PIG!
in Mini tag, Small-sided games
A variation on piggy-in-the-middle with changing options as the game continues. Use a large die or just call out the numbers to change the constraints. MORE
Rocket touch
Create a super-fast game of touch rugby which focuses on excellent ground contact skills, quick clear-the-ball techniques and then good realignment tactics. MORE
Adaptive Games: The secret of successful coaches
The premise is simple: players (even the pro ones!) love games. And if the challenges are right, they will improve their skills and decision making faster than they would in a simple drill. MORE
PacMan
in Footwork and evasion, Small-sided games
Use this rugby version of the popular arcade game to work on evasive skills, decision making and deception. By Josh Barlow, RDO for the Isle of Wight PacMen start where they want Ghosts start by the balls and pick one up on the call “GO” On “GO”, players can run along any line Ghosts chase... MORE
Snakes and ladders scenario game
in Attack, Defence, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Use this game to help players to decide about the risks and rewards for attacking and defending certain areas of the pitch. Success allows the attack up the ladder. Fail and slide down the snake. By Dan Cottrell Six attackers start on the 22m line and they can start anywhere along the line Six defenders... MORE
Put on a 2 hour session for 90 U12s
in Attack, Defence, Rugby coaching, Rugby drills, Small-sided games, Team Management
Nick Wilkinson was asked to devise a rugby transition programme for a school with 180 new Year 7 children (U12s). He had two days, so split them in half and did the following two-hour session with each group of 90 pupils. As part of my role as the Rugby Development Officer for Sevenoaks Rugby, I... MORE
Deception evasion games
in Footwork and evasion, Small-sided games
Use adaptive games to create deception. Players trick their opponents to score points. By Dan Cottrell GAME 1: STARBURST The defenders spread out, no nearer than 5m from the attackers Four attackers stand in the middle with a ball When the attackers ”burst” they aim to score over any line without the ball carrier being touched... MORE
Physical handling games
in Attack, Contact, Defence, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
These two adaptive games are ideal warm-ups to more intensive training sessions. One looks for players to find catching solutions, the other is a simple maul contest – though there’s never anything simple about mauling. By Dan Cottrell GAME 1 Dive zone The blocker moves side to side in the middle 5m The two attackers... MORE
Multi-ball chaotic adaptive games
in Attack, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
These two adaptive games give the players a chance to use evasion and passing, depending on the shape of the defence and the amount of confusion caused by the mess created! By Dan Cottrell GAME 1 Two ball steal and score Put a 4 v 2 in each box, with the 4 trying to maintain... MORE
Support play adaptive games
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills, Small-sided games, Tackling
Play games where there are 360 goal lines or multiple angles to score from, so every player in attack and defence has to be moving and communicating off-the-ball to help score or prevent scores. Two towers Set up Two tackle tubes and one ball in a 30m by 17m box (inside 22m area and between... MORE
