EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
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.
in Footwork and evasion, Practice plans
If a player changes direction just before contact, he has a greater chance of breaking the tackle. Younger and less experienced players need to find out which methods of changing direction work best for them. “Footwork fireworks” develops the basics in realistic match-like situations. 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 Email Newsletters, Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
Encourage your players to make themselves more difficult to tackle with evasive skills. Here are four different sessions to help players understand and then development their footwork. MORE
in Contact, Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
The best players use footwork before the tackle. But if they have to go through close contact, they lean forward and drive through with short, powerful steps. Replicate these skills with these drills. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Taking a pass close to the defensive line needs the receiver to step away from the contact, and quickly. If they have a supporting player behind them, they can also step and pass into the space they left behind. Use this exercise to develop the footwork, handling and support skills needed. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
In congested areas, a strong grip on the ball will make it easier to manipulate it and ensure it doesn’t get dislodged. Use this activity to work on footwork and grip at the same time… MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills, U10+
The receiver often takes a pass just before being tackled. If he can get to the edge of the defender, he might break through or offload the ball in contact. Work on that valuable skill with this session. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
This activity builds from a footwork activity into a 1 v 1 evasive game. It will help develop awareness and go forward for both attackers and defenders. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
Take a pass under pressure, step away and beat another opponent. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Develop your players’ ability to take the ball on the run, change direction immediately and then pass the ball either left or right quickly. This activity is all about carrying the ball in two hands. MORE
