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narrow DRILLS
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2 on 1 Attack and Defence Drill

Set a narrow grid to attack. Defenders and attackers begin on the touchline in the centre. Both leave at the same time and run around appointed cones, ball carrier should accelerate up towards inside shoulder of defender to draw in and then pass to the support runner coming from depth who can run in and score.

Match Related

Ball Presentation on Tackle Pop

Groups of 3.  Ball One player performs a tackle on his knees.  The ball carrier works to manage the contact area by using footwork/fend.  Aim is try work aorund a question mark shape - to get line of sight to support runner.  Try to keep to hands on the ball before giving the pop/pass.  Support runner must tempo run to time his suport line correctly come in narrow so the pop isnt hard.

Ball Presentation

Corner line Tag

The aim is that when the coach signals the start the defending players will spread across to the other side of the field quickly and defend the entire field width. Explain to the players the importance of spreading out and defending in a line. Game Organisation and Rules The aim of this game is to get the defending team to understand the importance of spreading out in defence. This game is aprogression of Line Tag. Set up a narrow rectangle approximately 10m wide x 5m long. Split the players into 2 even teams and get them to face each other on opposite 10 meter lines. Explain to the players that 1 team will be attacking and their task is to get across the opposition line without being tagged (2 handed tag). The defending team are told to line up at one corner of the field and when signalled by the coach they are to attempt to tag the attacking players before they get across the line. As the game develops the attackers will naturally start on the side furthest away to the defenders, to stop this place the fastest runners on the side closest to the defenders. Explain to the attackers about the idea of changing running gale to step the defenders. R1

Tag Rugby

Narrow - Wide Channel

Groups of 4 One ball per group In the narrow channel stand one behind the other, once into the big space- fan out.

Agility & Running Skills

Narrow Channel Passing

Drill to practice attacking in a small channel. Set up a channel roughly 20m wide and 5m long. Position three defenders on the try-line and four attackers opposite them. The attack are trying to score tries over the try line while the defence try to stop them with a two handed touch. The defence can only move laterally. The attack must take the ball back over the white line of cones after every score/touch before they can attack again.

Passing

Passing circle

Place 2 players in the centre. Both players pass to those running the circle. Notice that the gap between the passer and the catcher has narrowed because there are now 2 players acting as passers.

Ball Presentation

Rugby Octopus

The aim of this game is to increase player defence and decision making. Set up a field about 15m long by 10m wide. Keep it narrow to give he defenders a better chance at catching the runners. Tell all the players to line up at one end facing back down the playing field. Choose 2 players to stand in the middle and tell them they are the defenders who have to tag any runners before they reach the other side. Explain to the runners they have to run from one end to the other without getting tagged by the defenders. If a runner gets tagged they must stop exactly where they were tagged and stand on that spot. They are called octopuses and cannot move until the game is finished. The octopuses can, however, tag runners if the come close enough to reach. This continues until there are no more runners and the last runner wins. The key is to make sure the octopuses stand still while trying to tag runners. R1

Tag Rugby

Rugby Pinball

This game is designed to teach the players about body height in tackling and ruck clean out. Set up a field about 15m long by 10m wide. Keep it narrow to give the defenders a better chance at catching the runners. Tell all the players to line up at one end facing back down the playing field. Choose 2 players to stand in the middle and tell them they are the defenders who have to tackle any runners before they reach the other side. Explain to the runners they have to run from one end to the other without getting tackled by the defenders. If a runner gets tackled they must stop exactly where they were tackled and stand on that spot. They are called bashers and cannot move their feet until the game is finished. The bashers can, however, push runners over if they come close enough to reach (bashers cannot move their feet so a good strong stance is necessary). If a runner is pushed over by a basher he/she becomes a basher too. Once the runners have made it through to the other end the bashers and tacklers turn around to face the runners and on the coaches call the run through again. This continues until there are no more runners and the last runner wins.

Tackling

Snap, Crackle, and POP - Touch Variation

Split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of coloured bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your players the following laws: Keep the law briefing, brief! Normal laws of rugby apply - in the case of a knock on etc. the ball will be turned over to the opposition. When the ball carrier is touched, they must go to ground. The defender steps back and does not compete for the ball. The defender that made the touch - cannot make the next touch! The ball carrier on the groud must pop the ball to a supporting player, the pop pass should be quick - any delay can result in a turn over. Judge the speed at which the player has went to ground, how quickly the support has gotten there and how quickly the pass was made. Depending on the age and skill level of your player - make a decision on weather you allow the attack to continue or if the ball is lost and turned over. The player receiving the pop has two options - they can take the pop at speed driving past the defender who made the original touch (remember they cannot make a second touch right away). Or - they can stop and pass the ball away from contact. If the supporting player stops to take the pop - the defence must allow that support player to make a pass away from the point of contact. The support player cannot run on. The ball cannot be kicked.

Warm Up

Narrow - Wide Channel Agility ...

Groups of 4One ball per groupIn the narrow channel stand one behind the other, once into the big space- fan out.

General

Narrow Channel Passing Passing...

Drill to practice attacking in a small channel.Set up a channel roughly 20m wide and 5m long. Position three defenders on the try-line and four attackers opposite them.The attack are trying to score tries over the try line while the defence try to stop them with a two handed touch. The defence can only move laterally.The attack must take the ball back over the white line of cones after every score/touch before they can attack again.

General

2v1 Relay Handling - Rugby Dri...

One set of cones set wide, another set narrow opposite. Ball Players line up opposite each other on each cone. Constant 2 on 1s. One defender alternately pressurises the pass. High temp, High pressure.

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

Rugby Pinball Tackling - Rugby...

This game is designed to teach the players about body height in tackling and ruck clean out. Set up a field about 15m long by 10m wide. Keep it narrow to give the defenders a better chance at catching the runners. Tell all the players to line up at one end facing back down the playing field. Choose 2 players to stand in the middle and tell them they are the defenders who have to tackle any runners before they reach the other side. Explain to the runners they have to run from one end to the other without getting tackled by the defenders. If a runner gets tackled they must stop exactly where they were tackled and stand on that spot. They are called bashers and cannot move their feet until the game is finished. The bashers can, however, push runners over if they come close enough to reach (bashers cannot move their feet so a good strong stance is necessary). If a runner is pushed over by a basher he/she becomes a basher too. Once the runners have made it through to the other end the bashers and tacklers turn around to face the runners and on the coaches call the run through again. This continues until there are no more runners and the last runner wins.

General

The Atom Game Warm Up - Rugby ...

Quickly tell the players that when you blow you whistle and shout Atom, you will also shout a number to let the players know the size of the groups/atoms they need to get into. For example - if you shout Atom six - you want the players to get into groups of six. They should bind on in the groups to create a small circle of players. In between atom calls the players run around the grid in different and random directions. Some players may be left out of some groups/atoms, depending on the size of the groups when you call Atom. If those plays are a little put out by being left out, give them the opportunity to make the next Atom call. <em>Progression:</em> Same as above, but in between Atom calls you play Simon Says e.g. let the players jog around but you call Simon Says put you hand on your head, Simon Says touch the ground with your right hand, Simon says jump up and clap your hands, ATOM 4! T his should be fun, joke a little with the players and have fun with this. You may decide on minor outcomes for players that don't get into groups quick enough e.g. 2 press-ups. You are the referee, so use your judgment.

General

Drift, Cover or Blitz Touch Ma...

During a game of touch in a grid sized 30 x 30 metres the coach can choose to call <em>blitz</em>, <em>drift</em> or <em>cover</em> at any breakdown. Upon hearing the call the defenders must run and touch the relevant line before running back to rejoin the game. When the defenders are running to touch their line the attackers must turn their back on the defenders and give the ball to the coach. When the defenders are almost back in position the coach should roll the ball back to the attackers to restart the game. The coach can later develop the game by introducing a visual clue to the defenders, instead of an audio cue, thus forcing the attackers to react to an unknown type of defence.

General

Running Angles. Agility & Runn...

Player A carries ball forward, B calls for (long or short) ball & negotiates obstacle,<BR>& then passes to C who passes to the next group.

General

Ladders with Ball Handling Agi...

• The aim of the drill is to develop SAQ and handling the same time.

General

2 on 1 Attack and Defence Dril...

Set a narrow grid to attack. Defenders and attackers begin on the touchline in the centre. Both leave at the same time and run around appointed cones, ball carrier should accelerate up towards inside shoulder of defender to draw in and then pass to the support runner coming from depth who can run in and score.

General

3 v 1 Grid Passing - Rugby Dri...

6x6m Grid Ball Players line up in 3s opposite sides of the grid. Simply pass the ball along the line. 1 defender is in the middle of the grid putting pressure on all ball carriers.Once hand completed the next line starts immediately. Defender swaps out when there is a mistake or when he touches someone with the ball. Progression: add another defender, make the passes wider.

General

Rugby Octopus Tag Rugby - Rugb...

The aim of this game is to increase player defence and decision making. Set up a field about 15m long by 10m wide. Keep it narrow to give he defenders a better chance at catching the runners. Tell all the players to line up at one end facing back down the playing field. Choose 2 players to stand in the middle and tell them they are the defenders who have to tag any runners before they reach the other side. Explain to the runners they have to run from one end to the other without getting tagged by the defenders. If a runner gets tagged they must stop exactly where they were tagged and stand on that spot. They are called octopuses and cannot move until the game is finished. The octopuses can, however, tag runners if the come close enough to reach. This continues until there are no more runners and the last runner wins. The key is to make sure the octopuses stand still while trying to tag runners.<div id=miniAd>R1</div>

General

Rugby Pinball Tackling - Rugby...

This game is designed to teach the players about body height in tackling and ruck clean out. Set up a field about 15m long by 10m wide. Keep it narrow to give the defenders a better chance at catching the runners. Tell all the players to line up at one end facing back down the playing field. Choose 2 players to stand in the middle and tell them they are the defenders who have to tackle any runners before they reach the other side. Explain to the runners they have to run from one end to the other without getting tackled by the defenders. If a runner gets tackled they must stop exactly where they were tackled and stand on that spot. They are called bashers and cannot move their feet until the game is finished. The bashers can, however, push runners over if they come close enough to reach (bashers cannot move their feet so a good strong stance is necessary). If a runner is pushed over by a basher he/she becomes a basher too. Once the runners have made it through to the other end the bashers and tacklers turn around to face the runners and on the coaches call the run through again. This continues until there are no more runners and the last runner wins.

General

2 Hand Passing Stomach Passing...

The aim of the drill is to develop players wrist strength.

General

Rugby: Ball Presentation on Ta...

Groups of 3.  Ball One player performs a tackle on his knees.  The ball carrier works to manage the contact area by using footwork/fend.  Aim is try work aorund a question mark shape - to get line of sight to support runner.  Try to keep to hands on the ball before giving the pop/pass.  Support runner must tempo run to time his suport line correctly come in narrow so the pop isnt hard.

General

Split Drill with Trailer 3 Agi...

Equipment Required: Bump Pads, Balls, Cones.<br><br>On GO, players A, B & C start running but A & C switch sides behind player C and run around the cones.Player C takes a pop pass from the feeder and drives on in to the contact pad where he turns and looks to pass to either A or B who are crossing back behind him.<BR>

General

2 on 1 Attack and Defence Dril...

Set a narrow grid to attack. Defenders and attackers begin on the touchline in the centre. Both leave at the same time and run around appointed cones, ball carrier should accelerate up towards inside shoulder of defender to draw in and then pass to the support runner coming from depth who can run in and score.

General

Corner line Tag Tag Rugby - Ru...

The aim is that when the coach signals the start the defending players will spread across to the other side of the field quickly and defend the entire field width. Explain to the players the importance of spreading out and defending in a line.Game Organisation and Rules The aim of this game is to get the defending team to understand the importance of spreading out in defence. This game is aprogression of Line Tag. Set up a narrow rectangle approximately 10m wide x 5m long. Split the players into 2 even teams and get them to face each other on opposite 10 meter lines. Explain to the players that 1 team will be attacking and their task is to get across the opposition line without being tagged (2 handed tag). The defending team are told to line up at one corner of the field and when signalled by the coach they are to attempt to tag the attacking players before they get across the line. As the game develops the attackers will naturally start on the side furthest away to the defenders, to stop this place the fastest runners on the side closest to the defenders. Explain to the attackers about the idea of changing running gale to step the defenders. <div id=miniAd>R1</div>

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

Snap, Crackle, and POP - Touch...

Split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of coloured bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your players the following laws: Keep the law briefing, brief! Normal laws of rugby apply - in the case of a knock on etc. the ball will be turned over to the opposition. When the ball carrier is touched, they must go to ground. The defender steps back and does not compete for the ball. The defender that made the touch - cannot make the next touch! The ball carrier on the groud must pop the ball to a supporting player, the pop pass should be quick - any delay can result in a turn over. Judge the speed at which the player has went to ground, how quickly the support has gotten there and how quickly the pass was made. Depending on the age and skill level of your player - make a decision on weather you allow the attack to continue or if the ball is lost and turned over. The player receiving the pop has two options - they can take the pop at speed driving past the defender who made the original touch (remember they cannot make a second touch right away). Or - they can stop and pass the ball away from contact. If the supporting player stops to take the pop - the defence must allow that support player to make a pass away from the point of contact. The support player cannot run on. The ball cannot be kicked.

General

2v1 around the coach Handling ...

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.The player in the middle always joins the player receiving the ball to play a 2v1 against the the 3rd player who becomes the defender.The attacking players run around the cone nearest to them and the defender runs in the opposite direction. When they meet inside the grid the attacking players must use the extra man to get around the defender - either by passing or taking the man on. Progression: 3v2, 4v3.

General

L-Shaped Passing Sevens - Rugb...

Lets get the ball and the players moving with lateral passing through the hands. Each training area only needs one ball, and that ball should start with the any of the two players at the very ends of the L. Tell players to move forward, passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver, that player will pass it to the first receiver in the next line that is waiting to go. They should advance right away. Allow the players to simply move the ball down the line.

General

Rugby: Positioning, passing an...

5 players in a group line up within touching distance of one another, and stand facing the coach who has a ball in his hand. The coach then calls turnover and the Players quickly get width, but are not allowed to work backwards to get depth. Once the players get depth the coach lets the first man off the mark by popping the ball in the air, as it is popped he moves off the mark and accelerates onto the ball and forward.

General

BacksMove - Slice Backs Moves ...

- Essentially 12+13 swap places.- This will make their opposite track them - The 13 runs an out and in hardline.-The 12 runs an out the back option then strightens up. - Read what option is best on, reading the defensive system.

General

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I am looking for Loop pass coaching games to improve?

I am looking for Loop pass coaching games to improve my player game.

Archived User Coach

how do you coach aggression?

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and IRB Educators.

Ed Burns Coach, Ireland

Looking for varations for touch rugby games.

Looking for varations for touch rugby games. Using as a bit of preseason want to freshen the game up.

Jack Redfern Coach, England

First time coaching U9 and U10s - anyone got any backline coaching tips?

Hi im a first time coach and is still getting the hang of how the technical details of the game works the back line is my department and whould like any help i can get to know what drills to do and anything helpfull in the backline im currently coaching for the under 9 and 10

Archived User Coach

U10's rugby and picking a ball up after the tackle

When a person is tackled and goes to ground is it correct that the tackler can stand up quickly and take the ball ? If so is this along as they are on their feet and behind the offside line(so they reach down to take the ball) or are they allowed to step over the tackled player to take the ball ? This is in the rare occasion where no support is available. Also once picked up do they have to pass it out or can they just go ? Sorry for all the questions.

Archived User Coach

just signed up to coaching und...

just signed up to coaching under 6s,would like to hear what exercises / "drills" work best aside from making sure they all have a laugh?

Archived User Coach

How can I overcome my son's fe...

How can I overcome my son's fear of tackling. He's 10 and shaping up to be a useful player in other areas but is very reluctant to engage other players in contact. What drills might help overcome this?

Archived User Coach

Looking to open a bit of a deb...

Looking to open a bit of a debate. I was running a 'coach the coaches' course last night and I asked the candidates 'do you coach your players to run at the man? or run at space?'. There was a 50/50 split, the older coaches said 'the man', younger ones 'the space', and others who'd never played before 'both!'. What do you coach?

Archived User Coach

Improving game awareness. How ...

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

What is an umberella defensive...

What is an umberella defensive system? also I would like some tips on offloading and poaching the ball after making a tackle?

Archived User Coach

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