EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
After one year of tackling, the players are now moving onto rucks, and in some parts of the world, mauling.
A ruck is where a player from each competes for the ball which is on the ground after a tackle, but cannot put their hands on the ball.
In the adult version of the game, there are 19 ruck laws! However, at this stage you only need to be aware of around five. See how our guide to rucking for the first time here.
For a guide to under 10s rugby, see our approach to coaching under 10s.
For the key skills, go to this link.
Remember, the players should be playing games more than doing just drills. There are plenty to choose from below!
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Create low-impact tackle situations where the defender has to move into position without much time to think. A sharp response and accurate technique are called for in this defence activity. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
A defender who finishes on top of the tackle is a valuable asset, because he’ll be quicker to join the next phase of the game. Help players learn the skill and understand the benefits with this activity. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Tacklers need to feel confident that the right technique works. This is more difficult when they are practising with static targets. Part of the reason why a ball carrier goes to ground is that they are unbalanced, and so it's much easier to bring a moving player down to the ground. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Players may need to react quickly to decide who and how to tackle. Get them switched on with this drill, which teaches them to put their head in the right place when making tackles – on both sides. MORE
in Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Dominating the contact area will put your team on the front foot. So use this session to get your players into better body positions, so they can drive through contact and still stay on their feet. MORE
in Rugby drills
New skills Full tackle (completing the tackle) 1 v 1 ruck 2 v 1 and 2 v 2 mauls (RFU rules) Tackle jackle (stealing the ball from the tackled players before a ruck is formed) Body position into contact to avoid a maul Scrum profiles Core skills from U9s rugby Ball placement Short passing Passing... MORE
in Rugby drills
Develop your players’ ability to get into the best positions to support the ball carrier. They have to react to the speed of the ball carrier and his likely pass, so good communication is imperative. MORE
in Tips
Rucking is the main new skill for the players at under 10s and it will one v one. MORE
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby drills
Being accurate with your ball receipt at kick-offs and drop-outs will consolidate your game. So help your players develop their catching, realignment and passing skills with this simple activity. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Practice plans, Rugby drills
This basic footwork session will benefit players in all positions as they attack defenders in close or wide situations. They will have to see where to run and change angle sharply and at pace to adjust. By Dan Cottrell CHALLENGES > Run hard at the first gap, then change direction when indicated. > Look up... MORE
