Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!
Simon My son's PE teacher has told him that Bridging is lieegal for the U13 to U19 group. His Club coach has been encouraging its use in games for two seasons. I can see some of the dangers but also the advantages Who is right is it banned or can it be used? Paul submitted by email
Describe a 'step-up' or 'big hit' tackle. How would you coach it, what is the technique and what are the key factors technically?
I'm kicking around two different orders for creating mauls. 1) 3rd Man Rip First supporters arrive and drive over rather than stripping ball. I like this one because it allows the supporters to join more quickly and keeps everything going forward. Because the original ball carrier keeps the ball until the 3rd man joins, this maul turns into a clean ruck very easily. I don't like this one because of the increased stress on the ball carrier to protect the ball, and the ball's slower movement to the back. 2) First man rip First supporter arrives and strips, third and fourth drive over. I like this one because the ball is cleared from the front straight away. I don't like this one because it can fall and be a mess, as well as as lack forward momentum as the focus is put on the ball. What do you think about the two ways of forming a maul? I've seen teams do both. Keep in mind I coach mainly older, new players.
What would be the likely outcome of a scrum fed from the thrower's tighthead side? Who would more likely win possession and what quality of possession could be expected? What if the law was that most scrums were required to be fed from the thrower's tighthead with the non offender determining who was to feed? The remainder, such as penalty scrums, would stay as is. Could this encourage a more constructive approach to scrummaging?
Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.
Hi Guys Though we all fully enjoyed it, We have just lost a tournament - mainly because the forwards were not offloading in contact and were getting turned over. Does anyone have a forwards type game I can use with the boys to play instead of drills, to strengthen their skills in this area? The team is a under 12 group. And I have 14 forwards. Thanks for you help in advance. Cheers Iain
I'm 19 years old in Canada and have started a new team. All the students that have signed up are new to the game and are about 14/15.. Any tips on how to introduce rugby to them?
I coach U8's and am looking for drills to get them used to tacking other players. They are fine using the tackle bags but are finding it difficult to get used to tackling players
Player A tackles the opposing ball carrier (B). His teammate (C) is there to step over the tackled player from an onside position and when Player B attempts to present the ball he reaches down to pickup the placed ball while remaining on his feet. Player B trys to retain the ball because none of his teammates are there to ruck over or pick up the ball. Player C gets called for hands in a ruck. Why? I thought if on my feet and coming through the gate the ball is fair game. I can see only 2 proper/legal ways to get the ball if what I did was a penalty. Option 1 is to step over and kick the ball clear, risking a call for dangerous play, and hoping for the lucky bounce. Option 2 is to step over the carrier AND the ball and hope a teammate is there to pick up or ruck over behind me. Basically, ignoring the ball in plain site and not pick it up. I get it if there are other opposing players (other than the carrier) so a ruck is formed but not the way it happened. What is the right play?
How can I get players (U15s) to take the initiative and to go looking for the ball? They have the skills to use the ball when they get it but remain waiting for a pass. This applies especially to the wings and fullbacks. The same is true about backs getting involved in rucks and forwards not picking up loose ball. (I've only just inherited this team).
Hi. I coach a B level under 12 team at school with very mixed abilities. All the other teams we play put all there forwards into the rucks and therefore we have to, to win the ball. Is there a way I can combat this with a few less players in the ruck?
I need drills that emphasize staying onside on defense. Any suggestions?
I'm 19 years old in Canada and have started a new team. All the students that have signed up are new to the game and are about 14/15.. Any tips on how to introduce rugby to them?
any ideas of drills that can be used for primary and secondary pupils for passing backwards? currently having an issue with them staying onside and keeping behind the ball carrier
Here are the 5 ways that you can kickstart your 2025 in the correct way with Sportplan and make this the best coaching year you have had!
How did the Modern Olympics originally begin and why are they so culturally significant today?
The Professionalisation of Netball is changing the game. Here is how it is helping to develop the sport.
Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.