EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Teach your players the importance of avoiding the tackler while running in the right direction with this fun game that also works on player tracking and tackling.
A 7m square within a 15m square. Seven attackers, each holding a ball are in the 7m square with five defenders surrounding them (picture 1).
On your call of “Go!”, defenders run around their nearest outside cone then re-enter the square.
Attackers score a try by breaking out of the 15m square without being two-hand touch tackled by a defender (picture 2).
When all attackers have scored or been touched they turn and face the 7m square from outside the 15m square. Defenders now go into the 7m square. On your second call of “Go!”, defenders break from the small square while attackers look to get back into it without being touched (picture 3).
Play for two minutes. If numbers permit, play two squares and see who the best defence/attack is. Switch roles and repeat.
“Ball always in two hands”
“Constantly look left and right when in possession”.
By looking at defenders and where they are running, this game allows players to see where the defence is and take action to avoid it.
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Use these breakout exercises to focus on handling decision-making before returning the players to a game. Avoid stopping and starting – just let it run to allow the attackers to find solutions. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Here’s how Mike Hall, formerly head of academy at Bristol, likes to put together an academy session for his U16 players at Bristol. Each session has two themes but we're going to look at one half of it – in this case, moving the ball into space. MORE
Fast and fun, this energetic game originates from India and will develop your players’ footwork, teamwork and contact skills. MORE
in Rugby coaching, Small-sided games
A message to the Twitter rugby community. What would you do differently? How would you improve the players? What you suggest to do next? #coachingthoughts #strainthebrain. This is what Twitter suggested after they had watched this video MORE
in Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Use this scenario to develop your players' ability to get back into the game quickly and make good decisions. They also have to scan as they recover. MORE
Using games in training is acknowledged throughout the coaching profession - from grassroots to the top of the professional game - as one of the best ways to improve rugby skills and tactics. Here three games, "power passing", "no-go zones" and "one pass" to develop your players. MORE
