Defence
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.
in Defence, Practice plans
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
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tactics
Get your defensive structure right at the breakdown to ensure you don’t give away easy metres. Your players need to know their responsibilities to stop opponents “going through the guts”. MORE
in Defence, Podcast
Katleho Lynch is a South Africa U17s elite development coach. His passionate about defence training U18s teams at schools, plus working with provinces, clubs and universities. He has learned his trade from all parts of the rugby world and brings his energy and purpose into his sessions. In this podcast, he outlines: The key techniques... MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Have your players forgotten how to tackle after their summer break? Revisit the key points in making an effective leg tackle with this activity that goes from warm-up to full contact. MORE
in Attack, Defence, Passing & Handling, Rugby coaching, Tackling, Team Management
Every player at the Chiefs takes responsibility for improving his own skill-set so that as a team can play the own game at their own pace. Attention to detail, practice and constant feedback help develop these skills to the highest level. MORE
in Blog, Defence
Whether you won or lost this weekend, I expect you are thinking “there’s still so much to do”. No matter if you are just starting the season or mid-season, it always seems to be the case. Here is the good news: all the other teams are in the same predicament. The way forward? Balance your... MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Following on from unopposed defence at the breakdown, it’s important for players to practise it for real, learning who should tackle who and how to “fold”. This is a full-on defensive session. MORE
in Defence, Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills, Tackling
Put your players' tackle technique under pressure by using their four corner drill to get even closer to game conditions. Listen carefully for the cues that are given to the player throughout the exercise, so they can focus on excellent outcomes, even when they are tired. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills
This defensive drill is designed to teach your players to automatically build an impenetrable wall around the breakdown. It will also increase your chances of forcing a turnover at the next phase. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
Defenders must be ready to take the man in front of them. This session focuses on man-to-man marking, so the attack feels like it is running into a wall of defenders.
It requires good footwork and working with the other defenders to make sure there are no holes in that wall.Defenders must be very noisy at all times, constantly telling team mates who they are marking. MORE
