EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
in Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
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
Can your team ruck for 20 phases? It’s not a common scenario, but challenge them in training to maintain the skill execution and accuracy for this type of ball retention. If your team can concentrate for 20 continuous phases, it will mean that your normal multi-phase rugby will be much easier to execute. MORE
in Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
Get rucking. This session will make your players ruck more than they will in a game, so they will be more than match ready. They will have to ruck fast, efficiently and when they are tired. The session takes place in a square, so players cannot arrive from the wrong angle or side. MORE
in Core skills, Rucking & Mauling
Jono Farrell says, having researched the top teams and their success rate around the ruck, it’s clear the players have defined roles. By creating the mindset and system, you can develop the skills you need for quick ball. MORE
in Email Newsletters, Rucking & Mauling
If you are able to train, then you will be aiming to improve your players' skills and tactical appreciation around specific areas of the game. If you are in lockdown, it's a chance to hone your session planning in readiness for your return. MORE
in Return to play, Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
This session reintroduces the ruck to players and follows a similar pattern in that we first check for the ability of players to ruck safely, remind players of relevant laws and reintroduce contact in a controlled manner. We are stripping this back to the very basics. MORE
in Rucking & Mauling, Small-sided games
First time for rucks, or even the second season of rucking? Then use this session to get your players thinking and then playing contact in the right way. MORE
in Practice plans, Rucking & Mauling
Safe rucking equals good rucking. This session helps players get the idea that arriving at the ruck with a good body position will give them more power at the contact and will keep them on their feet. This low to high movement is like a plane taking off. MORE
To create continuity, your players need to understand their support roles at the tackle contest. They also need to practise being innovative for when it goes wrong. MORE
in Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Make quick, accurate decisions at the ruck with the role of the first support player based on the incoming threat from the nearest defender. The first support player has to judge the tackle situation to decide on his role. This is best trained through game-like activities where there are lots of possible outcomes. MORE
