EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
When you run a move from the back of the scrum, the quality of ball delivery by the 8 is crucial. So work your 8 and 9 in isolation to develop an understanding of what’s best to use and when…
If the 8 can pass, or run and pass, from the base of the scrum, it allows the 9 extra options to be part of a move.
Step and pass [TOP PICTURE] Using his feet, the 8 pushes the ball onto his right foot, as if it’s just been heeled. Then he puts his left foot forward, disengages and lifts the ball to the 9 (not pictured), who stands to his right or just behind him (picture 1, top).
Flick pass [BOTTOM PICTURE] Using his feet, the 8 pushes the ball between his legs. Then, with his right hand (away from opposition 9), he flicks the ball through his legs like an American Football “snap”.
Pick and roll When attacking left, the 8 puts the ball on his right foot, disengages and picks up. Pivoting around his left foot, he backs into the rival 9 and feeds the flanker, who’s running to the left.
Attack and pass The 8 puts the ball onto his right foot. After a signal from the 9, he disengages, picks up and runs right at 45 degrees to engage their 7, then pops the ball to the 9. Use a tackle tube and cones to replicate a scrum scenario.
A four-man lineout gives a great chance to win the ball and then attack with support into the opposition midfield. Here are the simple options to ensure clean ball to attack with. Set up a platform and space to attack with “spare” forwards. You have five forwards involved in the lineout, so three players can be in the backline. MORE
Not every lineout take is clean. Use this session to help your players learn how to recover the ball (or chase through onto opposition ball). There are lots of complementary skills in this scenario type session: ground work, rucking, body positions, communication. MORE
in Attack
Know the detail behind how teams consistently break the tackle line so your team can dent the opposition defence more often. Here’s Jason Gilmore's analysis of how it happens at the top level. MORE
Against an organised defence, you can use closely packed groups of forwards to dent the line and then attack the recovering, disorganised defence. Often known as pods, this requires organisation, especially around the roles of the players in terms of carrying the ball and supporting that ball carrier. In its simplest format, after a set-piece like a scrum or lineout, the forwards who were not involved in winning the ball back after the first tackle, realign to take the next pass. This is in the expectation that the backline doesn't penetrate the line the first time. MORE
in Rugby drills, Scrums & Lineouts
Work on good setups and movement, jumping and organisation in your lineout pods with this dynamic activity. It should mix up roles of your players. Let players try out different roles, even if it’s not perfect. That allows players to realise what works for all those involved in the lineout lift and jump. MORE
Make more of poor opposition kicks with this session. Also, work on what your defence might do when you do make a poor kicking decision. Most matches have poor kicks. Use these training scenarios to practise your team’s reactions and decision making. MORE
