Ground control

This session thrives on the odd directions a rugby ball takes when it rolls along the ground and how the players react to it. It will improve footwork and reaction skills.

The players are reacting to a bobbling ball that might shoot out of the side of a ruck or be knocked back from a lineout, or be because of a dropped pass.

1. Split into groups of three.
2. Put two groups at one end of the box, with a ball on the ground in front of them.
3. Have them dribble the ball forward before you shout “Down”.

1. The player nearest the ball drops on it, presents it.
2. The next player has to drive over the player on the ground and finally, the last player has to pick up the ball and run to the far end.

1. Set up the pitch as above. Split into 4 or 5 in each team.
2. One team starts with the ball.
3. They cannot kick the ball more than 5m.
4. They aim to score in the 5m goals at the ends of the end line.
5. If you shout “Down”, then the game becomes a normal game of rugby (touch or tackle), with the try lines the goals.
6. If the ball goes out over the end line, then the non-offending team start with the ball 5m from their line, with the other team 5m away.

TECHNIQUE

• Call for the ball on the ground.
• Swoop early for the ball.