A decision-making exercise that promotes good gripping, carrying, passing and catching, and picks up on when those core skills are being poorly executed.

What you need for this game

• 12 Players
• 6 Balls
• 8 Cones

Set-up

Use the cones to measure out a playing area measuring 30m x 50m. Use more cones to mark out a 10m central zone. Both ends will be try lines, as shown 1.

Rules

Play two-handed touch rugby.

Each play ends when either a try is scored, the defenders take possession of the ball or the player in possession is tackled by a defender.

In this game you may stop an attack for an incorrect grip or carry, a poor pass, or a catch that hits the receiver’s shirt. Any of the above should count as a breakdown in play.

What you do as coach

1. Position a group of three defenders at each end of the playing area and six attackers in the 10m central zone. Place three balls on the ground on each side of the central zone.

2. Pass a ball to the attackers from the sideline to start the game. The aim is for the six attackers to attempt to score over the try line at one end of the playing area – they can decide which end they want to attack first. The defenders can move only once the attackers have left the central zone.

3. When a try is scored, or the attack breaks down, the attackers turn, collect another ball from you in the central zone and attack the opposite try line. Again, the defenders at that end can’t move until the attackers have left the central zone.

The game continues until all six balls have been used. Attackers and defenders then rotate and the game continues.

How you can progress the game

Make the game tighter by decreasing the size of the playing area. This will put the players’ skills under greater pressure. Prolong the game by adding more balls. This will test the players’ skills when they are fatigued.

• Three defenders on each try line.
• Six attackers in 10m zone.
• Three balls each side.
• Warn: Let the attackers know they must pass in front of the receiver, who should have his hands up ready to catch in front of his body.

• Pass the ball in.
• Attackers advance.
• Defenders wait until attackers pass 10m line.
• Observe: The attackers should be running at pace, with heads up scanning the movement of the defenders. Are your players doing this?

• Attackers head for opposite try line.
• Defenders wait until attackers pass 10m line.
• Suggest: Attackers should vary their running lines to penetrate gaps or overlaps in the defenders’ line. Suggest that your players do this.