It’s worth coaching rugby kicking skills as early as possible, even if your young players are not allowed to kick during games yet. By the time kicking is introduced into the game, the youngsters will have a well-developed set of core skills and a basic tactical understanding of when to kick. Use the following rugby coaching tips and drills to help. And, of course, any catching drills are going to be worthwhile as they’ll soon be faced with some up and unders too!
Catching the ball properly is essential in development – and the foundation for this is set at mini rugby level. With younger players there are a number of problems you can quickly identify in their hand catch technique: • Catching the ball against their body. • The ball being passed too firmly, so difficult to... MORE
A must have kicking play that you can use when you need to break down a strong defence. MORE
A really strong power play that can set up an excellent drop goal platform. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
Players need to know when to kick in game situations. Here are some rules you can use to reward good kicking in your small-sided games so players are incentivised to use the right kicks. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
This game develops quick thinking and ways to move the ball to space from unusual positions. Because most of the attack are running the wrong way to start with, they will face different problems than they’d normally expect, but also new opportunities to beat the defence. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
This game replicates a 22m drop out or kick off. Both teams have lots of ways of gaining points, giving the defence added incentives to stop attacks. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
A grubber kick works because it gives the defence less time to adjust. Choosing when to use the grubber is as important as the execution of the kick. This game must use full on tackling. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
The chip kick exploits the space behind the defence. This game forces one team to defend in front of and behind the defensive line. The defined kicking areas call for accuracy. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
Long kicks are very much a part of any team’s attacking strategy, so your wingers and full back need to know their positioning. Your midfield players also need to understand how to support the counter attack. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
This game works on the players’ skills to kick, recover and chase the ball, as well as on their footwork and tackling ability. It is more likely to be part of a backs session. MORE
72 of rugby’s tactical concepts in simple, plain language, perfect for anyone who’s ever been stumped by jargon. MORE
A comprehensive guide to rugby coaching for beginner coaches. Designed to help you build your players' techniques, skills and understanding of the whole game from ages 8 to 16. This is a thorough guide that will help you coach with confidence, even if you’re just starting out. MORE
Ready-made, age-appropriate, safe training activities, to provide a complete rugby coaching curriculum for players from ages 11 - 16. MORE
