Though we like players to pass on the run, for younger players it’s good if they can run, stop and pass to make sure they keep a move flowing and bring other players into the game.
If you want to create a bit of width in your game, use this exercise to create opportunities to move the ball wide.
Three players start at one end of the box with the ball carrier opposite the nearest “stop box”.
The ball carrier runs forward and stops in the box. They then pass to the player next to them.
This player runs to the next stop box and repeats. The last receiver and all the other players run to the end of the area. They then turn and repeat.
DEVELOPMENTS
You can time how quickly they can complete four up and downs.
You will need to adjust the boxes so they can pass from the other side (their weaker hand).
Finally, develop by having the first player loop around the back of the second and third player to take a pass from the third player, who stops in the box in front of them.
TECHNIQUE
Look at who you are passing to.
Hands out to receive the pass.
Finish with hands towards the receiver after the pass
Here’s how to practise the commonly used “tunnel ball” play to break outside the defence by holding defenders with decoy runners and threading the ball between them. MORE
Work on side-on tackles where the defenders are scrambling across to cover the attack. They will need to keep square so they don’t get sidestepped, and keep in the line with their team mates. Moving from a prone position means initially they will be disrupted and will have to find their positioning quickly. MORE
In designing my first session back after lockdown, I need to understand my focus, principles and my team's current state. What is my focus for this return to rugby? I want the players to enjoy their return to rugby and I want to run sessions that allow for plenty of social interaction that they have probably missed. I need to be empathetic to the fact that they will have done a varying amount of exercise in the last few months. I do want to use the next few months to re-enforce my own principles of play for my backline players and build on the skill levels and understanding that will underpin that. MORE
Bounce out is a term used to explain the action of the 9 when running away from a breakdown. Here’s how it works and how to practise it in a game-like situation. MORE
Eamonn Hogan chats with World Cup winning Graham Smith about the modern scrum. Graham, who is a level 5 coach, coached England Women to a World Cup in 2014 and six Grand Slams. He has coached with the Worcester Academy, CN Poble Nou in Spain, Stoke and Moseley RFC. Graham and Eamonn cover the following... MORE
A session ideal for pre-season or in-season if you need to reconnect your players with their handling skills and pace onto the ball. Accurate passing is essential to maintain a flowing attacking move capable of exploiting mismatches and space. Look at the detail as well as the outcomes. MORE
