Rugby: Pre-Contact Circuit

DESCRIPTION

• Brief your players, but keep it brief!
• In each grid there will not be two channels. In each of the two channels there are two players with a tackle bag and two players binding with their back to the runner. The players binding will be leaning/driving against a tackle shield (similar to how they would be during a maul). The shield will provide support and resistance just before and during the runners hit.
• The first player starts and runs to the player with the tackle bag and makes a tackle before moving on.
• After the 2nd tackle they runs to bind with the 2 players and drives them across the line, their bind should result in their head between the hips of the two players in front of him and his shoulders in contact with the from two players backsides. The players driving position should be low and the hit proportionate. When the 3 players cross the line, one of the 2 binding players takes over and continues to run up the other channel, with the first running player now binding with the other remaining player and taking up a driving position against the shield.
• Change players around to ensure that every player has an opportunity to play different roles.

COACHING POINTS

You don't have to focus on all of the following coaching points, just the ones that you feel are in line with your training goals. Don't forget that you can have your own coaching points!

• The tempo of the exercise is high, as many players are moving and as involved as possible.
• Players hit the bags making a strong contact with their shoulder, their foot position promotes driving through the tackle, closing their arms around the bag upon contact.
• Following a tackle the player gets to their feet quickly.
• If needed, remind players about how to tackle safely.
• Players approach the Maul situation safely with a change in foot-speed to safely, yet with force, join the maul.
• Players in the maul use good communication to work together as a unit to drive forward.
• Maul foot-speed and direction is controlled.
• Body position at the maul is low, using the strength of the legs combined with body weight to drive forward.
• Variation: Place a ball at the back of the maul, the joining player has to legally stay bound while placing the ball on their hip and driving forward. Communication will have to change to take into account the presence of the ball and how to control it. The ball carrier can now spin off the back of the maul and score just over the line, before another player begins their circuit.