EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Use this low impact tackling exercise to work on both the ball carrier’s ball placement after the tackle, tackler technique and recovering.
The emphasis is on completing the tackle, with the tackler’s “speed to feet” to then compete for the ball.
Put two players back-to-back. If you have tackle suits, then the ball carrier should wear one.
When you say “go”, each player runs about 2m before turning. The ball carrier runs straight while the tackler comes forward to make a front-on tackle.
After the tackle, the ball carrier places the ball correctly while the tackler races to their feet to compete for the ball.
Repeat three times before swapping roles. You can also rotate the ball carriers so the tacklers have a different target.
Hold up either a blue or red cone. If it’s red, the tackler goes for the ball. If blue, they step back to the edge of the ball carrier ready to defend. This helps them consider when they should compete or not.
Add in another attacker and defender who run to the side 5m before coming back into the tackle to compete for the ball.
Add in some competition by calling out a winner of each round. Choose a winner not just based on speed, but safe technique, clear release and position competing for the ball.
This is a quick-fire exercise. After the demonstration, in which you focus on the key point for the activity, get the players active, with plenty of energy.
Move up and down the line. Sometimes, be specific to a player, sometimes call out a reminder of the key point.
in Rugby coaching, Rugby drills
In the third part of a session, after a warm-up game and then a skill drill, introduce a skill game. The game is still focused on the objective. It gives the players a chance to explore the skill in the context of the game and see why it is relevant. MORE
in Email Newsletters, Lesson Plans, Rugby drills
In Lockdown planning: Quick ruck ball sessions, we focused on applying pressure on the defence. Now, let's plan for the other side of the ball. France's defence coach, Shaun Edwards says that it is his main metric for success: slowing down ruck possession. To enhance learning, you are better off focusing on an “arc” of learning for a specific area. This means spreading out the training over a number of weeks, rather than dedicating one session to this. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Here's my analysis of four different scrum half passes. Each one has their own style and is effective in its own way. Use these clips to inform your own coaching and share with your 9s to help them find improvements in their passing. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Get players to attack defenders in close or wide situations. They will have to see where to run and change angle sharply at pace to adjust. Players need the confidence to change angles, especially those players who are not used to sprinting and conditioning. MORE
in Rugby drills
Develop the skills to cover an attack which might be outflanking your defence. This activity works on the choices to come forward or track back. If your team is in danger of being outflanked in attack, what do they do? In many cases, teams sacrifice territory by scrambling backwards across the field allowing them to... MORE
in Girls/Womens
In 2016, Harlequins and England star and Girls Rugby Club’s Advisory Board member, Leanne Riley helped set up the girls’ section at Guildfordians Rugby Club, which has grown to more than 75 players. The key element to this success was her work in engaging girls with rugby within schools. With girls playing rugby in schools,... MORE
