Replicate game situations where forwards have to ruck and handle in quick succession, with a degree of decision-making. It needs the simple things done well.
Forwards often have to mix contact and handling skills in a short space of time. Challenge them to move quickly from skill to skill.
ACTIVITY
Set up six attackers, three ruck-pad holders and four other defenders in boxes.
Make three players clear the ruck-pad holders out of their box, releasing the ball for the next three attackers who have to punch through the two defenders in the adjacent box.
Finally, once through this box, they have to beat the final two defenders who come forward once the attack enters the wide box. Use full contact tackling.
DEVELOPMENT
Only work on one element at a time, or two together.
Swap starting points to create different angles.
Make the first box a tackle and ruck box (take away the pads).
GAME SITUATION
Put four defenders and six attackers in a 20m box, with one attacker 2m from the defenders.
When you shout “go”, the first attacker must aim to beat the defence. He cannot offload the ball.
Once a ruck forms the attack can only score without resorting to another ruck.
TECHNIQUE
Using strong body positions, clear ruck pads, drive ball through defence and beat defenders.
Maintain good go forward.
Get yourself back into the game quickly from the previous situation.
"With the return to rugby, I’m really worried that my team (U13s) will have forgotten lots of things about rugby. In particular, I’m trying to work out when and how to introduce contact and tackling."
This question came from a coach in Gloucester and is typical of lots of concerns around this area of the game.
It is true that the players will have "forgotten" lots of skills.
Here's how I would approach this situation. On the next page are two tackling exercises to support training.
MORE
Improve your players’ awareness of how to move together as a defensive line.
A defensive line needs to know who’s covering who and then double up if they can to make a tackle. MORE
Make sure your players use the right footwork to power through the contact area and then manipulate the ball so they can offload or present the ball cleanly.
Though power and aggression are important in the contact area, the ball carrier also needs to be technically accurate to ensure good continuity. MORE
Work on good setups and movement, jumping and organisation in your lineout pods with this dynamic activity. It should mix up roles of your players.
Let players try out different roles, even if it’s not perfect. That allows players to realise what works for all those involved in the lineout lift and jump. MORE
Introduce players of mixed ability to contact by building up the skills through games and questioning.
I’ve found that using this progression of activity, the players develop contact skills together. You can adjust the pitch sizes and timings to suit your players. MORE
This session will help players highlight their core skills under pressure. It works especially on short passes when the ball carrier is running “offline”.
Offline means the passer is either running towards the intended receiver or away. MORE