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
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
in Defence, Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills
Use this simple defence activity to help defenders work in pairs, while giving one defender more responsibility than the other. MORE
Help players learn about the battle over the ball when they are bound together in a ruck. Concentrates on the 1v1 ruck. MORE
Get your players used to tackling side-on with either shoulder MORE
Get players using a parachute fall technique, which prevents putting out a hand to break the fall MORE
Get tackled players placing the ball away from the body and lying so they are facing towards their own goal line 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
