If you have good tacklers but a poor defensive unit, use this game where small groups of defenders have to work hard to prevent tries as a team, says Craig Newby, Ulster skills coach.
Using shorter, sharper sessions means players can concentrate on getting things right and also play at match-like intensity. This type of session is also far more enjoyable and means players give their all. MORE
Sharpen minds and bodies by reducing defensive numbers and replacing entire attacks when things go wrong - and do it all at an intense pace.
This recreates the pressure of the final minutes of a match with non-stop defence and attack. It improves physical fitness and sharpens the discipline required to attack and defend well. MORE
Develop your players’ handling with this rotation of activities. Quick to set up, it could form part of a warm-up routine. Each exercise has a challenge to keep players motivated to look to improve. MORE
Modern coach thinking suggests that we should play the game, but with modifications. Make those changes more effective to allow your players to learn faster and develop better habits. MORE
Help players find the soft edges in a defence by exposing them to lots of match-type scenarios. This game creates opportunities for attackers to react to space and attack it. MORE
Use these two “change” games to create different problems to challenge players to think about more than just executing skills. Ideal for all ages, you might find some attractive solutions.
These games are quick to set up and the rules are very obvious. The solutions to win aren’t though. And they are different for both teams. Ideal to make your players think more. MORE
Need to build up players' contact confidence or create more physical sessions? Here are four tried-and-test methods that help players understand how to adapt. MORE
The attackers recover ball bounced into the space and then attack. They lose if caught in possession, drop the ball or even worse, let it out of the bigger box. MORE
A ball carrier on the ground aims to hold the ball while another player tries to rip it away. If it is ripped, the ball carrier attacks to win 1 v 1. If they lose their grip, the player on the ground pops up the ball to their team-mate, who aims to score 1 v 1. MORE
