EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
in Attack, Practice plans
Often, the ball carrier’s closest support comes from the player who has just passed the ball, or the player who might next receive it. Neither are particularly well placed to support from depth, so this session helps them move into positions to provide the most effective help in the contact area. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
There’s no point fixing defenders unless the support is there to take the pass. So use this drill to help players draw and pass after they’ve won a ruck – it will teach them to get back into the game quickly. This activity will develop your players’ match-time appreciation as they get back into the... MORE
Build a team defence ethic by having players defend in threes and fours. This session is far more practical than simple “line, shout and up” type exercises, because during a match there are so many situations to cover. Players will have to cover both narrow and wide spaces, improving their tackling and communication. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Blocker plays like this one doesn’t have to be the preserve of international teams. It’s easy to set up and practise, so use this decoy activity to confuse the opposition and engineer an overlap out wide. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Encourage players to run penetrating lines in this attack session. Effective blocker lines require lots of practice and will help players make the right passing choice depending on how a defence reacts. MORE
in Defence, Fitness & Conditioning
Combine conditioning with skills drills. In these two activities, the players will work on line-speed as a group, then in the next activity, on line speed and a part of tackle technique. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Turning defence into attack very suddenly can bring a match-changing shift in momentum. Players need to react quickly, both in attack and defence, so use this frenetic activity to activate their minds. MORE
in Attack, Fitness & Conditioning, Footwork and evasion
Combine footwork, support, passing and decision-making skills in a highly pressurised activity. MORE
Coaches need to take precautions with their players’ necks to prevent injury and ensure longer careers. Dr Sally Lark, a sports rehabilitation expert, explains the misconceptions and what you should be doing. Rugby players suffer from poor neck motion compared to other athletes – and forwards are far worse off than backs. That’s the conclusion... MORE
in Contact, Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
If all your players follow this session, you will win quicker ruck ball – I guarantee it. The idea behind the session is simple. The more players who arrive in the contact area at below the hip height of a standing player, the more effective your team’s rucking will be. MORE
