EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
If you have a large squad for a training session, you will want to keep them motivated and active in a session. If there's just one or two of coaches, then a large-sided game is a great way to pursue skills and tactics within one activity. MORE
When the defending team regain possession of the ball, a turnover, it's a great chance to attack. In the pro-game, with all the organised defences in place, this is a very potent opportunity. MORE
So, you start your session with a game of touch rugby. Who doesn't love that! Then, you want to break out into some skills. To keep the tempo going, you should involve some decision-making elements. MORE
Did you know that some teams now even employ an “off-the-ball” coach? They concentrate on all the players who are not directly involved in the ball. Give your players lots of opportunities to judge where they should be in relation to the ball and what they need to do next to be more effective. Use the... MORE
One of the key principles of defence is to stay connected. That means working as a team to close down the options. So, no matter what defensive system you run, the defenders should be aware of their team mates. MORE
Your fly half, also known as the stand off or pivot, plays a central role in your attacking options. Away from the match and on the training field, you can enhance your 10's decision making and positional sense with a range of exercises and playing tips. MORE
I love lineouts. They are one of the number of games within the game of rugby. I’ve tried to improve the deception element so when the forwards practise their lineouts, they can even trick their own teammates. That brings on some brilliant competition between the players. In 4 v 4 lineouts for tempo, skills coaching expert... MORE
in Email Newsletters, Rugby drills
How many times have you seen an overlap go to waste? Not a 2 v 1, but if you have 4 v 3 or 5 v 3? MORE
in Email Newsletters, Rugby drills
In coaching, there’s a time to tell and a time to ask. Both are powerful ways to help players understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as give them opportunities to learn. I asked one of our expert grassroots coaches, Ian “Didds” Diddams, to come up with the essential questions to use with yout players,... MORE
in Email Newsletters, Rucking & Mauling
Ruck pads, also known as tackle shields, provide a soft landing for shoulders (and heads sometimes) when practising rucking. They are not an alternative to rucking practice. Instead, they should help players to concentrate on details that they can apply to a bone-on-bone practice later in the session. MORE
