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.
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