Develop passing techniques before unleashing an attacking and defence situation. A quick-fire game to challenge players to think about space and communication (it happens sometimes!)
ACTIVITY
A group of three face one way
A group of two face the other
The ball is passed along the line every time you say “Pass”
When it gets to the end player, the players turn around and repeat back the other way
If you shout Fizz or Buzz instead of Pass, the ball carrier and team mate(s) run forward
In the meantime, the other players run forward too
If you’ve called Fizz, the ball carrier turns and attacks, with the option to pass
If you’ve called Buzz, when the ball carrier turns, they must pass immediately
CHALLENGE
React to the situation and try to use team mates to win. Note, the uneven teams will cause challenges you don’t expect.
SET UP
Cones, tags and a ball.
HOW TO DO IT
Put three players facing one way and two the other in an alternate pattern, but in a line.
Starting with a ball at one end, the player with the ball passes on your call: Pass. Naturally, they will have to pass the ball backwards a little bit.
If you shout the word “Fizz” or “Buzz”, the current ball carrier and team mates race forward and then turn and attack. In the meantime, the other players run to the other end, turning to defend.
A “Fizz” call means that the attacking player doesn’t need to pass, and run to score. Of course, they can pass if they want to.
A “Buzz” call means the attacking player must pass once they have turned.
A score, infringement or tag ends that go. However, if the ball carrier is tagged and can pass within two seconds, then play on.
Play for three goes, and then rotate one from the group of three to the group of two.
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"With the return to rugby, I’m really worried that my team (U13s) will have forgotten lots of things about rugby. In particular, I’m trying to work out when and how to introduce contact and tackling."
This question came from a coach in Gloucester and is typical of lots of concerns around this area of the game.
It is true that the players will have "forgotten" lots of skills.
Here's how I would approach this situation. On the next page are two tackling exercises to support training.
MORE
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