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Rugby: Driving Maul

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Eifion, Rugby Coach

DESCRIPTION

3 attackers against two defenders with contact pads.

Ball carrier takes ball into contact turning before hitting pads and presenting the ball.
Next two players bind on either side and drive the maul to the end of the grid to score.


COACHING POINTS

  • Ensure all players are fully warmed up.
  • Ball carrier must turn ball way from defenders.
  • First support player must go in face to face with his team mate to secure the ball, second support player goes other side to form “front row”.
  • Look for spaces to put head.
  • Get good, low body positions and drive through shoulders not head.
  • Start defenders with passive resistance, then allow them to push back as players improve.
  • Change all players around the different roles.

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    Lesson Plan: Developing the Maul

    Developing the Maul

    Work on your team's maul technique with this session, improving their current ability to create, secure and defend the maul
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    Tag Maul Game | Maul

    Tag Maul Game:

  • Groups of 10.
  • 5 v 5 Match.

    • Players start the game and after each touch the touched player must simulate a MAUL by turning and setting up the ball. Allow 1 player to drive in on the ball.

    Maul
    Progression in ruck | Ruck

    Progression in ruck:


    In groups of four, the ball carrier runs out, turns and passes the ball to the second player. The first player then becomes a defender. Player 2 goes into contact and tries to drive the defender forward but when stopped, slides down to ground and presents the ball. Player 3 then drives over player 2, clearing the defender out of the way. Player 4 picks up the ball and runs on to the end where the drill is restarted running back down the grid

    Ruck
    Rip and Ruck | Maul

    Rip and Ruck:

  • Players stand in a circle, about 5 meters apart.
  • Two player, one with a ball, positioned in the centre of the circle.
  • The ball carrier (player 1) runs towards on of the players in the circle and drives into them for about 1 meter.
  • The ball carrier then drops to the ground before presenting the ball for the supportive player (player 2).
  • The supportive player then clears the ball out and passes it to another player in the circle.
  • Player 1 the regains to their feet, moves onto the next player in the circle who has the ball, secures the ball from them, drives forwards a meter, drops to the ground and presents the ball.
  • The drill continues.

    • Maul
    1 vs 1 Ball Retention | Ball Presentation

    1 vs 1 Ball Retention:

    The ball carrier walks up to the defender and turns away to present the ball to their own team.

    The defender should try to turn the ball carrier and keep him facing away from support.

    Ball Presentation
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