EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Get players used to holding the ball, running with it then passing it – and doing so in a limited timespan. This possession game gives players just three seconds to do everything.
Play 6v6 in a 15m square (picture 1).
On your whistle each player has two seconds in possession of the ball before passing to a team mate. Players can run with the ball but must pass within the allotted time.
Only two-handed passes are allowed – no tapping the ball onwards or one-handed overhead passes. Use two-handed touch tackles only.
If dropped, over the time limit or touched in possession, the other team gets the ball.
Place a time limit on the game (say one minute) and one team stays in possession for that entire time if not touch-tackled. The number of passes made in that time decides the winning team.
Have as many games as players permit, going down to 4v4 or 5v5 if necessary.
“Look for support before AND while you have the ball.”
“Calling at the right time in the right way: Not “ME” or “YES” but “LEFT”, “RIGHT” or “BEHIND”.
“Get into position to receive the pass safely.”
“Secure the ball before passing it on.”
Gets players catching and passing while under pressure and looking for support from team mates.
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
