Don’t be deceived – this handling exercise looks simple but will quickly turn to chaos! It will get players thinking, talking and organising as they need to problem-solve whilst retaining the accuracy of their skills
This is about communication, leadership and organisation as much as handling. Speed of thought is critical.
Put teams of four at each end of the red box.
When you shout “red”, they move forward and pass the ball down the line.
The last player passes it to the first player of the next team of four coming from the opposite direction.
Repeat until you call the next colour and the teams move and operate in that coloured box.
If you call “green”, the teams work in the smallest box but in teams of three.
If you call “blue”, they work in the biggest box but in teams of five.
The groups will have to constantly change to match up the numbers.
Develop so that when you shout “change”, teams swing 90 degrees and go through the box in a different direction.
TECHNIQUE
Simple catch-and-pass basics (hands out to passer, follow through to target)
Players should look for potential gaps in the next line and be ready to fill them
Using an inverted backline shape, your runners from a ruck can give the 9 more options to pick up the best-placed player to break the defensive line. An inverted three is a group of three players that line up so the furthest player is in front. All but the first player in the line can take the ball with a player in support to drive them out and away from the previous breakdown. It’s easy for the outside players to adjust their timing to support the first player if he’s the receiver. MORE
How to take the ball close to the gain line in attack to put the defence under more pressure. It will exploit quick ball from rucks by putting attackers flat, running angles and offloading before or after the tackle. MORE
Create pace onto the ball from a “free pass” to a static player by encouraging your players to organise themselves quickly and work in threes. When the rules state that a free pass has to be to a static player, your players have to be at ease with repositioning themselves to be able to generate some pace onto the ball. MORE
With up to five players in action, use this exercise to work on footwork, decision making and teamwork. Quick to set up, it can be used as part your RTP sessions or into the main season as a warm up activity. MORE
Match-time tackling can be 1 v 1, but often it’s a team effort, especially for younger players. Use this simple activity to build confidence, communication and tackle technique. MORE
We want to improve all the players’ skills in equal measure, but there’s never enough time. Instead, work on specific core skills to match the roles and responsibilities of each position. MORE
