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attacking DRILLS
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Continuous Attacking

Groups of four, 1 attacker and three defenders Coach calls out the number of a defender as the attacker retreats to allow that defender and the attacker to continue the drill Attacker reacts to defender and attempts to score

Agility & Running Skills

Defender - Round and Realign

Tell your players the following...... There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier. Each group will have one defender, the defenfer will not have to go around the cone. On GO, the group moves towards the closest cone.At the cone, the players spread out and attack the line at pace and with width. They should realign following the attack left, to attack again right. When the second groups sees the first group complete their first set of passes, they should begin without waiting. The defender should swap with another player in their group. Variations: Make the training area small to force quick hands. Make the training area wider to increase the length of the pass. Allow players to be creative in attack.

Passing

Fan Out and Pass

Keep your player briefing, brief! You may decide to have a demonstration grid. On your call, all players fan out to receive a pass. Players initially attack half the space in the grid, that way the lines do not cross into each others space, as you can see in the animation. Players should then attack the full width of the grid, there will be intersection and some confusion. Players stay within the grid. When they finish an attack (the ball is moved down the line), the last player to recieve the ball should score a try just outside the grid - and the line should get set in their new location to go again. Player initially rotate in a clockwise direction. Change this after a period of time. Make sure that players change position in the attacking line.

Passing

Game - 6 vs 4

Pitch is 20m x 20m. All players wearing Tag Belts Start the game with a free pass, defenders must start behind the half way line Attacking players must try to run past defenders to score a try. If tagged, the attacker must pass the ball to a team mate. After a tackle, the defenders must give the tag back, stay on their own side of the ball and NOT intercept or obstruct the pass.

Tag Rugby

Simple Passing Exercise

Tell your players the follow..... The first two players at each coach will advance, attacking the cone to their left, in the middle of the training area. The players should split as they run, increasing the distance between them. When they get as far as the middle cone, they should then pass. The reciever then passes to the first reciever on the cone they are approaching.

Passing

Standing and Passing - Variation

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell your players the folloiwng......... Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters part - running with the ball and attacking space. After the first catch - pass ball around body. After the second catch - pass ball through legs from front and behind left leg. After the third catch - pass ball through legs from front and behind right leg. You might consider asking players to pass the ball with just one hand, off their hip

Passing

Tackle practice

Teams of 3 one team with ball. Start with both teams on their own goal line. Team with ball attempts to scoreDefending team allowed 1 on 1 tackles. When tackled, both players get to feet and ball carrier restarts game with free pass. Knock on, forward pass, in touch all result in turnover ball and free passChange attacking team after each score.

Tackling

Ten passes then...

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell your players the folloiwng......... Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters part - running with the ball and attacking space. Players make 10 passes and then: Make figure 8 between legs. Partner does the same after another 10 passes. 10 passes then throw ball up and make a 360 degree turn to catch it before it hits the floor. 10 passes then throw ball overhead and catch it behind back. You might consider asking players to pass the ball with just one hand, off their hip

Handling

Up and Down

Tell them the following...... Each attack will be up and down, up the left and down the right side of the cones. Eack attack will see the ball move down the line once. Run out to far cone and back - 1/2 pace - no forward passes. Run out to third cone and back - jog - 3/4 pace back. Run out to second cone and back - fast out - fast back. Off-load the ball to the next attacking line - they do the same. That's it, get working. Refer to the coaching points in order to help your players improve.

Passing

Wide Attack Sevens - Rugby Dri...

Start with the left most attacking unit taking on the 2 defenders in front of them. When they get past, they pass the ball to the link, who then passes to the opposite attacking unit, who then take on the first 2 defenders. When they get past, they pass the ball out to the link, who passes the ball to the opposite attacking unit, who should now be ready to take on the next two defenders. And so the exercise continues up the pitch. Don't forget to change the attackers and defenders after each completed run up the pitch. The attack should finish by scoring a try!

General

Attacking Kick On The Move Kic...

Practice short kicks while attacking forward (not standing still).The attackers are aiming to land their kick in the target area (yellow cones). Adapt the size based on their ability (e.g. senior players 5m x 5m, junior players 10m x 10m).Set up two cones (red) to simulate the area of a ruck/scrum/line out and give a defensive offside line. Two defenders (red) position themselves on the offside line opposite two attackers (blue).One attacker (1) acts a scrum half and passes the ball to the first receiver (2). The first receiver (2) catches the ball and tries to perform a chip or grubber kick into the target area . The second attacker (3) chases the kick and tries to regather it.The two defenders aim to put pressure on the kicker.Once the attack have gathered the kick they should return it to the feeder and join the back of the line to start again.PROGRESSION:Defenders to start passive and increase pressure as attackers gain confidenceStart with a chip kick and progress to grubber or vice versa.

General

Attacking Overload - Exploit T...

The drill starts with two teams of equal players playing a standard game of touch. Whenever a touch is made, the defender immediately joins the attacking side and acts as scrum half. This creates an attacking overload. Players must try to score a try by exploiting the overload in the least amount of touches. The drill resets after a try is scored.

General

Attack/Defend Sevens - Rugby D...

Tell your players the following...... Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area. Tell each team which direction they are playing. Set the ball on the ground in front of the players. If you call 1 then team one is in attack and they should pick the ball up, if you should 2 then team 2 is in attack and they should pick the ball up. The non attacking team is in defence. Normal rules of sevens apply. However, before each team can start their attack/defence, they must all run to their own try line and back. When the attack is over, all players return to the midway point to start again. That's it, lets play! Make sure that you give both teams a chance to attack and defend.

General

Attacking Skills version 2 Sev...

Tell your players the following...... Players will attack in teams of 3, each attacking unit will have their own ball. At the pads, the ball carrier must hit and roll or hit and spin or sidestep. They will then face 3 v 2 situations following each pad. Their objective is to get to the other side, without making a mistake, and score a try! The following group of 3 can go when they feel there is a reasonable gap between the attacking units. Don't forget to change your players about.

General

5 Attacks 3 Sevens - Rugby Dri...

Using cones mark out the four corners and the midways points of each side of a 20 x 20 meter training area. Divide your players into groups of 8, and allocate one group of 8 to each training area. Have one coach at each training area, and one ball. Each player should have their own cone to stand on, as shown in the diagram. Have more than one training area in order to keep your players as busy as possible. Tell your players the following...... This will be a 5 v 3 attacking opportunity for the 5 players given the ball. There are 4 players on the midpoint positions, one on each side of the training area. The coach will give the ball to one of those players. The 4 closest players will join the ball carrier in attack, the opposite 3 players will become defenders. The try line is just across the defenders starting line. The defenders operate within the laws of the game and should try to stop the attack by turning the ball, forcing a mistake, or pushing the attack out of the playing area. The attack should aim to score a try, but should play within the laws of the game. When the attack is over the coach will take the ball and players should return to their starting positions for the next attack. Don't forget to give every player the opportunity to play in attack and defence by changing the starting position of the ball.

General

Attacking footwork and tacklin...

Defender should try and keep shoulders square, close down space and focus on the attackers hips. Attacker tries to stop and sprint to either the right left cone. Defender has to copy them. Attacker should look and move the ball to be able to handoff defender. Attacker must be at full speed.

General

Counter Attack Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell your players to do the following....... The two passing players keep passing the ball until the coach shouts GO. On GO, the player holding the ball is an attacker, the other two attackers will go with that players. The remaining passer becomes a defender, and will join the defence with the two defenders at the bottom of the grid. On GO - the attack begins, and the defence should try and stop them. The attack aims to score a try at the bottom of the grid. Following each attack the players should return to their positions, but should swap around. You might decide to start this as a touch exercise, then go to contact.

General

4v2 attacking grid Handling - ...

Groups 18Balls ConesGroups of 4 line up on all sides of the square.2 defenders tand in the middle of the grid. The attackers start by fixing and beating the 2 defenders in the middle. Once beaten offload the ball to the next 4 attacking a differnt direction. Aim is to score as many tries as possibel in a set time.

General

3 on 2 Attack and Defence Dril...

Set an area with two different coloured cones on the touch line in the middle, one for defenders and one for attackers. At the prompt of the coach the players run around designated cones and attack the defenders to score. Ball carrier should initiate the attack by attacking the inside shoulder of the first defender to stop a drift defence. Draw the first defender and make the pass to your next support runner who should do the same to pass to the outside runner who can go and score. Once attacked three or four times players should swap to defence but not every single time to create continuity and positive development.

General

Attacking footwork and tacklin...

Grid size is around 5x5m. You can keep changing the size of the grid. The defender must shadow the attacker as they run towards a cone (left or right) before then trying to spring over the back line to score a try. The defender must touch the cone with their hand whereas the attacker doesn't have to (giving the attacker the advantage). Attacker is looking to score between the opposite cones.

General

Square Drill - Continuous Atta...

<span style=&quot;color: var(--color); font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit;&quot;>Set up a large square with a cone in each corner. Three attacking players start along one side of the square with two defenders in the middle. You can increase the number of attackers or defenders as you wish. Attacker always try to attack across the square. Once the attackers reach the other side of the square they pop the ball to the attackers on the side of the square and not in front of them.<br>

General

Attack The Space Tag Rugby - R...

The pitch is divided into two halves The defenders must start at opposite corners of the pitch The attacker must have at least one player in either half. The middle player starts with the ball.

General

M1 (LOOPER) Attacking Wide Bac...

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10 moves forward carrying the ball. 12 loops around 13, and wide outside towards 14. 10 passes to 13, missing out the 12 channel. 15 moves forward outside 13. 13 takes and passes to 15. 15 carries the ball forward, and out. 15 passes to 12, who passes to 14.

General

2 v 1 Passing - Rugby Drills, ...

This is a simple 2 v 1. The two players have to get past the one defender without being touched, that's it. The defender will start 10 meters back, and can move anywhere inside the box. The attack must remain inside the box and all pass msut be legal. Don't forget to change the defender.

General

Seven v Three Sevens - Rugby D...

Tell the players the following....... The 7 attackers, will always be in attack. The 3 defenders will always be in defence. Normal rules of 7's apply. Play! Don't forget to change the defenders around.

General

Colour Cone Attack Decision ma...

Drill to practice attacking from different positions.Set up a grid roughly 20m wide and 15m long with three defenders (yellow) and four attackers (blue). Within the grid place a number of different coloured cones.The attack start with the ball and the coach will shout the colour of a cone, the attack must touch the ball on that cone before they can attack. Once the attack have touched the ball on the cone the defence can start to defend.PROGRESSION:To start with the defence can only move laterally along the try line, then are allowed to move off the try line.

General

5 vs 5 Tag Rugby - Rugby Drill...

Pitch 20m x 20m. All players wearing tag belts Start the game with a free pass, defenders must be 7m back at the start Attacking players must try to run past the defenders to score a try. If tagged, the attacker must pass the ball backwards to a team-mate. After a tackle, the defenders must give the tag belt back, stay on their own side of the ball and NOT intercept or obstruct the pass.

General

Switch Over Attack Passing - R...

Drill to practice attacking organisational skillsSet up a grid roughly 20m wide and 20m long, with different coloured cones at one end and 5m away from that end (see diagram).3 defending players line up at one end (blue players between white cones) and 5m infront of them 4 attacking players line up (red players between green cones). One further defender waits at the opposite end of the grid.On the coaches command the three defending players run to the green cones and turn to defend. Meanwhile the four attacking players run to the white cones and turn to attack, receiveing the ball from the coach (grey). They are trying to score at the far end of the grid (red cones).Once the attack have beaten the defensive line the final defender may move forward off the try line (red cones) and try and defend.

General

Attacking footwork and tacklin...

Drill can be full contact. Make sure the defender gets back to his feet quickly after the tackle to practice stealing the bal. Attacker presents the ball correctly.

General

Attack Vs Defence Continuous D...

<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Set a cone 2 meters from the defensive line. This will mark where the ball will passed from (feed) preferably from a scrum half.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Set a cone 0.5 meters each side from the mid point of the passing cone to simulate the sides of the ruck.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Set a cone a cone 5 meters from the ruck on the defensive line. 4 players start as attackers3 defenders start on their stomaches on the other side of the defensive cone (ruck) and 1 player on the defensive cone 5 metres from the ruck<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The player on the 5 meter cone (defence) starts the drill by shouting ‘FOLD’ (or whatever call your team may use).<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Defenders on their stomachs get up and fold around the ruck to take up a defence position. Players fold wide first, and ensure that 2 players are close to the ruck (Guard and Body Guard). <span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The player on the defensive cone bounces out (takes space in the defence line), the first player who folds takes up a position on the 5 meter defence cone (or inside the first attacking player)<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Once the defence line is set the scrum half can pass the ball.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The attackers work to beat the defence, setting up a 'tip' (running a hard line) and 'pull back' option. They should read the defensive movements and make a decision to hit the tip option or pull out the back<br><br>

General

Mid-Space attack Decision maki...

There are 4 cones in a rectangle , 2 red and 2 blue. The 2 defenders stand within the square, and on the coach's call, they must go and touch the called colour cone.As the coach calls it the attackers can go.The ball starts with the attacker in the middle.His aim is to attack the space in between the two players, and execute the first opportunity that presents itself. either one of the players will move in on him, therefore opening up space for the support runner on that side, or both will commit to him, or none in which case he is through!

General

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attacking DRILL CATEGORIES
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Sevens Drills
Match Related Drills
Sevens Drills
attacking SESSIONS
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Attacking part 2 | Rugby Lesso...

Work on your players composure when going into contact to be able to provide the offload to create scoring chances even when under pressure.

Sevens Rugby: Attacking the Sp...

Get your players to use the width of the pitch and play intelligently, offering wide support options in this sevens rugby session.

Quick Ruck for Quick Ball

Quick rucking that produces quick ball is the first step towards a dangerous attacking side. Use this session to get your team rucking quickly, efficiently and effectively!

Developing Invasive Attacking Skills!

Improve your players decision making to help them recognise where the space will develop and how they can maximise their success when they create the space, either by going into contact and offloading, or passing before the tackle.

The Zones Game

Use this fantastic drill in your next coaching session today and get ready to work your players hard

Phase Play and Continuity

Continue to build the phases in your play and get your team working as an unit to offer support with this session!

Developing Handling Skills

Get your players handling skills super sharp so that no loose balls are given up. Gradually build up pressure to test their handling ability when confronted with defence.

Attacking - Part 2

Work on your players composure when going into contact to be able to provide the offload to create scoring chances even when under pressure.

Attacking part 1

It?s all about points scoring with this session. Encourage your players to continually offer support to develop fine techniques to attack with crisp plays.

Dynamic Passing and Movement

Improve your player's confidence in a pressure-free environment, with this passing and moving session!

Establishing Depth and Pace

Use this plan to get your players attacking with depth and hitting the ball with pace to improve your side's running lines!

Attacking Principal: Developing Passing and Support Play

Develop your team's attacking abilities with this session, working on their passing and support for their team-mates

Understanding the importance of effective offloading to secure possession

Develop your team's decision making ability to recognise how and when to set up an offload to unlock the defence.

Maintaining Possession

Maintain possession and go forward with confidence, with this attacking session

Catch & Pass - Develop Good Habits

Develop a early hand catch, quick transfer of the ball across the body, and follow through towards the support player...

Effective Counter Attacking - Options after a Turnover

Can your team counter quickly? A speedy attack after a turnover is a great way for your team to score as the opposition will be out of position

Attacking Flair - Kicking and Catching

Attack with flair! Improve your player's kicking with this kicking and catching session

Heads up Rugby - Think fast

Attack the space! Develop your players' speed, reaction and decision making to improve their ability to get through holes in defences.
attacking ANSWERS
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Does any one have any good training sessions for attacking?

Does any one have any good training sessions for attacking the 10 12 canal

Andrew Wilkinson Coach, England

New rules... how best to take long corners ?

Given the lovely new rules... Can you suggest how to coach a team taking long corners. No player can be 5 yards from player taking the long corner - So creating a 2v1 now is impossible. How do you coach this ? Thanks

Grant Hunt Coach, United Kingdom

Any view on counter attacking a full back entering?

Any view on counter attacking a full back entering the line against a man to man marking system?

David Coach, England

Does anyone have a really good drill to encourage backs to stay steep?

Does anyone have a really good drill to encourage backs to hold their steepness when attacking - my team of dreams are Under 11's

Archived User Coach

Improving game awareness. How can I improve players?

Improving game awareness. How can I improve players insight into "what happens next", besides by whatching (games)? Players tend to be fixed on the ball(situation) and seldom look at what is in front of them%3A how can I stimulated them to take time to quickly look around and assess the situation?

Yvonne Bouman Coach, Netherlands

Making the full-back position an attractive proposition.

Making the full-back position an attractive proposition. Often over-looked, the full-back position is a vital player in anyones team if he is used and brought into the game. Does anyone have any technical/positional material to coach prospective players in this position?

Archived User Coach

Scoring tries - habit?

Why is it important to get players to score the try when completing a handling/running drill?

Archived User Coach

Blindside position - I'm new to the game and I'm not sure what to do?

This is my first year playing on a rugby team for my school, grade 9, im much smaller than everyone else but i run fast and can be strong. my position is the blind side wing, and i dont understand what im supposed to do. it seems like i just jog and stay far away, but i dont know what im supposed to do if someone from the opposite team comes near me and noone else is one them, am i supposed to tackle? i also have trouble tackling cause my arms dont rap fast enough when they run into me, any advice?

Archived User Coach

U10s organisation in defence. How to improve?

I have started an under 10s team up, and I would say about 8 from the 13 children I have , did not play rugby until about 6 months ago. Of these players, there seems to be a lot of potential, as we are scoring tries against teams, that very rarely concede tries.the problem I got with them, is that we are very poor at organising our selves in defense when the opposition has the ball, which does result in us conceding quite a few tries. We have some very good tacklers in the team. Can anyone offer some ideas on how I can get them to organise themselves? Thanks . Chris.

christopher jenkins Coach, Wales

Interpretation of the maul - for U10s?

I will be coaching under 10 next season and need some guidance on how to interpret the rules for the maul?

Ezra rushen Coach, England

Improve Attack Depth

My players often line-up too flat on attack, especially in later phases. How can I work on improving their depth?

Shaun F Coach, Canada

When a scrum is awarded following an unsuccessful end to a maul

When a scrum is awarded following an unsuccessful end to a maul, which team throws the ball in?

Arthur Johannes Coach, South Africa

U8s standing offside

Hi All, How can I get my U8s team to stay onside? Especially after they make a tag. they seem to stand in the way blocking the pass or hovering near the receiver ready to tag again. Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Tony Bunyan Coach, England

attaxing and defence drills that helped you

i am wondering i want some drill for defence and attacking

jayvyn iris Coach, Bermuda

Drift Defence?

thers no drifting at all becuase the tackle bags dont move. the defnders are hitting the same bag at the same postion always. just becuase the last palyer loops round doesnt means the defences has drifted. i dont see how this drill is implemneted into a game senario. is your last defending man going to circle all the way to the start of the defending line? no drfit D whatsoever. unless you;re letting your team get ready to be set and make a hit theres no point in this drill being sewd for a 'Drift' defence.

Lochlainn McKenzie Coach, Ireland

Attacking scrum - what back li...

Any "simple" attacking moves from a scrum that you can recommend for a U15s XV side. Looking to get them to think about how the back line would would set up and have different options from a) center field and b) tight left or right all at the half way mark.

Dave Greenwood Coach, England

Openside flanker position afte...

My coach has put me at openside flanker and I'm confused of where i should be after the scrum. Should I be attacking the opposing scrum half or just trailing behind the backs waiting to clean up/ form a ruck? It would be great to know what I'm doing !

Archived User Coach

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