EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Create a fatiguing decision-making exercise for your players. In this 4 v 2 game, the players have 90 seconds to score as many tries as possible but can choose which line to attack each time.
Put four attackers with a ball and two defenders in the middle of the box.
The ball carrier runs to any line on the outside of the box. They then attack the opposite line, which is now the try line.
All the other attackers have to touch the starting line (the one just touched by the ball carrier) before joining the attack.
The two defenders run to the opposite line, before coming forward to defend.
The defenders use touch tackling. If touched, the ball carrier has two seconds to pass the ball.
If a try is scored, the ball carrier can run to any line apart from the previous try line to restart the attack again.
If there’s an infringement or the ball carrier fails to pass in time, the attack simply starts at any line they want to, repeating the “starting process” again.
Run for 90 seconds and then swap roles.
Don’t allow any time for passing after the touch.
Allow grubber kicks. That is, the ball can be kicked, but must bounce inside the box.
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We all think of a lovely diamond shape of support. A ball carrier at the front, two supporters on either side to take a short pass and a player behind to support in contact. That is the ideal shape for support but the reality is different because unless you are running a set piece move... MORE
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
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in Attack, Rugby drills
Put your players into more realistic scenarios so they can test their skills in the same circumstances as they would in the game. It’s also a good test for the defenders too. By shifting the defenders’ start points and making the attack line up depending on where the defender goes, the 2v1 becomes more match-like. The defender can also decide whether to rush up or hold his ground to force other decisions. MORE
