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Here is a rugby coaching session from my weekly Smart Sessions. It centres on some core rugby skills to help all players: 1) prevent tries by tackling very close to the line, and 2) score tries when receiving the ball very close to the line.
The rugby training session
Two players stand facing each other about 2 metres apart. There is a line between them. Another player stands off to the side with a ball. He throws the ball to one player who then has 5 seconds to try to put the ball down over the line. The other player tries to save the try. Adapt the distances according to success.
What you tell your players to do in the drill
What to call out in the drill
What rugby skills to look for
Too few tries being scored. The ball carriers and supporting players must try to keep some forward momentum going.
Too many tries being scored. Defenders must drive the ball carrier back and try to clamp the ball between themselves and the ball carrier.
Develop the rugby coaching session
Putting the rugby drill session into a game situation
A three v two, five box game: Set up a number of 5 metre square boxes, a few metres apart. Have a "try line" running through each box 1 metre from one end (put the boxes across a real try line for instance). Put a ball by the side of each box.
Split your players so you have two defenders and three attackers to each box. The attackers start from the end furthest from the line across the box. The defenders must stay behind the try line.
When you're ready, pass the ball to the attackers, who attempt to score. If they don't score within a set time period (say 20 seconds), start again. After a couple of sets, change the players around. Don't use any more than five players in a game.
What to think about with your players
Does the way your players tackle change depending on the relative sizes of the ball carrier and the tackler? When and how could the ball carrier change the height at which they drive for the line? Too low and they might lose crucial momentum just before line, too high and they become an easier target to drive back. With two players defending the line, how might they organise to tackle the ball carrier?
Click on the links below to download copies of my new look Smart Sessions. Visit the Smart Sessions website to learn more about these weekly rugby coaching plans, and about a fantastic offer to tempt you to join up - click here.
Smart Sessions Advanced Skills
www.newsletters.co.uk/downloads/tacklingturnover.pdf
Smart Sessions Core Skills
www.newsletters.co.uk/downloads/whipback.pdf
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