EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
in Attack, Kicking & Catching, Return to play
Playing to the corners is part of a territorial game. Tactically it applies pressure on the opposition, can force turnovers or gain field position as the defence struggles to clear. How does this work and how can we put this into a training session. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Develop good spacing in the attacking line to spread the defence and then find gaps. This activity starts the process by pulling attackers out of position and forces them to adjust. The development is ideal for the next stage of Return to Play. MORE
Kicking tactics have changed. With more players in the backfield covering kicks, you now need to savvier with your kicking game. A kicking game is still a key way to jumble up defences. However, defences are staying out of rucks and spreading across the field, thus allowing more players in the backfield. With more players behind the first line of defence, there is less space to kick to. These two factors have meant that kicking has to be more accurate. We cannot get away with kicking the ball long without an excellent chase. We have to think about where we are kicking. MORE
You need to be flexible in your approach to backline defence and suit the strengths of the team you coach. But there are principles you need to keep to be effective in the modern game. COACH THE TEAM, NOT THE SYSTEM I have coached a number of different teams and I think it is important... MORE
in Attack
Players like Chris Ashton have shown that wingers can come into the line from the blindside and cause havoc. Here’s how to exploit the “inside full back”. MORE
You might be coaching your team the blitz for the first time or reintroducing it. Here's how I have introduced my system of the blitz to teams. MORE
in Attack, Rugby coaching
Make best use of the backs in matches – concentrate your training on good skills and fast reactions. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tactics
Develop your players’ understanding on when to offload and when to go to ground, present and clear the threats, depending on the weather conditions. Train contact techniques for both wet and dry days, whatever the training weather. MORE
By reading their specific kicking cues, your players can be in position to receive different types of kick. Know the signs for high ball kicks from their 9 or 10 and be ready to counter. MORE
How often do we see the best full backs in the world seem to be in the right place at the right time to receive kicks? In this series on reading the opposition kicking game, I start with good set-ups. MORE
