EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
in Attack, Rucking & Mauling, Tactics
It is not the “clean” but the ball placement, and what goes before, that is the most important skill to work on in the ruck. Accuracy before and into the contact area and great execution are more important than “emotional” rucking. FOCUS Excellent ball placement comes from ball freedom. The supporting players must know their... MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills, Tips
January sees many people decide to give up guilty pleasures as part of their soul-cleansing New Year’s resolutions. For instance, “For January, no ABCs” – that is, no alcohol, biscuits and chocolate. I’m afraid I didn’t manage that. March brings the start of Lent and thus time, according to the secular soothsayers, to give up... MORE
When the ball reaches the flank and a ruck is formed, you might well need your forwards to set up another play coming back the other way. To keep the pressure on, here’s how you should do it… MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
This is session is about Identifying the channel through which to launch a counter attack and getting the ball and support players into the least defended channel. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Phil Davies explains how you can train forwards to set up from rucks to attack using a simple triangle shape. He outlines the key running lines from players "coming around the corner", or coming back from the touchline. MORE
in Attack, Kicking & Catching, Rugby drills
Work on your counter-attack policies for the back three. This activity covers two phases: first, players must find space from the return, then they need to play away from a quick ruck to exploit an overlap. MORE
in Attack, Attack, Rugby drills, Tactics
A forward receiving the ball in midfield has three options: he passes out to the backs, he passes short to a forward or he goes into contact. Use this drill to help the big guys choose and execute efficiently. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
The desire to offload is as important as the technical skill itself. Create the confidence to play the ball out of the tackle and you will maintain continuity and leave opponents in a spin, says Hurricanes coach, Jason Holland. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Get your players thinking about invention, their roles in and around contact, and playing away from contact with this intense game. MORE
in Attack, Attack, Rugby drills
Practise creating and exploiting try-scoring opportunities by using this attacking drill on a regular basis. Your players will need to work hard to get round the corner of breakdowns. Replicate this scenario in a match and you’ll stretch the opposition defence until they run out of numbers. It’s also a great fitness workout. Line players... MORE
Like other disciplines, rugby has a jargon of its own. Unless the meanings are explained they can be meaning-less. That's why I've explained them in plain, simple English and with large, clear illustrations in my manual Rugby Tactics Made Simple. But not only that, you'll learn how to coach the tactics with my tips. If you’re new to coaching or prefer a more simple style this is a great, straightforward introduction to rugby tactics. "It highlights the key fundamentals of all aspects of play & gives coaches a good understanding of terminology and techniques at the highest level" - Richard Whiffin, assistant coach at London Irish MORE
Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggling to get your points across at training? Perhaps you sometimes simply run out of preparation time? Possibly you're feeling your sessions are getting dull? Do you want a few new skills to boost your player's skills now? Or to help your players develop the techniques for seasons ahead? Maybe even the core skills for their whole rugby playing career? Here's the answer... MORE
Ready-made, age-appropriate, safe training activities, to provide a complete rugby coaching curriculum for players from ages 11 - 16. MORE
