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. MORE
Counter attack is becoming a more common aspect of the game as teams refuse to kick for touch, but instead kicked for territory. This simple session helps the players discover ways to counter attack. It should be a standard session for every season. MORE
The grubber kick can unlock tight defences, but only if it is executed well and used at the right time. Developing the technical skills needed can be done in a closed training environment. But developing the understanding of when to use the kick is best learned through playing kicking games in training. MORE
Playing to the corners is part of a territorial game. Tactically it applies pressure on the opposition, can force turnovers or gain field position as the defence struggles to clear. How does this work and how can we put this into a training session. MORE
Any player may need to catch the high ball. Usually forwards from the kick off, backs from open play. The principles of “fielding” the catch include being aware of your support players and thinking what to do next. This session builds on those principles. MORE
Use this kicking game to improve kicking, catching and tactical awareness, as well introduce some fatigue elements into training. Tactically, using a variety of kicks, the aim is to find spaces where the defenders are not covering. MORE
Build up the skill to kick accurately and then kick to where the defence are not. Often kicks in open field are aimless. In this session, challenge the players first to kick to where they intend to, and then to kick to where the defence are not. In other words, look before kicking. MORE
The quality of the chase can define the quality of the kick. Work on “killing” the options available to the receiving team, thus pressurising them into mistakes or poor returns. MORE
As kicking is introduced into the game, players need to be ready to catch or gather a kick and then play away from the kick. This session develops those skills. MORE