EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
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!
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills
Work on the basics of taking a drop kick, both to score points by kicking at goal in open play or, more commonly, for taking restarts, like kick offs. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Small-sided games
Running back a kick will be an important part of any team’s attacking play. Use this game to work on the chase and the kick-return in open play. MORE
in Attack, Kicking & Catching, Practice plans
Developing a positive attacking mindset can affect your opponents psychologically. At kick offs, the chasing team does not expect you to open out and attack straight away. They may also be following up in an uncoordinated manner. Take advantage of these opportunities and punish their lackadaisical attitude. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby drills
Develop the role of the kick-chasing player. Use these exercises to work on how to compete for the ball, make a tackle or guide the catcher out of play. MORE
Clear your lines from a ruck or scrum by the side of the pitch with a contestable kick for your winger to chase. Also good from a quick turnover and an excellent tactic on rainy days to return the pressure. When a 9 kicks from the back of ruck or scrum into the space behind the opposition, it’s called a box kick. It’s normally contestable by the chasers, so needs height. Plus, the 9 needs the correct foot work so he isn’t blocked. MORE
Work on the counter-attacking options from kicks with your back three (two wingers and full back) for 10 minutes each session. Aim to move the ball away from trouble, with passing, running or kicks. MORE
in Contact, Kicking & Catching, Practice plans
A good chase from a kick off can put pressure on the opposition at a crucial moment in the game. Either from the start of a half or when your team has gone a score down, you can squeeze the opposition into a narrow area with few options to break out. This session works on that tactic. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills
This session is about increasing attacking options through grubber kicks (kicks along the ground), plus turning and getting behind a flat defence which is closing you down quickly. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby drills
Use these games to develop your players’ ability to take a pass and then kick to a target when under pressure. They will have either one to three steps after the pass before they kick. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills
This session is about the techniques for kicking in open play under pressure, and then pressurising the kicker and charging down poor kicks. MORE
