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.
From successive rucks many teams simply keep attacking in the same direction until they have exhausted all the space. This draws in so many defenders they struggle to cover across for the next attack. This session looks at how to deal with this. MORE
Good defence relies on both individual and collective skills. “Chaos defending” exposes your players to situations where they can develop the full set of defensive skills to achieve success. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills
Work on defending, realigning and defending under pressure and fatigue conditions. Good work for normal rugby and for touch rugby too. MORE
in Core skills, Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Front-on and side-on low tackles can bring down ball carriers quickly. In this tackle template, here's what the defender should do to complete the tackle effectively. MORE
in Core skills, Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Here are 10 key points to make an aggressive front-on tackle which dominates the ball carrier. MORE
in Defence, Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills, Warm Ups
Get your ruck defenders into the right position then create an awareness of the ball and the attacking threats in this simple ruck warm-up exercise. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
The type of tackle a defender might use depends on the space either side of him. Practise this activity to work on the defender’s decision-making in the set-up, footwork and tackle execution. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
When your opponents have extra players in attack and create an overlap, it is crucial your team works hard to scramble back. Players must slide across in defence to cut down the attack’s space and tackle the ball carrier. This session outlines how to implement such an overlap cover. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills
Work on the connection between the number 7 and number 10 from the side of scrum. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
Wrapping up the ball carrier in a smother tackle stops them passing or presenting the ball on their terms. It also slows the attack down, letting your defence get organised. There is the added opportunity to regain the ball if the tackler can pull the player down and turn them to your side. MORE
