HOME Rugby Drills Decision making

Rugby: Kick and join the attack 5 v 4

Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the...

Heather, Rugby Coach

DESCRIPTION

One player kicks the ball to the 1 player left at the end of the grid as soon as the kick goes in the air the rest of the kicking team run to support the catcher to play a 5 v 4 against the defence.

The defence can not start until the ball is caught.

READ MORE

READ LESS

OFTEN USED WITH...

Race to cone - 3 v 2:

One ball and 6 cones.

15m x 15m.

Setup the practice as shown. The first two players run up to the half way line of the grid and place the ball down before continuing their run to the end of the grid before turning around to defend.

The remaining 3 players (attackers) can go as soon as the ball is placed down and then they play a 3 v 2.

Decision making

4v1v1 Down the Line:

Attackers (red players) work down the channel in 4s, working the runners left and right to create space.

Defenders are only allowed to defend along their line, marked out with 2 cones.

Attackers run in a diamond shape, onto the ball at pace. It's key the support do not get too flat and shoud all be involved.

Focus on pass target.

Decision making

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

React, run and defend:

Defenders and attackers line up outside the coned area in lines of five.

The coach will call out two numbers, the first refers to how many attackers should enter the area and the second refers to the defenders. So 2-1 would see two attackers reacting and running around the cones and lining up against one defender.

The coach can call any variation from 1-1 to 5-5.

Decision making

743267

1009

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
create professional rugby coaching plans
or access our tried and tested rugby plans

Rugby

STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_netball

MORE Decision making DRILLS

/drills/ Rugby/ Decision-making /categoryDrills_21.jsp

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

Rugby

STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_rugby

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

Pick and Go: Why Low-Volatility Rugby Is Dominating the 2026 Six Nations

The teams winning in 2026 aren't taking risks - they're grinding out territory with relentless pick-and-go phases. Here's how to coach it.

March 2026

Sportplan Coaching

Smart Mouthguards and Concussion Protocols: Coaching for Player Welfare

Player safety technology has arrived at every level of rugby. Here's what coaches need to know about smart mouthguards, concussion protocols, and training safely.

March 2026

Sportplan Coaching