This session works on alignment to blitz as pairs and threes and then how backs and forwards connect in defence. MORE
in Defence
Here’s how you can create a better awareness of drift defence, even if you don’t have a large number of players available at training. MORE
in Contact, Defence, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Two players wrestle with the ball until they go over one of the lines. Then it’s battle to win the ball on the ground. MORE
in Defence
Even with less than 10 players, you can run an effective and very active drift defence session. Use this activity as a warm-up for a larger group work out as well. MORE
in Defence
Build a defence ethic by defending in threes and fours. Players will have to cover narrow and wide spaces, improving their tackling and communication. MORE
