Six realistic maul training activities

The maul is the most potent weapon in the game if it’s got momentum. Defences will struggle to stop it, especially from lineouts.

Yet, too many teams practise mauling against no one at all, or just driving into some pads.

You need to be:

• Dynamic – ready to react to how the defence shoves, pushes and turns.
• Secure – so the ball is the right place at the right time.
• Ready – to move the ball away when the maul is losing momentum.

In other words, you need some realistic opposition.

Here are six activities and games to simulate open field mauling situations. If your team can master these, the lineout maul will be easier. By the way “maul basics” activity is ideal for new players to maul.

All these could be used with just the forwards if you wanted to have a unit skills session, though all the players can benefit from learning these skills.

Mauls and peels

in Contact, Rugby drills

If you have control of the maul with the ball at the back, you can continue to attack close to the maul by “peeling off”. This keeps your forward momentum going and pressurises the fringes of the defence. MORE

Maul demons

in Rucking & Mauling, Small-sided games

Working on better body positions and good leadership, this game tests the forwards’ ability to adapt from attack to defence. The change over elements replicate many aspects of a catch and drive from a lineout. MORE

Quick ball from the mini-maul

in Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling

Creating quick ball from slow ruck ball requires a dynamic platform. Your team needs to draw in defenders and recycle good possession for the next attack. This session develops one method which is to create a mini-maul at the side of the ruck. Though primarily for forwards, it is useful for backs as well. MORE

Maul basics

in Contact, EasiCoach

Get the players into good mauling habits by having them drive the ball carrier forward MORE

Secure maul ball

in Rucking & Mauling

This session is great for retaining possession and going forward in a maul. MORE

Rugby coaching session working on the maul basics

in Rucking & Mauling

Here is a session on mauling, which is a great game to keep your players working on their maul basics. MORE