ONE PLAYER

Warm up the shoulders, core and develop coordination.

A player stands with two hands on one ball, while in a prone/scrum position. They then move to a ball less an arm’s distance away, without touching the ground with their knees or hands.

Another player can move the balls to make it a longer walk.

TWO PLAYERS

Gently, starting on the knees, one player engages against another. Depending on the age group, they rise to their knees, rocking back and forward to maintain their balance. Better players can move a few steps to the left and then a few to the right.

THREE PLAYERS

One player pushes against two. The two take very small steps backwards. After about 15 seconds, the pushing player swaps.

FOUR PLAYERS

Two players bind together and then scrummage against another two. After 15 seconds, swap the player who is between two opposition players. See if the players can scrummage at one height and then, keeping themselves steady, move two inches lower.

FIVE PLAYERS

Test the balance of one player by having two players behind them, facing two more players. Hold for 15 seconds, with all the emphasis on a strong profile from the single player before rotating.

SIX PLAYERS (1)

As above, but with an additional player at the back of the two.

SIX PLAYERS (2)

Three v three, with one group getting to strike the ball. The other group provide ballast, not trying to push.

EIGHT PLAYERS

Bind two and two. One group acts as the pushers, the other group try to resist.

Key technical pointers

• Body shape: flat back, with knees vertically in line with hips, or just in front or behind.
• Wobbles: break quickly, especially if the players are fatigued.
• Players’ feedback: keep asking for solutions on how to improve.