Most young players have good natural agility skills so practise them often. The warm-up is the best place to play chasing games and here are two games that combine agility, fitness and fun.
By Ian Diddams, RFU coach tutor with over 20 years experience in coaching at grassroots level Overview Short, sharp passing in close proximity can prove effective not only in keeping the ball away from contact but also in defeating tightly packed defences. Set up You will need: A 20m x 5m channel Groups of five...
From Rugby Coach Weekly Make players more aware at the tackle contest by giving them lots of match-like situations where they need to make contact, recover and then win the next breakdown. Why use it Replicate match scenarios by unbalancing and disorientating players before getting them to enter a tackle contest situation. Because it is...
By Ian Diddams, RFU coach tutor with over 20 years’ experience in coaching at grassroots level Overview In Sevens, winning a ruck with just one player is a vital skill to maximise numbers post contact. Set up Three attackers and three defenders. A 10m x 5m box. Three ruck pads. Three balls. What you get...
By Darren Kingham-Scott, head coach of Winchester RFC and Hampshire RFU women’s and U15s coach Overview This is a good warm-up activity using tackle tubes. Remember good technique is more important than “flying” into the tubes. Set up 20m x 10m box Five tubes in zigzag formation approximately 7m apart One player stands behind each...
I like to look for drills that can easily be adapted to work for different abilities, and even add in new skills A good example of this is my favourite 4v2 attacking scenario. It comes from Sean Holley, former Ospreys and Bristol coach. It’s got something to offer for all players above the age of...
By Paul Tyler, Scottish Rugby Union level 3 qualified coach, former SRU rugby development officer and a qualified referee Create a team of players who go forward with the ball and find space rather than run backwards or sideways which is a common trait among very young players. Why use it Develop understanding of the...
By Paul Tyler, Scottish Rugby Union level 3 qualified coach, former SRU rugby development officer and a qualified referee Overview Improve support play and awareness of how and when to arrive in the “Support Zone”. Develop the ability to change pace to provide the most effective support (see picture 1). Set up Set out six...
A rucking grid creates various challenges for the players to react to. It helps them concentrate on how to arrive "through the gate" and make a difference at the ruck.
By Mark Calverley, RFU Level 3 and IRB Level 4 qualified coach, and owner of the NZRFU Practicum award – the highest coaching award in New Zealand Overview Understanding how good technique helps fluency in catching and passing to develop skills that will lead to more efficiency and success. Set up A 20m x 10m...
From Rugby Coach Weekly Beef up your defence so players make tackle after tackle. The opposition will be put under immense pressure in attack and will be staggered by your defensive work rate. Why use it We always tell players to get up quickly after the tackle but how often do we create practices to...
