Narrow and wide breakdown scenarios
in Attack, Rugby drills
Use this scenario to create decision-making opportunities around attacking the edge of a defence. The edge is where the end of the line of defenders exists. MORE
Use scenarios to engage players
Scenarios offer a great way of engaging your players in games. By putting the players in a specific point of a well known match, they get the opportunity to develop their game management. For younger players, scenarios give them the opportunity to be their favourite players of their favourite teams. For older players, scenarios give them the opportunity to challenge their decision making with regards to the score-line and also how to deal with specific threats or weaknesses in future opposition. MORE
Using scenarios to focus on ‘go forward’
in Tactics
In my previous article I introduced the idea of scenarios, why you may use them and how to use them. Here, I will be looking at a specific scenario that focuses on the principle of play ‘go forward’. MORE
Slice and block
in Attack, Rugby drills
Break down an organised defence, by focusing on the space outside their 10. Here are two plays which are easy to set up, but require a good level of skill to run the right lines and time those runs. The angles should give your team a chance to get over the tackle line, if not break the line. MORE
Break or not: What next?
in Attack, Rugby coaching, Rugby drills
Too often we try to practise backs moves until they are perfect forgetting to consider what happens next. Mix up training so you spend time on both supporting a break or realigning to play if a tackle is made. MORE
Risk and reward for jackling
in Defence
Attempting to steal tackle ball, jackling, can lead to turnovers but also has a nasty habit of leading to penalties. Weigh up the risks and rewards with your players. MORE
Three lessons from Gallagher Premiership strike moves
What have I learnt from the strike moves of the Premiership teams? MORE
Exit details from set pieces
An exit is the way a team moves out of its 22m area. Normally a team will kick from a lineout, but from a scrum, it will look to kick or pass away. Here’s some crucial detail. MORE
Kick returns – don’t just throw away possession
Far more possession comes from opposition kicks than scrums or lineouts. You need to have a plan to use this possession – not all of it can simply be run back. Before players make counter attacking decisions, they need to be aware of the type of kick they are receiving and the sort of chase. KICKING... MORE
Be a line break guru
in Attack
Know the detail behind how teams consistently break the tackle line so your team can dent the opposition defence more often. Here’s Jason Gilmore's analysis of how it happens at the top level. MORE
