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Footwork & Evasion

In rugby, footwork and evasion skills are the “fine arts” – ways to run with the ball and beat players with skill, pace and panache. These articles include ways to coach players to have “rugby speed” not just pace, and evade contact with nifty “rugby footwork”. Try one of the footwork and evasion drills below at your next session and see how you get on.

Age Groups
U5
U6
U7
U8
U9
U10
U11
U12
U13
U14
U15
U16
U17+
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Now you see me…

Now you see me…

Improve the players’ lateral agility and then speed with this reaction race. It starts simply, but the variations will create challenges ...
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Twist and clout

Twist and clout

This session works on balance and reaction. Players enjoy the challenge of moving backward before racing forward with the ball or to tack...
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Get out of my space

Get out of my space

Use competition to make players try different evasion skills. This session has one race and one game to challenge players to command thei...
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PacMan

PacMan

Use this rugby version of the popular arcade game to work on evasive skills, decision making and deception.
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Chain-gang passing

Chain-gang passing

Develop a chain of passes with players running different angles and coming from different depths to challenge defences.
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4-3-2 passing with a purpose

4-3-2 passing with a purpose

I always maintain that passing should be for a reason - even if it is just because there is someone better placed to take the ball forwar...
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The Tomb

The Tomb

A fun game to work on evasion, with players stepping in and out a box before aiming to score.
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Reaction squares for space

Reaction squares for space

Use “reaction squares” to get players moving into space with the ball in their hands. This is a fun activity and elements can be part of ...
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Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful rugby coach
Rugby Coach Weekly Issue 242

Latest Issue

Rugby Coach Weekly Issue 242
Issue 242 out now
  • Twice the tackler
  • Ground up power
  • Now you see me…
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    Rocket launchers

    Rocket launchers

    Get your players to be aware of the space to attack, so run forward, while their support players aim to keep connected. The ball carrier ...
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    Fast forward to create overlaps

    Fast forward to create overlaps

    Help your players reposition themselves quickly to make use of quick ball and overlaps. This session works on footwork, handling and ...
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    Sharper angles, cut them open

    Sharper angles, cut them open

    This basic footwork session will benefit players in all positions as they attack defenders in close or wide situations. They will have to ...
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    The evasion hot box

    The evasion hot box

    Improves footwork and ability to evade contact. Players will need to use their peripheral vision and their ability to see where defenders ...
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    Wicked warm-ups

    Wicked warm-ups

    Get your session buzzing with these warm-up activities. By using games, chaos and movement, players use the key physical literacy skills in ...
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    Ball control out of contact

    Ball control out of contact

    This practice develops players’ handling skills by forcing them to manipulate the ball with one hand in and around the contact area.
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    Spin out of contact

    Spin out of contact

    Encourage the ball carrier to spin just before the tackle – the footwork needs experimenting with because it can unbalance players.
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    Backs blast

    Backs blast

    Improve backs’ fitness while working on their running lines and drift defence. They will make every effort to break the line each time.
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    Curves and jumps

    Curves and jumps

    Use this activity to improve players’ footwork as they run forward, so they beat opposition players, or at least create a chance for a good ...
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    Chase, catch and turn

    Chase, catch and turn

    This conditioning game helps players develop better foot speed, evasive skills and stop/start skills. Inspired by basketball, it is easy to ...
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    S lines for 2 v 1s

    S lines for 2 v 1s

    Develops the idea that, if the ball carrier runs an ‘S’ line, they can draw in defenders and release support players to attack a flat, ...
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    Pass, run or ruck

    Pass, run or ruck

    Help players make good decisions at the breakdown over whether to pass, run or ruck, depending on how many defenders are threatening the ...
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    Skill MOTs: enhancing attacks via 'ABC' skills

    Skill MOTs: enhancing attacks via 'ABC' skills

    Create good habits with a focused programme which reinforces the core skills. By KRIS STAFFORD, rugby development officer at Leeds Beckett ...
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    Attacking footwork

    Attacking footwork

    Create better ‘go-forward’ for players taking the ball close to the ruck and the tackle line. This also works on improved ball placement ...
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    Creative 3v2s

    Creative 3v2s

    This easily set-up game creates enough chaos to make players think about their catch-and-pass skills under the sort of pressure they might ...
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    Be strong in the tackle

    Be strong in the tackle

    Use this session to build players’ understanding of how to keep going forward in the tackle and make life much harder for the defence.

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    Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

     

    We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.

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