EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Once players have got the hang of concentrating in Having a ball 1, bring in balls from different sports to ensure concentration levels remain high while also working on handling skills.
Eight players in a 15m square with try lines on two opposite sides. Number three rugby balls and add in three other types of ball such as a cricket ball, tennis ball and football (picture 1).
Players pass rugby balls as normal but other balls have an action related to them: A) A tennis ball is passed one-handed overhead like a ball-boy at Wimbledon. B) A cricket ball is passed carefully two-handed and is accompanied by “Owzat?” C) A football is passed like a throw-in and can be received either above the head or at chest height (picture 2).
When you call a number, a game starts. The player with the numbered ball keeps it and goes to one try line along with the five other players in possession of a ball at that time. The other players go to the other try line and a 6v2 (possibly 5v3) game starts (picture 3).
The attack looks to score a try while defenders aim to prevent this.
“Look at the ball and take in the information given.”
“Two hands on the ball, pass in front of receiver who has hands out as a target.”
“With such a big overload, avoid contact and commit defenders to the tackle.”
This game involves multiple actions relating to the ball including hand positions after passing and catching.
It also teaches how to execute an overload successfully.
in Contact, Passing & Handling
Don’t teach falling over. Teach the players to bounce themselves and therefore the ball off the ground and back into the game. It reduces the fear of falling by making the players embrace the ground as part of a skill for continuity. MORE
“The supporting player starts in front of the ball carrier, while the defender has his back to the attack. When you shout play, with the supporting player walking forward and the defender out of position, the players will have to think quickly to come up with winning solutions.” MORE
Change your try lines so they extend up the edges of the pitch to create a new sort of challenge for the players. The initial outcomes may seem strange, yet you may find the longer-term benefits help your team’s go forward. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Small-sided games
A ball carrier races into the channel and then turns to beat a chasing defender to the end of the channel MORE
in Passing & Handling, Small-sided games
Lines of three players pass the ball quickly to the end player who races to a line in front of them to be the winner of the groups. MORE
Create a fatiguing decision-making exercise for your players. In this 4 v 2 game, the players have 90 seconds to score as many tries as possible but can choose which line to attack each time. MORE
