Rugby: Rugby Octopus

Up to 10 in a group. Each player should have a tag belt.

Each player partners up with someone and then stand side by side.

On the coach's call the players run to that sideline. If the coach calls 1 for example they have to run to the sideline before the 2s can catch them and take their belt.

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.

Large Grid 30m x 30m. Start with 5 defenders in the middle, everybody else stands at one end of the grid wearing tags.

On the coach's call all attackers try to run past the 5 defenders and get to the opposite side of the grid.

Attackers that are tagged join the defenders in the middle, the game keeps going until there are no attackers left.

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.