Not all rucks are made the same and neither are the players. Especially in the forwards, the difference in height can mean they need to explore varied techniques. Here’s how…
Tall players (like locks) need to keep on their feet when it comes to driving into low rucks. Props can make use of their size to clear defenders past the ball.
Put three attacking ruckers on their fronts in the middle of one side of the box.
Have two ruck-pad holders in each box, just behind a ruck pad on the ground.
Shout out a number between one and three, plus a colour.
That number of ruckers get to their feet and run over the designated ruck pad before driving away the ruck pads.
As the ruckers get to their feet, indicate with your arm whether you want the pad holders to either just move forward OR lean very low over the ruck pad in front of them.
If they are normal height, the ruckers drive them back and out of the box.
If they are very low, they just clear them back from the pad and stop.
Develop by having three pairs of players scrummaging against each other.
In a box next to them a player feeds an attacker and he’s tackled immediately.
The scrummaging players break and aim to win or secure the ball.
Set up a realistic training scenario so your players can practise backs moves like “slice”, where timing, angles and decisions all depend on how the defence sets up and then reacts. MORE
Every successful team will have a number of effective “starter” plays. These are used from a set piece to win the battle on the gain line and, if possible, break it.
Teams often feature one good distributor and another powerful ball-carrier at 12 and 13. There is a simple and productive pattern to get the most out of your resources with this arrangement, commonly called the “slice”. MORE
Lineouts are a powerful attacking weapon, especially if you can set your maul well. Done well and you could be rolling in to score from outside the 22m. Here’s a plan to get yourself set in just three weeks.
You won’t be starting from scratch when it comes to perfecting maul skills but simply building on what players already know. MORE
Put your players into more realistic scenarios so they can test their skills in the same circumstances as they would in the game. It’s also a good test for the defenders too.
It creates great go forward and the two players on either side of the catcher prevent the ball from being grabbed by the opposition. MORE
The clearing pass from a ruck isn’t always made by a scrum half. Every player in your team needs to be able to perform it as it is unrealistic to expect the 9 to be at every breakdown.
This activity is designed to make as many clearing passes as possible to allow you to see everyone’s ability. You then help players improve. MORE
Decision-making scenarios need to be slightly different every single time. Otherwise, players are not making decisions, they are simply repeating a technique. Here’s how to set up challenges that also create good habits. To beat one defender with two attackers, the ball carrier must draw the defender and then release a pass so the defender... MORE
