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, Rugby drills
Beating an opponent with a late change of direction is a priceless skill. As soon as the defender is set to tackle, the last step is key to taking the ball carrier out of his reach and past him into space… MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
Evasive running is among the hardest things to teach because you have to be part rugby coach, part sprint coach and part SAQ expert. Use this activity to make real improvements in your players’ footwork. MORE
in Contact, Footwork and evasion, Practice plans
One of the simplest “weapons” in your attackers’ armoury is the “step and pass”. Here the ball carrier runs toward the defender and, at the last moment before making contact, steps to one side and passes the ball back into the space he has just run from. Meanwhile, a support player is running into the space to receive the ball. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
Use this activity to develop evasive movement before contact. The players start with a jump before accelerating, changing angles and then accelerating away again. Ideal as a warm up exercise. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Practice plans
An easy way to enhance footwork and reactions is to use six flag poles – which almost all rugby clubs have. Using the poles, these exercises simply change angles of running and force players to look ahead to see spaces and defenders, just as they would in a match situation. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills, Warm Ups
Use this activity to warm-up players' footwork and handling the ball skills. In particular, it develops avoiding obstacles without losing speed. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills, Warm Ups
Use this warm up exercise to develop quick reactions as well as awareness of your opponent's movements. You can use cones instead of ladders. MORE
in Email Newsletters, Footwork and evasion
Rugby is both a collision and an evasive sport. Defenders want to collide into attackers. Attackers want to evade defenders. That's why footwork is a core skill for rugby. Skipping through a few ladders might add some agility, but it's best to deal with actual, moving bodies. Sometimes it's just straight-line speed you need. Other times it's lateral or sideways movement. Often it's a bit of both. MORE
in Attack, Footwork and evasion, Practice plans
This basic footwork session will benefit players in all positions as they attack defenders in close or wide situations. They will have to see where to run and change angle sharply and at pace to adjust. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills, Warm Ups
Use this agility, handling and decision-making activity as a way of getting players thinking, moving and interacting. It comes from our Skills Conditioning and Fitness DVD. MORE
