EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Make sure your defence is in place quickly so they can come forward to make snare tackles and poach the ball. Define roles for players around the ruck so they can race off the line and cut down the opposition attack close to the ruck.
1: Covers the inside runner only, must not move across with the 9
2: Covers the 9 if he runs with the ball
3 and 4: Cover the first receiver
X: Runs forward and behind the ruck to houndthe inside runner, or chase the 9. If he arrives too late (they have moved the ball open), he “plugs in” behind the openside defence
in Email Newsletters, Rugby drills
Because there are so many possible situations at rucks, teaching these skills is a real challenge for coaches. You need to create a balance of good techniques first and then bring them into game contexts as soon as possible. MORE
in Attack, Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
Skilful footwork can improve acceleration, agility and balance. But get a two-in-one benefit by using footwork ladders to also develop your players’ heads-up decision-making. It’s a simple session to improve agility in decision-making exercises – and very easy to set up and vary. MORE
in Rugby drills
The more players learn, the more they improve. Learning is about retaining relevant knowledge and then using it in the right context. Our expectation is that our training sessions will do this. We are probably not that scientific in our approach, though the main thrust of what we do tends to lead to improvements. Let’s tighten this up with some training ideas and solutions to give our players more opportunities to learn MORE
in Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Use this scenario to develop your players' ability to get back into the game quickly and make good decisions. They also have to scan as they recover. MORE
in Ask Dan, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Subscriber question: I have to produce a 40-minute session for a level 2 course – it concerns a 2 v 2 support loop using whole-part-whole. Can you give me some ideas on how to approach it? MORE
in Ask Dan, Rugby drills, Scrums & Lineouts
Subscriber question: We’re struggling to win lineouts in games despite looking good in training. How should we adapt our training? MORE
