EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES

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Spin out of contact

by Eamonn Hogan in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills

Develop another evasive skill for the ball carrier by encouraging them to spin just before the tackle. The footwork needs experimenting with because it can unbalance players.

Although spinning before contact slows you down a little and is less confrontational, there are occasions when it can allow you to break free from a defender and move into a space.

ACTIVITY

  1. Set the tackle tubes in a triangle pattern as shown.

  1. Get a player to run at the first tube and spin left or right.

  1. They then spin the opposite way as they approach the second tube (into the gap between the second line of tubes). This means they must step off both feet in quick succession.

DEVELOPMENT

  1. Get the ball carrier to change hands in between spins.
  2. Introduce players to replace tackle tubes – ask them to slap any ball they see to ensure the spin is technically correct.

TECHNIQUE

Ask players to pivot on the foot area behind their big toe. This will ensure they have their heels off the ground and can allow them to change direction in quick succession. Placing their whole foot on the ground will not make the spin as dynamic as it should be.

Make each player aware of which side you feel they are weakest at – they can then concentrate on that while completing the activity.

NOTES

Ensure the ball is carried in two hands and just before the spin, the ball stays AWAY from the pad /player throughout the movement. Doing this in this passive environment is good practice before they begin using it
match play.

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