EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
“A ball carrier on the ground aims to hold the ball while another player tries to rip it away. If it is ripped, the ball carrier attacks to win 1 v 1. If they lose their grip, the player on the ground pops up the ball to their team-mate, who aims to score 1 v 1.”
Cones, a ball.
Put a ball carrier on the ground, holding a ball by their side. Have a defender on their feet, holding the ball. Finally, put the ball carrier’s team-mate about 4m away facing the defender.
Start with the defender trying to drag the ball away from the player on the ground.
If the defender succeeds, they attack, trying to beat the other player. Use touch tackling or full contact.
If the defender slips off the ball, then the ball carrier throws the ball from the ground to their team-mate, who tries to score against the defender. Again, use touch tackling or full contact.
If there is an impasse, shout “release”. The defender must release, put their chest on the ground and then get back up to defend while the ball carrier passes to their team-mate.
Start with the defender not having their hands on the ball. The ball carrier should twist and turn to prevent the defender from grabbing it.
This is a physical game, so just rotate players.
in Contact, Footwork and evasion
Improve your players’ footwork before contact and how they protect the ball, so they retain possession. An excellent breakout exercise during a normal session. The attacker should dominate any contact whether to offload or wait for support. MORE
in Rugby coaching, Rugby drills
Have another coach watch you coach to power up your own coaching. Give them a clear agenda to help make the process focused, less invasive and ultimately positive. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
There are times when you want maximum participation for a small unit skill. Here, you can use lots of small boxes to play fixing games with 2 v 1 situations. You can move easily around the boxes, observing and feeding back. MORE
in Contact, Rugby drills
To create continuity, your players need to understand their support roles. They also need to practise being innovative when it goes wrong. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby drills
Chase down your kicking bombs with an organised line of players. The better the chase, the more chance of stealing the ball. Help your players know their roles. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby drills
If your high-ball receivers can get off the ground to catch the ball, they are protected from being smashed backwards by the opposition chasers. Help them develop the skills and timing with this session. MORE
