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Rugby: 3D Touch Rugby

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

Heather, Rugby Coach

DESCRIPTION

Players can run with the ball and pass in all directions. If a player is touched while in possession of the ball, it is an immediate turnover (ball put on the floor).

The team that scores, turn to attack the other way. This rewards teams scoring and means defensive side have to work to get the ball back.

COACHING POINTS

The aim of this game is to develop spatial awareness, communication and running skills. Try to get players moving into space. Try to get players knowing what they are going to do with the ball before they receive it.

Get pairs spread out in attack. Play quick before defence is organised. Defenders need to pick up a player.

You can vary the size of area and numbers playing. Ideally 8 a-side in a 40m by 40m space. Work with 2 min between breaks.

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3 Second Touch - Touch Rugby Variation:

Split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of coloured bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your players the following laws:

Keep the law briefing, brief! Get your players moving as quickly as you can.
When touched a player has three seconds to make their pass, and they can keep running (reduce or increase this time depending on your coaching goals/targets). They don't need to set the ball down - just pass.
You could change three seconds to three steps, change depending on your goals and the skill level of the players.
No forward passes - normal rugby laws should apply.
You might decide on 5 touches before the ball is turned over, but more or less is ok. Also - you might decide on unlimited touches. It all depends on your targets as a coach, and your players age and skill levels.
Change the laws as you see fit, and let us know the variations that work for you.

Warm Up

Agility Slalom - Race:

Start with 2 players on the centre cone, each with a ball, and facing each other.

On the shout "GO", they both run backwards to the first cone
They then side step up the grid to the second cone
Next players run through the slalom cones back to the start where the ball is passed to the next players
Next players can only go when each player has received a ball (to ensure each race is fair).

Agility & Running Skills

Drop Out Touch:

Two teams
Attacking and defensive focus
Normal game of touch rugby, however whenever the defender touches an attacker, they must run back to their own try line and stay out the game until the play breaks down
Attacking team look to identify the space created from defensive drop out
Working on defensive communication and work rate

Warm Up

1v1 evasion:

2 players start on opposite end of a 5x5m block

On the whistle they run down the line, turn the corner,
The player with the ball must try and beat the defender with his feet

Agility & Running Skills

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