Footwork and 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.
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
in Attack, Fitness & Conditioning, Footwork and evasion
Combine footwork, support, passing and decision-making skills in a highly pressurised activity. MORE
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
