EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
in Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
The maul is a dynamic contact situation which occurs mostly from lineouts. There are lots of “coach” theories on how to set up and drive forward from a maul, some of which you might use. Now add the science to help you work out what works best for you. MORE
in Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
Counter rucking can spoil an attacking team’s quick ruck ball. Either your players win back the ball or, at worst, disrupt the opposition scrum half’s attempt to pick and clear it. This session progresses to focus on the decision-making process for counter rucking. MORE
in Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Use this series of exercises to build up simple skills for rucking. It starts with low impact techniques before upping the level of contact in a breakdown contest. Contact needs careful management. Skills should be honed before they are put into bone-on-bone situations. MORE
in Contact, Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Plan for decision-making at rucks. First three sessions for technical, then a four-week planner and then four specific decision-making ruck attack sessions. MORE
Even when your players run predictable lines, there are still going to be occasions when they need to support the tackled player when they least expect it. This session works on this part of the game. If the ball carrier is momentarily isolated, support players need to react quickly to secure the ball. MORE
Though you want to avoid defenders, sometimes you will have to take contact. Develop ways to retain possession at the ruck and after by keeping the ball carrier active in the tackle. Defences will aim to force turnovers if the ball carrier can’t release a pass. If the ball carrier works hard to twist, turn and spin during the tackle, they will become less of a target. MORE
Use superhero memes to help your players understand their roles to create better ruck ball. MORE
Winning a ruck with just one player is a great way to maximise numbers post contact. In open spaces, this is a top skill to develop to retain quick ball and play again. Attacking away from congested areas, this is an ideal way to keep quick ball going. It’s also a good individual skill for normal rucks too. MORE
in Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Use a flag pole to help players to find the best height to arrive at the contact area. The lower they arrive, the easier it is to win the contest over the ball. The pole creates a strong visual cue. It helps players get used to dipping down to the right height. MORE
in Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Make sure your players focus on their roles. They need to know what they will do once the set piece has finished or a ruck has been won and lost. Improve your team’s continuity of possession and defence by helping them to think ahead. MORE
