Rugby: Avoid the Tackler

Within a set playing area split your players into two groups - catchers and runners. It's the catcher's job to tag as many runners as possible with the ball. Once a runner has been tagged they are "stuck", and must stand in a T-shape, with their arms up. They cannot move until they are released by another runner. If you are stuck, the other players can release you by touching you on the head or running under your outstretched arms and/or legs.

Don't stand up, instead take a knee and talk to players at their level.

Within a set playing area split your players into two groups - catchers and runners. It's the catcher's job to tag as many runners as possible. Once a runner has been tagged they are "stuck", and must stand in a T-shape, with their arms up. They cannot move until they are released by another runner. If you are stuck, the other players can release you by touching you on the head or running under your outstretched arms and/or legs.

4 cones in a square area. 7 players. 2 players on cone A & B with 1 player (the worker) in between the cones, and 1 player each on cone C and D. Players to pass the ball along the line as they move across the coned area. Ball to be handed to the player waiting on the cone. The drill is repeated going in the opposite direction, with the player in the middle (the worker) continuing in the drill. Drill to be continuous and repeated 4 times, before the player in the middle (the worker) rotates with another player.

2 teams. 5 players on each team in a large coned area. Area size depends on age, ability, and number of players in each team. Team with the ball attempts to score a try by running forwards and passing the ball behind them to their team mates, whilst trying to avoid being tackled. If the player with the ball is tagged, play stops and restarts by the player passing the ball to a team mate. Play continues. If the team carrying the ball is tagged 5 times, or drops the ball it is turned over to the opposition. Playing time can vary dependent on age range of players. Award 1 point for each try scored.

5 players and 1 ball. 4 players in a staggered line in a coned area with 1 player in the middle as the tackler. Player 2 runs with the ball drawing the tackler towards him, the ball is then passed inside to player 1, avoiding the tackler. The ball is then passed backwards along the line to each player with player 4 scoring a try. The player at the end of the line scores a try. Repeat the drill going in the opposite direction. Players rotate so that they all have a go as the tackler.

5 players and 1 ball. 2 players on each side of a coned area with 1 player in the middle as the tackler. Player 1 runs with the ball to get to the other side to score a try. They must stay inside the coned area. The player in the middle attempts to stop the player by placing both hands on the runner, just above their waist. Players rotate after all 4 players have run. Points can be awarded for each try scored, or each tackle made.  

The box kick is a very dangerous tactic for attack and defense. When attacking it can apply immense pressure on a team by putting the ball behind them. It also isolates the receiver making them vulnerable to turnover. It can also be dangerous if not executed correctly as you can end up giving away possession.

2 players and 1 ball. Player A throws or kicks a high ball for player B to catch by taking steps to meet the ball.

2 players. 1 ball. Player A throws or kicks a high ball for player B to catch in a stationary position. Player B stands side on to take the catch.

CORRECT tackling position. Tacklers arms wrapped around the players waist that they are tackling. Head tucked in behind the player.

6 players and 1 ball in a coned area. Player A leads with the ball, and the other 5 players follow. Player A runs and changes direction within the coned area. Coach shouts change and player A passes the ball to player B to become the leader. The drill continues and player A joins the back of the line. The drill is continuous until all players have lead the line.

Fun game to practice passes/kicks not being intercepted. Divide players into two equal teams and set up two grids (one small and one big - see diagram). The blue team are divided in half with half in the small grid, and half outside the big grid. They are trying to pass/kick the ball between themselves to score points - one for every pass/kick which is caught on the full. The red team are trying to intercept the passes/kicks or distract the blue team players. They cannot leave big grid or enter the small grid. Players in the small grid cannot leave the small grid Progressions -  Players can only hold the ball for 5 seconds If a ball is dropped/intercepted it is taken out of the game  

INCORRECT tackling position. Tacklers head should not be in front of the player being tackled.

1 player with a ball. Player kicks the ball in the air and catches. Continue working the drill for 2 minutes. Player to count the number of completed catches.

2 players and 1 ball. Players stand opposite ach other in a coned area 10 yards apart. Player A kicks the ball out of their hands to player B to catch. Drill is repeated and continuous. Drill can be developed by awarding a point for each completed kick and catch, and how many were completed within a certain time i.e 1 minute.

This is good for upper body strength. 5 or 6 defenders, 1 ball, 2 attackers Defenders must stand in a circle about 2 metres apart to keep contact away from injuring anybody unnecessarily. The ball carrier works into a defender who must wrap around and keep hold of the ball, the support attacker must rip the ball from his partner and move onto a different defender for the process to repeat. The 2 attackers are given a time limit to work as hard as possible.

1 player shows how not to score a try, and then demonstrates how to score a try.