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field DRILLS
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Channel Ball

This game is designed to teach the players about retiring to an onside position when a tackle is made. Set-up a field approximately 10m wide and 15 m long. Place all the rugby balls at one end. Split the players into 2 teams and send them to opposite ends of the field. The attackers are the players with the ball and the defenders without. Explain to the players with the ball and defenders without. Explain to the players that the attackers are to try and get the ball to the defenders line to score a try. The defenders are to try and stop them. After a successful tackle both the defender and the attacker must return to their line by running out and around the corner marker. To begin with few attackers will get the ball over the line, however, as the players start to rounding the markers - more space opens up and defenders become less organized.

Tackling

Continuous break

Coned area 30 metres by 30 metres with two teams of players on one side Coach kicks the ball is kicked into the the grid. 2 different numbers are called with the 1st number being for the number of attackers and the 2nd the number of defenders The attackers have to field the ball, turn and counter attack against the defenders

Match Related

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

Lineout Throw

Lineout

Passing Ballrush

This game is designed to introduce passing at moving targets on the run. Set up a field approximately 15m long x 10m wide. (relative to the number of players, however, don’t make it wider until the players are capable of running and passing well). Tell all the players to line up at one end of the field facing in to the field. Explain that they are going to attempt to run down the middle to the other side when the coach calls ‘bullrush’. Choose 2 players and give them a ball each and explain to them they are to try and pass the ball at the running players. If a running player is hit by a pass on the full (without bouncing), that player joins the passers (give that players a ball for the next round). Try and get the players used to passing at the stomach rather than the legs and head, this is good for later passing skills. When all the players have run from one end to the other they have to wait at the other end until the coach calls ‘bullrush’ and then they are allowed to run again. This is repeated until there are no more runners and then the game starts again. R1

Tag Rugby

Ram Raid

This game is designed to teach the players to work together to drive a maul forward and keep control of the ball. Set Up a field approximately 5m x 5m. Split the players into 2 even groups from size and skill level. Tell the 2 groups to stand at opposite ends of the field to start. Explain to the players that one group will receive the ball and their job is to try and drive the ball to the other teams try line and place it down. The opposition can only push the attackers out or back to their try line. If the players and the ball go over the sideline then it is a restart with the defending team getting the ball. Bring in a point score system in which a try (placing the ball down over the try line) is worth 5 points and simply pushing the maul over the try line is 1 point. The aim is to get the players to understand that when the ball goes into a maul they must start pushing and look to get the ball to the back. R3

Maul

React to Situation - 3 vs 2

Players should pass in a line on the whistle. The 2 players closest to the ball go out to the line and as soon as they turn the 3 remaining players then attack with the intention of scoring.

Decision making

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 Rounders

Split group into 2 - Batters and fielders. Setup as shown above. Each batsman will either pass or throw the ball into the fielding area and run around the bases immediately to score. Nobody can be caught out. To get a batter out, fielders must get the ball to a player standing in the bowling area whilst the batter is running between the bases. If a batter reaches the safety of a base, before the ball reaches the bowling area, that player cannot run again until the ball is passed by the next batter.

Tag Rugby

Star Wars

The rest of the players are told to stand at one end of the field (they are the Space Pirates). The space police want to try and blow up the space pirates ship as they pass using their space bombs (I know - lots of childish terms there - but adjust the terminology to suit your players - they will enjoy it). Explain to the space police that they are to attempt to pass the ball at the space pirates and attempt to hit them below the shoulders. It won't be a completed pass as the pirates are just trying to avoid getting hit. The space police can move sideways along the edge of space, however, cannot move forward into space. (Police can only enter the space zone and get balls but cannot shoot until they are outside the rectangle). The space pirates can attack when they like, and if hit they can be out - or have more than one life. When an space pirate makes it through space successfully, with out being directly hit by a pass, they wait at the other end till all the other prates make it. You can change the police and pirates around or.... Note: Some younger players will love this game, and some may not! So think carefully about having different groupings that take into account players passing ability (in terms of speed), and if you have a group of players that might not like this game - have them attend a special pass development clinic with another coach.

Passing

Rugby Baseball Sevens - Rugby ...

Split your team into two teams. One team will be up to bat/kick and the other team will field. The fielding team should take up positions that they feel will be advantageous to their game plan - don't worry too much about over coaching this - players can learn as they play. The fielding team should have a pitcher/thrower of the ball. It is his job to stand on the pitching mound and to throw the ball as hard as he can toward the hitter/kicker. The idea is to force the hitter/kicker to struggle to catch the ball. A bad throw is considered wide and three bad throws means the hitter/kicker gets to walk to first base. However, three good throws that are dropped will be considered three strikes and the hitter/kicker will then be out. So the pitcher throws the ball, as hard as he can, to the kicker/hitter -who if they catch it can make a kick to space. The kick must land on the pitch, but can bounce into touch. If the kick is caught then the hitter/kicker is out. If not then they can start running. They need to get from 1st to 2nd to 3rd to 4th and then back to where they started in order to score a home run. They can stop at any base and be considered safe. However, runners can be called out when running between bases if the fielders manage to get the ball grounded at any of the two bases they are between.

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

Learning to tackle on hard gro...

Groups of 6+ players. 3 tackle shields per group. 1 Tackle Sausage per group. 3 people with bags act as attackers, 1 by 1 they run at suausage stepping to a side of there choice when at the sausage.Defenders start running when the attackers do, when the attacker steps, the defender makes quick decison in reaction to what shoulder he/she hits with. NOT FULL TACKLE - Focus on impact, and leg drive.Progression: Get rid of the tackle bags and use balls - progress to full tackle.

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 Baseball Passing - Rugby...

Split your team into two teams. One team will be up to bat/kick and the other team will field. The fielding team should take up positions that they feel will be advantageous to their game plan - don't worry too much about over coaching this - players can learn as they play. The fielding team should have a pitcher/thrower of the ball. It is his job to stand on the pitching mound and to throw the ball as hard as he can toward the hitter/kicker. The idea is to force the hitter/kicker to struggle to catch the ball. A bad throw is considered wide and three bad throws means the hitter/kicker gets to walk to first base. However, three good throws that are dropped will be considered three strikes and the hitter/kicker will then be out. So the pitcher throws the ball, as hard as he can, to the kicker/hitter -who if they catch it can make a kick to space. The kick must land on the pitch, but can bounce into touch. If the kick is caught then the hitter/kicker is out. If not then they can start running. They need to get from 1st to 2nd to 3rd to 4th and then back to where they started in order to score a home run. They can stop at any base and be considered safe. However, runners can be called out when running between bases if the fielders manage to get the ball grounded at any of the two bases they are between.

General

3-Kick Warmup Kicking - Rugby ...

Drill to warm up/practice different types of kick.Players form two lines in the 15m channels with all the balls starting on one side.The player with the ball at the front of the line runs out and does a cross-field punt to a partner on the opposite side of the pitch - kick labelled 1.The partner catches the ball, and does a chip kick which they chase and gather themselves - kick labelled 2. Once they have gathered their chip kick they perform a grubber kick to their partner who has continued their run. Aiming to kick the ball between the posts for their partner to gather and score - kick labelled 3.Players jog back to join the back of the opposite line.Once the first pair have performed the chip kick, the next pair in line can go.

General

7's Colour Touch Sevens - Rugb...

Tell your players the following..... The attack will remain in attack for 5 minutes, you'll then switch over. Normal rules of sevens apply, but this game will be touch to start with. When the ball carrier is touched, they must set the ball down, another player can then move it from the ground. The touch is considered a ruck. When the coach calls a defenders colour e.g. RED - the two players in defence wearing red drop to the ground and complete 3 press-ups, they can then return to their feet and are back in the game. That's it, play. Keep your player chats brief, but through questioning highlight that the downed players in defence open up space, what do we attack - SPACE!

General

Star Wars Passing - Rugby Dril...

The rest of the players are told to stand at one end of the field (they are the Space Pirates). The space police want to try and blow up the space pirates ship as they pass using their space bombs (I know - lots of childish terms there - but adjust the terminology to suit your players - they will enjoy it). Explain to the space police that they are to attempt to pass the ball at the space pirates and attempt to hit them below the shoulders. It won't be a completed pass as the pirates are just trying to avoid getting hit. The space police can move sideways along the edge of space, however, cannot move forward into space. (Police can only enter the space zone and get balls but cannot shoot until they are outside the rectangle). The space pirates can attack when they like, and if hit they can be out - or have more than one life. When an space pirate makes it through space successfully, with out being directly hit by a pass, they wait at the other end till all the other prates make it. You can change the police and pirates around or.... Note: Some younger players will love this game, and some may not! So think carefully about having different groupings that take into account players passing ability (in terms of speed), and if you have a group of players that might not like this game - have them attend a special pass development clinic with another coach.

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

Blitz Defence Defensive Patter...

WHY?Put pressure on attacking side. Force ball back inside. More numbers in defence than attackers. WHEN?When the ball is at the edge of the field near 5m lines. Attackers playing close to the game line. HOW?Lead from Outside backs. Line up outside shoulder of attackers. Run Up and In. Fast Line speed. Stay connected to inside man. Resposible for the space inside you. Aim for Man&amp;Ball hits or interceptions.

General

Rolling the ball along the gro...

Starting on the line, roill the ball out along the ground about 5 meters.<BR>Run out, keeping eyes on the ball, step over the ball in a good strong body position and pick up the ball.<BR>Turn around and run back to the starting position.

General

field DRILL CATEGORIES
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Backs Moves Drills
Decision making Drills
Lineout Drills
Backs Moves Drills
Decision making Drills
Lineout Drills
field SESSIONS
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Introduction to Handling and Unit Plays

Set out the targets for the season and develop your players handling skills after an intense physical pre-season. Put the final touches to your game with this session.

Improving Kicking Accuracy

Add an extra dimension to your game plus scrub up on the absolutely essential kicking techniques with this kicking session packed of videos and drills.

Developing your Key Decision Makers (KDMs)

Can your players take the bull by the horns and make the right decisions when attacking? Find out in this attacking decision making session!

Developing communication and teamwork

Build a culture in your team that gets everybody understanding each other and makes them work hard for their teammate next to them.

Developing fluid passing and movement skills to beat the defence

A session for beginners, work on their basics to develop the correct technique so that when it comes to game play, your beginners will soon look composed and confident in attack.

Running Lines and Fixing Defenders

Create doubt in the defender's mind by getting your ball carrier to run straight with the ball, and support runners to run good lines to create depth and width

Scanning Session - Scanning in the Tackle

Use this plan to Improve your players' pass selection and completion - helping them to pick the right pass

Kicking Confidence: Drop Goal Drills

Give all your players confidence to use their feet with this kicking session. Use the drop kick to score a goal or hoist the ball behind their defence!

Pre-Season: Skills Foundation Session

Get your team playing together again after the break, working on their handling, passing and match fitness in this fun attacking session, finishing with an exciting game of waterfall attack!
field ANSWERS
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switch pass in rugby union

switch pass in rugby union

maria Coach, England

What is the current thinking regarding kickoff receiving alignment?

What is the current thinking regarding kickoff receiving alignment?

Gary Kent Coach, United States of America

I am familiar with field positioning, play, and stategies?

I am familiar with field positioning, play, and stategies for the fowards but can anyone give me advice on how to pick a good flyhalf and scrum half. Also how to train them on making the best decisions on the pitch, for example when to pass out wide, how to relieve defensive pressure, when to kick, etc...? My backs are still new to rugby. Some have less than a year's experience and others are brand new to the sport.

William Barrett Coach, United States of America

u19 scrum rules

u19 scrum rules

Rob Middlehurst Coach, Bahrain

My team is training in sintetic pitch.What kind of?

My team is training in sintetic pitch. What kind of specific exercices can I do to prevent knees injuries?

Jose Mendes Coach, Portugal

When the ball is kicked directly over the touch line?

When the ball is kicked directly over the touch line but does not hit the ground and bends back in field before landing in play, is this in or out?

Archived User Coach

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

Drill to help to teach backs how to check their line?

Drill to help to teach backs how to check their line up from defensive to attacking

Archived User Coach

drills to improve the flat line technique

teahcing primary school kids and could use some drills

Archived User Coach

animation cut in half

after saving animation, playback is half the field but in edit full field, anyone know how I could fix? Thanks in advance

Sam Limu Franklin Coach, New Zealand

field

how do i change the field

Paul Lemmon Coach, Canada

field

Field dimensions?

riccardopizzato Coach, Italy

FLY HALF | Sportplan

How can i improve my skills on the field as a flyhalf

zachree bergstedt Coach, South Africa

On the kickoff, the ball bounc...

On the kickoff, the ball bounces over the touchline before it goes 10m. What is the following action or possible choices of action?

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

I have just started coaching t...

I have just started coaching touch at my school and have been trying to find out about field positions. can anyone help me? i have only been doing drils at practice and now want to start having mini matches.

Archived User Coach

Basic Game Plan - U9 | Sportpl...

Just wondering if anyone has formed a basic game plan for a 2nd year tackle team (U9) and how it went. I am thinking that the forwards at this age would be quicker to the breakdown if they knew exactly where the play will end up on the field...Thoughts and opinions please

Kelvin McGrath Coach, New Zealand

u8s running sideways not forwa...

What drills would anybody reccomend to encourage forward running in an u8s side,whilst keeping it fun?Some players tend to crab along the pitch.

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

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