Discover our new Coaching Trends section - in-depth articles covering the latest tactics, techniques and innovations across Football, Hockey, Cricket, Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Tennis, Handball and Volleyball.
Save yourself a scare this Halloween and ensure your session runs smoothly. No chaos, no fright, just structure.
As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...
This is a session your players will relish. It is aggressive, competitive but will also provide you with a lot of information about your players ability to tackle and close down space.<\/p>
Encourage players to tackle using both shoulders and ensure correct technique.<\/p>"},{"id":1504900,"modified":false,"orderIndex":4,"title":"Other Comments","value":"
\"Play the game, not the occasion\" Alex Ferguson<\/p>"},{"id":1504901,"modified":false,"orderIndex":5,"title":"","value":""}],"isPrivate":false,"keywords":[{"createdDate":"07/12/2010","keyword":"tackling","keywordId":1348},{"createdDate":"06/12/2010","keyword":"defence","keywordId":1293},{"createdDate":"26/08/2011","keyword":"defense","keywordId":4166},{"createdDate":"20/12/2010","keyword":"pre-season","keywordId":1720}],"longStory":"
This is a great early season session as it gets players working hard throughout, improving their fitness levels without ever actually doing any dull fitness exercises.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
How do we achieve this? Through fast-paced drills and conditioned games. This is a session your players will relish. It is aggressive<\/i> and competitive<\/i> but will also provide you with a lot of information about your players' ability to tackle and close down space.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What's in the Session?<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n To get your players tackling effectively we begin with a physical warm up game of \"Avoid the bags\"<\/i> and then move swiftly on to the serious business of tackling - getting your players to:<\/p>\r\n\r\n The final challenge for your players is a physically demanding full pitch game with a difference, playing across the width of the pitch to test their fitness levels and ability to close down space!<\/p>","madeDate":"11/09/2013","modified":false,"movieScale":70,"newsletter":null,"openToPublic":true,"ownerId":10573816,"pdfUrl":"/upload/sessions/c350/2327/11636710/Defensive-blowout-Fitness-games-session.pdf","pricingTier":2,"publicTitle":"Defensive blowout - Fitness games session","publishId":"535463168_1743883520","publishedDate":"17/09/2013 09:48:27.938","publishedSessionUrl":"/drills/Rugby/sessionPlans/Defensive-blowout-Fitness-games-session-11636710.jsp","purpose":" This is a great early season session as it works on fitness throughout without actually doing any specific fitness exercises - it's all through rugby drills and games.<\/p> Players should be able to tackle effectively irrelevant of where they are on a pitch. Ensure players understand that certain tackles will be used depending where they are on the pitch.<\/p>","rating":0,"ratingCount":0,"ratings":[],"regenerateImages":true,"sections":[{"deleted":false,"modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practices":[{"columns":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":" Set up:<\/strong><\/p> Mark out a small area, approx 10x10m.<\/p> Give 4 players a tackle shield. The rest of the players must enter the square,with 2 or 3 balls between them.<\/p> The Game: The players must pass the balls around the square without being hit by the bags.<\/p> The bag carriers can only hit someone (with their bag) if the player is in possession of the ball. If a player gets hit whilst holding a ball, drops the ball or throws the ball to the floor they are out and must exit the square.<\/p> Play until all players are out (last man standing wins).<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1167689,"sessionPracticeCount":2,"sessionPractices":[{"adjustment":"","customPractice":{"activityBreakdownId":0,"authorId":10573816,"categoryPageHref":"drills/Rugby/Off-Loads/","coachingPoints":" Players should be constantly moving and supporting the ball carrier.<\/p> Players should communicate with each other to keep the ball alive.<\/p> Encourage players to be quick on the ball and to use different offloading methods to move the ball.<\/p> Notes:<\/strong><\/p> This is a fun game that can become very competitive.<\/p> Ensure the focus of the game isn't lost and remind players this is a game to practice and develop their offloading skills.<\/p> Progressions:<\/strong><\/p> For the LA:<\/strong><\/p> For the MA<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p> Set up:<\/strong><\/p> Mark out a small area, approx 10x10m.<\/p> Give 4 players a tackle shield. The rest of the players must enter the square,with 2 or 3 balls between them.<\/p> The Game: The players must pass the balls around the square without being hit by the bags.<\/p> The bag carriers can only hit someone (with their bag) if the player is in possession of the ball. If a player gets hit whilst holding a ball, drops the ball or throws the ball to the floor they are out and must exit the square.<\/p> Play until all players are out (last man standing wins).<\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":300,"imageSource":"/upload/users/7530/2114/10573816/cp110506435-1364916106201.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"02/04/2013 16:22:49.130","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"535463168_1442152448","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":{"categoryName":"Off Loads","languageId":1000,"sportCategoryDetailId":1174,"sportCategoryId":1174,"userCategory":true},"sportCategoryId":1174,"sportCodeId":1009,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1009,"sportDetailId":1009,"sportName":"Rugby"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"basic300x300","title":"Avoid the shields!","width":300,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":1,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6718935,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":956752},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Tips","modified":false,"notes":" Move the ball quickly<\/p> Support the ball carrier<\/p> Use footwork to beat defenders<\/p> Use rugby passes only<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1167707,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Notes","modified":false,"notes":" This is a fun game but it is an excellent way for players to pass the ball quickly and precisely and ensures they do not place team mates any under pressure.<\/p>","orderIndex":1,"practiceNoteId":1167708,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]}],"orderIndex":1,"practiceColumnId":956753}],"deleted":false,"duration":"","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"sectionPracticeId":479326,"title":"Avoid the bags"},{"columns":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Progression","modified":false,"notes":" For your less able players (LA):<\/p> For your more able players (MA):<\/p> Mark out 5m x 5m boxes side by side with the try line 1m from the end<\/p> <\/p> Play normal rugby rules and give the attack 3 attempts to score.<\/p> <\/p> When the coach shouts a number the attackers must go through that numbered box and try to score.<\/p> <\/p> Start the attack and defence at each end of a box and throw the ball towards the attack when you're ready to the drill to begin.<\/p> <\/p> The defence must prevent the attack scoring in the box you selected. If there is a try, infringement or turnover move to another box and repeat.<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1167697,"sessionPracticeCount":1,"sessionPractices":[{"adjustment":"","customPractice":{"activityBreakdownId":0,"authorId":15207654,"categoryPageHref":"","coachingPoints":"","comments":"","created":"11/07/2013 15:12:25.068","customPracticeId":119018,"customType":"CHLK","dataSource":"","demo":false,"description":" Mark out 5m x 5m boxes side by side with the try line 1m from the end<\/p> <\/p> Play normal rugby rules and give the attack 3 attempts to score.<\/p> <\/p> When the coach shouts a number the attackers must go through that numbered box and try to score.<\/p> <\/p> Start the attack and defence at each end of a box and throw the ball towards the attack when you're ready to the drill to begin.<\/p> <\/p> The defence must prevent the attack scoring in the box you selected. If there is a try, infringement or turnover move to another box and repeat.<\/p> Drive low into contact<\/p> Twist with shoulders and arms to keep the ball<\/p> Defenders should pull the ball into the ball carrier<\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":333,"imageSource":"/upload/users/4e20/3041/15207654/cp119018688-1378909823926.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"11/09/2013 15:30:28.495","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"1731204864_1460371456","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":null,"sportCategoryId":0,"sportCodeId":1009,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1009,"sportDetailId":1009,"sportName":"Rugby"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"halfPitch","title":"Red Zone Prevention","width":373,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6718836,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":956756},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Tips","modified":false,"notes":" Drive low into contact<\/p> Twist with shoulders and arms to keep the ball<\/p> Defenders should pull the ball into the ball carrier<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1167716,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Discussion","modified":false,"notes":" This is a great game to discuss how to solve attack and defence problems.<\/p>","orderIndex":1,"practiceNoteId":1167727,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Progression","modified":false,"notes":" Add more players<\/p> Increase the playing area<\/p>","orderIndex":2,"practiceNoteId":1167709,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]}],"orderIndex":1,"practiceColumnId":956757}],"deleted":false,"duration":"","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"sectionPracticeId":479328,"title":"Red Zone Prevention"},{"columns":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":" Split players into even teams and mark out a 30m square.<\/p> <\/p> To start the game the attack has to go through a defined tackle area. Once they have gone through the area play normal rules rugby.<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1167693,"sessionPracticeCount":1,"sessionPractices":[{"adjustment":"","customPractice":{"activityBreakdownId":0,"authorId":15207654,"categoryPageHref":"","coachingPoints":"","comments":"","created":"11/07/2013 15:21:12.106","customPracticeId":119020,"customType":"CHLK","dataSource":"","demo":false,"description":" Split players into even teams<\/p> <\/p> Mark out a 30m square<\/p> <\/p> To start the game the attack has to go through a defined tackle<\/p> <\/p> Once through the area play normal rugby rules<\/p> <\/p> The defence can tackle but cannot compete for the ball until after the first ruck<\/p> <\/p> Any infringement leads to a restart<\/p> <\/p> No kicking<\/p> Keep you eye on the players hips<\/p> <\/p> Get close to the ball carrier and fit the tackle<\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":333,"imageSource":"/upload/users/4e20/3041/15207654/cp119020563-1378909978926.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"11/09/2013 15:32:58.924","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"1731204864_923500544","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":null,"sportCategoryId":0,"sportCodeId":1009,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1009,"sportDetailId":1009,"sportName":"Rugby"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"halfPitch","title":"Successful side on tackles","width":373,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6718835,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":956754},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Tips","modified":false,"notes":" Keep you eye on the players hips<\/p> Get close to the ball carrier and fit the tackle<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1167720,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Notes","modified":false,"notes":" Having a defined tackle area which the ball carrier must run through allows defenders to line up a side on tackle.<\/p> For the LA:<\/p> For the MA:<\/p> Put your players in 2 teams and place 1 team in bibs<\/p> <\/p> Play normal rugby rules<\/p> <\/p> The only difference is that this game is played across the pitch!<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1167700,"sessionPracticeCount":2,"sessionPractices":[{"adjustment":"","customPractice":{"activityBreakdownId":0,"authorId":10573816,"categoryPageHref":"drills/Rugby/Match-Related/","coachingPoints":" Defence should drift up and out.<\/p> Try to get the attackers on your outside shoulder.<\/p> The attackers should use the full width of the pitch and run straight to fix and isolate the defenders.<\/p> Notes:<\/strong><\/p> This game will really test your players fitness and their ability to close down space.<\/p> This game will highlight their defending ability and their confidence.<\/p> Progression:<\/strong><\/p> The only progression to this game would depend on your players fitness. Depending on their fitness you could alter the size of the playing area.<\/p>","comments":"","created":"11/09/2013 15:41:04.447","customPracticeId":124117,"customType":"CHLK","dataSource":"","demo":false,"description":" Put your players in 2 teams and place 1 team in bibs<\/p> Play normal rugby rules<\/p> The only difference is that this game is played across the pitch!<\/p>","editCustomPracticeIndex":-1,"equipment":"","externalFilePath":"","externalId":"","height":633,"imageSource":"/upload/users/7530/2114/10573816/cp077-1378910464454.png","imageSourceBw":"","language":{"languageCode":"en","languageId":1000,"name":"English","sportCategories":[]},"modified":"11/09/2013 15:41:58.809","poorQuality":false,"progression":"","publishId":"535463168_-1423474688","sessionFolderId":5105627,"setup":"","sportCategoryDetail":{"categoryName":"Match Related","languageId":1000,"sportCategoryDetailId":1166,"sportCategoryId":1166,"userCategory":true},"sportCategoryId":1166,"sportCodeId":1009,"sportDetail":{"languageId":1000,"sportCodeId":1009,"sportDetailId":1009,"sportName":"Rugby"},"svgSource":"","swfSource":"","template":"fullPitchV","title":"Defend Defend - wide pitch game","width":416,"xmlSource":""},"deleted":false,"externalFile":"null","externalFileType":"null","modified":false,"orderIndex":1,"practiceVariant":null,"sessionPracticeId":6718908,"title":""}]}],"orderIndex":0,"practiceColumnId":956758},{"deleted":false,"heading":"","modified":false,"notes":[{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Coaching Tips","modified":false,"notes":" Defence should drift up and out.<\/p> Try to get the attackers on your outside shoulder.<\/p> The attackers should use the full width of the pitch and run straight to fix and isolate the defenders.<\/p>","orderIndex":0,"practiceNoteId":1167722,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Notes","modified":false,"notes":" This game will really test your players fitness and their ability to close down space.<\/p> This game will highlight their defending ability and their confidence.<\/p>","orderIndex":1,"practiceNoteId":1167723,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]},{"deleted":false,"heading":"*Progression","modified":false,"notes":" The only progression to this game would depend on your players fitness. Depending on their fitness you could alter the size of the playing area.<\/p>","orderIndex":2,"practiceNoteId":1167724,"sessionPracticeCount":0,"sessionPractices":[]}],"orderIndex":1,"practiceColumnId":956759}],"deleted":false,"duration":"","modified":false,"orderIndex":0,"sectionPracticeId":479329,"title":"Defend Defend - wide pitch game"}],"sessionSectionId":920261,"title":"Final Game"}],"sessionEntityId":11636710,"sessionFolderId":5072799,"sessionType":2010,"shortStory":"Give your players a session they'll relish. This competitive and physically demanding session works on tacking, fitness and players' ability to close down space","sportCodeId":1009,"template":"standardSPLandscape","textScale":100,"title":"Defensive blowout - Fitness games session","userProfileId":0,"userRating":null,"venue":"Rugby Pitch"}
<\/strong><\/p>
<\/strong><\/p>