attacking Rugby Drills, Videos and Coaching Plans -

Wide Attack

category: Sevens

Rugby Wide Attack Sevens Start with the left most attacking unit taking on the 2 defenders in front of them. When they get past, they pass the ball t...

Attacking Skills Version 2

category: Sevens

Rugby Attacking Skills version 2 Sevens Tell your players the following...... Players will attack in teams of 3, each attacking unit will have their ...

Attacking Kick On The Move

category: Kicking

Rugby Attacking Kick On The Move Kicking Practice short kicks while attacking forward (not standing still). The attackers are aiming to land their ki...

Continuous Attacking

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Rugby Continuous Attacking Agility & Running Skills Groups of four, 1 attacker and three defenders Coach calls out the number of a defender as the at...

M1 (Looper) Attacking Wide

category: Backs-Moves

Rugby M1 (LOOPER) Attacking Wide Backs Moves See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10 moves forward carrying the ball. 12 loops around 1...

Colour Cone Attack

category: Decision-making

Rugby Colour Cone Attack Decision making Drill to practice attacking from different positions. Set up a grid roughly 20m wide and 15m long with three...

Attack/Defend

category: Sevens

Rugby Attack/Defend Sevens Tell your players the following...... Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area. Tell each team which ...

Attack The Space

category: Tag-Rugby

Rugby Attack The Space Tag Rugby The pitch is divided into two halves The defenders must start at opposite corners of the pitch The attacker must hav...

3 On 1 Attack And Defence Drill

category: Passing

Rugby League 3 on 1 Attack and Defence Drill Passing Set a grid to attack. Defenders and attackers begin on the touchline in the centre. Both leave a...

1 Vs 1 Colour Cones

category: Agility-Running-Skills

2 V 1 Around The Corner

category: Decision-making

• The aim of the drill is to develop handling in a short space.

2 V 1 Drawing The Defender

category: Decision-making

One attacking team and one defending team.
Exercise focused on decision making when in a 2 v 1 situation.
Each team lines up e...

2 V 1 Into 3 V 2

category: Decision-making

Drill to improve short space and wide space overlap play.

Set up a grid 15m wide, split into a 5m channel and a 10m channel, and 10m long (se...

2 Vs 1 - With Running Support

category: Off-Loads

The lead attacker runs straight at the defender, attacking either the space on the left or the right before taking the tackle and off loading to th...

2 Vs 1

category: Decision-making

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.

The player in the mid...

2V1 Around The Coach

category: Decision-making

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.

The player in the midd...

2V1 Around The Coach

category: Handling

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.

The player in the midd...

3 'V' 2

category: Passing

This is a simple 3 v 2.
The three attackers have to get past the two defenders without being touched, that's it.
The defend...

3 On 2 Attack And Defence Drill

category: Defensive-Patterns

Set an area with two different coloured cones on the touch line in the middle, one for defenders and one for attackers. At the prompt of the coach ...

3 On 2 Attack And Defence Drill

category: Match-Related

Set an area with two different coloured cones on the touch line in the middle, one for defenders and one for attackers. At the prompt of the coach ...

3 On 2 Attack And Defence Drill

category: Passing

Set an area with two different coloured cones on the touch line in the middle, one for defenders and one for attackers. At the prompt of the coach ...

3 Second 3 Player Touch

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

This game is about support and ensuring that support is close to the ball carrier.
This ...

3 Second Touch - Touch Rugby Variation

category: Warm-Up

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 follow...

3 Times A Charm

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

On the 4 players side, they will go 2 at a time in attack - the balls should be with these playe...

3 Touch Kick

category: Warm-Up

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 followin...

3 V 2 Into 2 V 1

category: Passing

Drill to practice overlap situations.

Set up a grid roughly 10m x 10m, with another grid roughly 5m x 5m adjacent to it (see diagram - red co...

3 V 2 Positioning

category: Decision-making

The aim of the drill is to develop handling in a short space.

3 V 2 Positioning

category: Decision-making

The aim of the drill is to develop handling in a short space.

3 V 2 Reverse Drill

category: Passing

Drill to practice 3 v 2 attacking scenarios.

Set up a channel 20m long and 15m wide with cones every 10m along the length (red, yellow, green...

3 V 2 V 2

category: Handling

Set up a channel with two sets of defenders working in pairs inside.

Three attacking players start with the ball and run around the far cone...

3 Vs 2 Reload

category: Decision-making

The aim of the drill is to develop players reload speed and positioning.

3V2 Multiple Channel

category: Handling

Cones
Ball

3 channels of different widths are lined up next to eachother
3 attackers and 2 defender run...

3V2 Passing Channel

category: Passing

This is a 3 v 2 attack v defence situation where the attacking team must make passing decisions to get past the defenders and 'score a try'.

3V2

category: School

Set up two lines of 3 cones, about 10 meters apart, with players on each of the three cones. On the coach's whistle players play out a 3v2 (always ...

Drill to practice team shapes or backs moves against a defence with less numbers than the attack.

Set up a "ruck" with a scrum half...

4V2 Attacking Grid

category: Handling

Groups 18
Balls
Cones

Groups of 4 line up on all sides of the square.

2 defenders tand in the middle o...

4V3 Passing Channel

category: Passing

This is a 4 v 3 overload drill in favour of the attackers
The area is set out, with four attackers spread out across the back line, th...

5 Attacks 3

category: Sevens

Using cones mark out the four corners and the midways points of each side of a 20 x 20 meter training area.
Divide your players into...

5 Vs 5

category: Tag-Rugby

Pitch 20m x 20m. All players wearing tag belts

Start the game with a free pass, defenders must be 7m back at the start

Attacking play...

7V7 Touch

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following...

We are playing 7's, normal rules apply - except this is touch.
Upon getting touched a play...

8 Vs 3 Game

category: Match-Related

8 players are lined up just outside the 22 metre line, with 3 defenders starting under the posts with the ball.

One of the defenders kicks ...

Alcatraz: Jail Break

category: Warm-Up

This is a great warm-up for defensive and evasion sessions, or it might even be a warm-up that helps you reinforce coaching points made during a pr...

All In Touch

category: Warm-Up

The following are the laws for this game:

Equal number of defenders and attackers.
Use bibs to identify both teams.

Another Defender Bites The Dust

category: Warm-Up

Normal laws of rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over.
The attacking team gets unlimited touches.
A player is ...

Tell your players the following......

Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area, about 25 meters in.
Tell...

Tell your players the following......

Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area.
Tell each team which dir...

Attacking Footwork And Tackling 2

category: School

Defender should try and keep shoulders square, close down space and focus on the attackers hips.
Attacker tries to stop and s...

Attacking Footwork And Tackling 3

category: School

Drill can be full contact. Make sure the defender gets back to his feet quickly after the tackle to practice stealing the bal. Attacker pre...

Attacking Footwork And Tackling

category: School

Grid size is around 5x5m. You can keep changing the size of the grid.

The defender must shadow the attacker as they run towards a con...

Attacking Lines: Unders And Overs

category: Passing

Attackers react to the defensive line in a 3 v 2 situation
If defence is compressed - overs - an outside line should be exploited. Can...

Attacking Skills Version 1

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

Players will attack in teams of 2, each attacking unit will have their own ball.
At the...

Beat The Runner

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Beat The Runner

category: Sevens

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Beat The Runner

category: Warm-Up

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Blitz Defence

category: Defensive-Patterns

WHY?

Put pressure on attacking side.

Force ball back inside.

More numbers in defence than attackers....

Box Kick

category: Kicking

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 b...

Box Kick

category: Practices-for-Juniors

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 b...

Breakdown Touch

category: Contact-Skills

2 teams.
Half pitch
Ball

- A normal game of touch, however with conditions.

- When a...

Broken Defence

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

The attacking group will wait at the top of the training area until the coach calls the number of...

Building The Defence 1

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.........

The coach will call a number e.g. 1.
That attacking group must attack, aiming to sco...

Building The Defence 2 - Turnover The Ball

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.........

The coach will call a number e.g. 1.
That attacking group must attack, aiming to sco...

Building The Loop

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....

One group of 4 players will be in defence.
The other two groups of 4 will be in attack, ...

Building The Switch Pass

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing short and tell your players the following....

3 attackers line up on the first three cones, the rest fall in...

Choke Tackle Progression

category: Contact-Skills

5 stage progression session.
Bibs.
Balls
Cones.

1. Warm up - Wrestle

Choke Tackle Progression

category: Tackling

5 stage progression session.
Bibs.
Balls
Cones.

1. Warm up - Wrestle

Clear Out And Jackal Work

category: Contact-Skills

Ball
Tackle Suits

Players around the outside pass the ball around with eachtoher until coach blows his whistle...

Clear Out And Jackal Work

category: Ruck-Clear-Out

Ball
Tackle Suits

Players around the outside pass the ball around with eachtoher until coach blows his whistle...

Clear, Tackle, Hands Circuit.

category: Contact-Skills

-4 bags

-2 sausages.

Put players on each bag, sausage and 2 defenders at the end of the grid.
There are 4 work...

Clear, Tackle, Hands Circuit.

category: Handling

-4 bags

-2 sausages.

Put players on each bag, sausage and 2 defenders at the end of the grid.
There are 4 work...

Clear, Tackle, Hands Circuit.

category: Tackling

-4 bags

-2 sausages.

Put players on each bag, sausage and 2 defenders at the end of the grid.
There are 4 work...

Conditioned Game - Breakdown Technique.

category: Contact-Skills

30 + players - Teams of 10/13
Bibs
Balls

1. Shoulders on - low intensity

Should...

Connaught

category: Backs-Moves

Carries the ball forward, inviting the defence to press up.
10 Passes to 12.
10 loops around 12 following their pass, 10 sh...

Connaught

category: yBacks-Moves

Carries the ball forward, inviting the defence to press up.
10 Passes to 12.
10 loops around 12 following their pass, 10 sh...

Corner Line Tag

category: Tag-Rugby

The aim is that when the coach signals the start the defending players will spread across to the other side of the field quickly and defend the ent...

Counter Attack

category: Sevens

Tell your players to do the following.......

The two passing players keep passing the ball until the coach shouts GO.
On GO, ...

Crouch Tackle

category: Tackling

Players stand 5 metres apart, only the attacking player moves in this drill, the tackler remains still as their partner approaches.

As the ...

D1 - Dummy Loop

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram in order to think about the starting position of your players, I suggest that they are not too deep for this one.
10...

D1 - Dummy Loop

category: yBacks-Moves

Use the diagram in order to think about the starting position of your players, I suggest that they are not too deep for this one.
10...

Defence - Swimming In Twos

category: Defensive-Patterns

2 defenders work together to force 5 players to pass and work them towards touch.

The golden rule is for them to keep their spacing even, ens...

Defender - Round And Realign

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier.
Each group wi...

Defensive Systems - Structure Progression.

category: Defensive-Patterns

1. Defensive Organisation

4 Defenders line up on the the cones.

When coach goes to pass the ball, when han...

Denfence Down

category: Warm-Up

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a contact game.

Depth And Quick Hands

category: Handling

Highlights the importance of attacking from depth and letting the ball do the work in attack.
Team of four attackers versus three defe...

Diamond Shape Supporting Lines

category: Off-Loads

This is an exercise for continuity and support for attacking play
Lay out a rectangular playing area, with four attackers and minimu...

Do Not Enter

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following......

The first attacking group lines up with enough depth to attack the edge of the grid, they pass th...

Double Gauntlet

category: Decision-making

Mark an area 15m wide and 20m long.

3 Attackers vs 2 Defence vs 2 Defence

Have the 2 lines of 2 Defenders 5-7m apart

Double Trouble

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

The first attacking until enters through the top of the first channel, the defender there can the...

Drift, Cover Or Blitz Touch

category: Match-Related

During a game of touch in a grid sized 30 x 30 metres the coach can choose to call blitz, drift or cover at any breakdow...

Drop Out Touch.

category: Match-Related

2 Teams
Attackign and defensive focus.

Normal game of touch rugby, however whenever the defender touches an attacker...

Drop Out Touch.

category: Warm-Up

2 Teams
Attackign and defensive focus.

Normal game of touch rugby, however whenever the defender touches an attacker...

Dummy Switch Behind (Dsb)

category: Backs-Moves

10 advances with the ball, running slightly inwards.
10 changes the angle of their run, towards the first post.
12 runs acr...

Enter 1

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram to help with players starter positions, but feel free to experiment.
10 carries the ball forward, inviting the oppos...

Enter 2

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram as suggested starting positions, but be flexible.
10 carries the ball forward, inviting the opposition defence to pr...

Enter 3

category: Backs-Moves

10 carried the ball forward, inviting the defence to press up.
11 runs a decoy line.
10 passes to 12.
15 runs a li...

Enter 4

category: Backs-Moves

10 carried the ball forward, inviting the defence to press up.
11 runs a decoy line.
10 passes to 12.
15 runs a li...

Escape To Victory

category: Warm-Up

Within each group of 10, there should be 4 attackers and 6 defenders.
The defenders should be in the outer grid and the attackers wi...

Fan Out And Pass

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! You may decide to have a demonstration grid.

On your call, all players fan out to receive a pass.

Fast Up - Play

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

This game is to be played at pace.
It is contact and normal rules of 7's apply, only di...

Five In, Two Out Touch

category: Sevens

Give the ball to the attacking team and tell your players the following.......

This is touch 7's, other than that - normal rules of 7'...

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Decision-making

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Handling

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Passing

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Flip It

category: Warm-Up

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to ge...

Four Handed Touch

category: Warm-Up

The following are the laws for this game:

Equal number of defenders and attackers. Use bibs to identify both teams.
Normal l...

Four In, Three Out Touch

category: Sevens

Give the ball to the attacking team and tell your players the following.......

This is touch 7's, other than that - normal rules of 7'...

Game - 6 Vs 4

category: Tag-Rugby

Pitch is 20m x 20m. All players wearing Tag Belts

Start the game with a free pass, defenders must start behind the half way line

Atta...

Game To Coach Depth

category: Match-Related

Four attackers, two defenders in quite a small playing area - trying to find space.
The aim is for each team of four to try to score a...

Game To Coach Depth

category: Sevens

Four attackers, two defenders in quite a small playing area - trying to find space.
The aim is for each team of four to try to score a...

Go To Goal Touch

category: Warm-Up

The following are the laws for this game:

Normal laws of rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over.
The attacking t...

Handling In Channels 3

category: School

Can evolve drilled by having 3 versus 2 in the wide channel.
Start off with defenders being passive in order for attacking success a...

Introduction To Defensive Systems

category: Defensive-Patterns

Groups of 10+
3 Bags
balls
Cones

1. With bags

3 Attckers with b...

Introduction To Defensive Systems

category: Tackling

Groups of 10+
3 Bags
balls
Cones

1. With bags

3 Attckers with b...

It'S All Rip And Roll To Me!

category: Warm-Up

You may consider these two points when looking to challenge or build confidence.

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's best not to ha...

Jump Hurdle, Receive Pass, Sprint

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Good for warm ups and handling the ball under fatigue.

4 or 5 hurdles, cones for variations.

Keep body square on when receiving ball ...

Jump Hurdle, Receive Pass, Sprint

category: Passing

Good for warm ups and handling the ball under fatigue.

4 or 5 hurdles, cones for variations.

Keep body square on when receiving ball ...

Jump Hurdle, Receive Pass, Sprint

category: Warm-Up

Good for warm ups and handling the ball under fatigue.

4 or 5 hurdles, cones for variations.

Keep body square on when receiving ball ...

Keep Passing

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

3 players start on the right cones.
The remaining 3 players will be running, they start ...

Kicking Square

category: Kicking

Drill to practice short kicks to an attacking player.

Set up a square roughly 10m x 10m, with an even number of players behind each cone (see...

L With Defenders

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.
Lets get the ball and the player...

Last 15 Defence Drill

category: Defensive-Patterns

A drill to practice defending in wide channels.

Set up a grid that is 40m wide and 20m long, with the 40m divided into a 25m channel (red to ...

Leinster

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram as a starting point for players.
10 advances carrying the ball, inviting the defence to press up on the attack.

Link Touch

category: Match-Related

Set up as a standard game of touch rugby, with two teams. The playing area should be wide and not too long.
Every touch tackle the def...

Live Contact

category: Contact-Skills

The aim of the drill is to develop attacking ability 1v1, with a supporting attacker to seal the ball after the tackle is complete.

Living On The Edge

category: Warm-Up

Split the players into two teams, giving each team their own set of bibs. Two different colours that clearly define the teams.
Keep ...

Loaded Sevens: Touch

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

The team with 7 players will be in attack for the first half.
Normal 7 rules apply.

Choose A Folder...

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.
Lets get the ball and the playe...

Loop Move (Simple)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 passes to 12.
10 loops around 12,
12 passes to 10, this pass ...

Loop Move - M1

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 passes to 12.
12 moves forward.
10 loops around behind 12.

M1 (13 Missed)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Over)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Pop Inside To 15)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Pop Outside To 15)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Under)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (Over)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 passes to 13, missing 12.
12 overruns the ball.
13 runs an ov...

M1 (Pop Inside 15)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for starting positions.
10 moves forward carrying the ball.
12 moves forward, over-running the ball, cuttin...

M1 (Pop Ouside 15)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for starting positions.
10 moves forward carrying the ball.
12 moves forward, over-running the ball, cuttin...

M1 (Under)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 passes to 13, missing 12.
12 overruns the ball.
13 runs an un...

M1 12 Over

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 carries the ball forward.
12 run forward, then an over.
13 ru...

M1 12 Under

category: Backs-Moves

Note the starting positions of players for this move, it's just a suggestion. However, I suggest your players start that bit flatter, and tha...

M1 Simple

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the starting positions.
10 passes to 13.
13 comes forward either straight, or cutting in to close the s...

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.

Lets get the ball and the players...

Man To Man

category: Defensive-Patterns

3 attackers and 2 defenders.

The scrum half passes to the first receiver of group of 3 attackers.

The 3 attacking players must then p...

Maul Touch

category: Warm-Up

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a...

Max 1

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward carrying the ball.
12 moves forward, cuts in.

Max 2

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward carrying the ball.
11 provides a decoy run.

Max 3

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward carrying the ball.
11 could provide a decoy run.

Max 4

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward carrying the ball.
12 and 13 switch.
13 tak...

Munster

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 advances with the ball.
12, 13, 14 advancing, closing the space be...

Narrow Channel Passing

category: Passing

Drill to practice attacking in a small channel.

Set up a channel roughly 20m wide and 5m long. Position three defenders on the try-line and f...

Nsw - Warratahs Tackle Technique

category: Contact-Skills

Groups 6+
Cones.
Balls

1. Warm up - Non Contact.

Players start on the corner of a squ...

Nsw - Warratahs Tackle Technique

category: Tackling

Groups 6+
Cones.
Balls

1. Warm up - Non Contact.

Players start on the corner of a squ...

Offloading Behind The Defender

category: Off-Loads

The ball carrier runs towards the defender and attracts the tackle.
After contact, the player turns to offload to their teammate makin...

Offside From Kicker

category: Defensive-Patterns

Drill to practice defensive organisation when the kicker must put their teammates onside.

Set up a grid roughly 30m long and 30m wide.

...

One Touch Off-Load

category: Warm-Up

Keep your player briefing; brief, and get them working as soon as possible.I can't stress this enough, it's not a debating society - players ...

One Touch Ruck

category: Warm-Up

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a contact game.

Open Channel

category: Passing

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Gi...

Overlap - 3 'V' 2

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

The first attacking unit will go, at the same time 2 of the defenders will round the top of the ...

Pass Within A Channel

category: Passing

Tell the players the following.....

This is simple, just attack from the bottom and top of the grid at pace.
There can be two...

Passing & Evasion

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

Trackers will pass the ball and tag the evades.
Evade simply avoid getting tagged with t...

Passing Box

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.......

There should be one group of 4 players between each cone on the four sides of the grid.

Passing Central

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief - and get the players moving as quickly as you can. You may consider having a demo group.
On your g...

Passing Grid

category: Backs-Moves

Set up a grid of about 10 x 10
Aim to have 12 attackers and 2 defenders
3 attackers spread out on each side of the square. One...

Passing Grid

category: Handling

Set up a grid of about 10 x 10
Aim to have 12 attackers and 2 defenders
3 attackers spread out on each side of the square. One...

Passing Grid

category: Passing

Set up a grid of about 10 x 10
Aim to have 12 attackers and 2 defenders
3 attackers spread out on each side of the square. One...

Passing Grid Progressions

category: Backs-Moves

Start out with a grid of 10 x 10
Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders - ensure the exerci...

Passing Grid Progressions

category: Passing

Start out with a grid of 10 x 10
Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders - ensure the exerci...

Passing Technique

category: Handling

Groups of 4
Balls
Tackle bags/sausages
Cones.

3 players line up opposite 3 bags la...

Passing To Support

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

One the call of the scrum half, the 3 attackers turn, round the cone and attack.

Passing Under Pressure

category: Passing

4 players line up next to each other about 5 meters apart. A defender with a shield is standing 10 meters from the 1st man (ball carrier).

Th...

Path Of Least Resistance

category: Warm-Up

In this example we will play one touch offload, but remember you can change the version of touch to suit your training goals, applying the same mis...

Positioning, Passing And Supporting During Turnovers

category: Agility-Running-Skills

5 players in a group line up within touching distance of one another, and stand facing the coach who has a ball in his hand.

The coach then ...

Positioning, Passing And Supporting During Turnovers

category: Passing

5 players in a group line up within touching distance of one another, and stand facing the coach who has a ball in his hand.

The coach then ...

Pro 1

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 advances with the ball.
12 advances, 13 provides support with 14.<...

Quick Ball/ Offload Touch

category: Ball-Presentation

Once an attacker is touched they must offload within one second.

You can start the game so that players have to pass the ball in front of de...

Quick Ball/ Offload Touch

category: Tag-Rugby

Once an attacker is touched they must offload within one second.

You can start the game so that players have to pass the ball in front of de...

Quick Hands - Warm Up

category: Sevens

Within a group there are two groups of 4 attackers and one chaser/scrum half.
At the middle point, marked by a cones, the scrum half...

Quick Hands - Warm Up

category: Warm-Up

Within a group there are two groups of 4 attackers and one chaser/scrum half.
At the middle point, marked by a cones, the scrum half...

Quick Passing To Space

category: Passing

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

One of the attacking lines takes the ball.
They sim...

Quick Passing To Space

category: Sevens

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

One of the attacking lines takes the ball.
They sim...

Rangi (Version 1)

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram to highlight suggested starting positions.
10 is the ball carrier, advancing forward, before cutting in as shown in ...

Rangi (Version 2)

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram to highlight suggested starting positions.
10 advances with the ball.
12 advances, as does 13.
14 ...

Rangi (Version 3)

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram to highlight suggested starting positions.
10 advances with the ball, then cuts in.
12 advances, and cuts w...

Round And Realign

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier.
...

Round The World

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Tell your players the following.....

The first player picks the ball up at the cone passes the ball to the next player, t...

Round The World

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....

The first player picks the ball up at the cone passes the ball to the next player, t...

Ruck - Coming Through The Gate 1.

category: Ruck

4 blue players must try and defend with shields two gates from the attacking red team.

The ball carrying player must meet the defending play...

Ruck - Pushing Them Back

category: Ruck-Clear-Out

Set Up:

3 players
one in tackle suit
one with ball
one tackle bag

The player in the tackle...

Ruck Defence

category: Ruck

Coach controls defence with calls up and back between cones placed 1 - 2 metres apart.

On the call of "LIVE" the defence stays on offside li...

Ruck Turnover Body Position

category: Ruck

The coach pops the ball off to the attacker. The first defender tackles the player to the floor quickly.
The second defender arrives a...

Ruck, Ruck, And Ruck Again

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

Both the pad and attacking units will jog within the grid, the players in the attacking units don...

Rucking Rectangle

category: Ruck

Set up a rectangle (roughly 5m x 2m) with three attackers (blue) and three defenders (red) on opposite sides.

The attacker in the middle has ...

Rucking Square

category: Ruck

Set up a square (roughly 2m x 2m) with 4 different colour cones.

1 player starts on the floor with the ball with another player lying on top ...

Rugby Gaelic Football

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following laws.......

One team will be attacking, the ball carrying team. The other will be a defending team.

Rugby Netball

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Drill to practice skills and creating space.

Set up a pitch (roughly 25m x 20m depending on age and number of players) with two scoring zones...

Rugby Netball

category: Warm-Up

Break your players into two teams.

One team goes to attack, and one to defence.
There is no kicking in this game.
No...

Scoring Zones

category: Warm-Up

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a contact game.

Seven In Touch

category: Sevens

The following are the laws for this game:

Equal number of defenders and attackers.
Normal laws of sevens rugby apply; a knock...

Seven V Three

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following.......

The 7 attackers, will always be in attack.
The 3 defenders will always be in defence.

Simple Passing Exercise

category: Passing

Tell your players the follow.....

The first two players at each coach will advance, attacking the cone to their left, in ...

Snap, Crackle, And Pop - Touch Variation

category: Warm-Up

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 followin...

Space Invaders

category: Warm-Up

Keep your playing briefing, brief and tell the players the following laws.

Both teams are in attack and both teams are in defence, at ...

Speed Maul - Hands On!

category: Maul

Set up lines of defenders with pads aligned laterally across your working area. You can either have 1 line so the attacking players work once and...

Standing And Passing - Variation

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

Static 1

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 and 12 remain static, the other players are in motion, offering options.

Static 2

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10, 12, 13, will be starting very flat with minimal movement.
11 will pro...

Static 3

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10, 12, 13, will be starting very flat with minimal movement.
11 will pro...

Support play down channel

5 players start in a 5x5m grid, and pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with speed d...

Support Play Down Channel

category: Agility-Running-Skills

5 players start in a 5x5m grid and can pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with spe...

Support play down channel

5 players start in a 5x5m grid, and pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with speed d...

Support Play Down Channel

category: Passing

5 players start in a 5x5m grid and can pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with spe...

Support Play Touch

category: School

Develop speed to break down and attacking skills.
When the player was touched, laid down and presents properly (turnover if i...

Switch 1

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 carried the ball forward, inviting the defence to press up.
10 cuts in...

Switch 2

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 carries the ball up.
12 advances.
10 passes to 12.
1...

Switch Drill

category: Passing

Drill to practice inside running lines (switches) in attack.

Set up a 10m x 10m square (green cones) with two attackers (blue) on one side of...

Switch Over Attack

category: Passing

Drill to practice attacking organisational skills

Set up a grid roughly 20m wide and 20m long, with different coloured cones at one end and 5...

Tabata Touch

category: Tag-Rugby

You can play any version of touch you like, I'm going to suggest One Touch Off-Load - but you can change this to suit your training goals for the s...

Tackle Box

category: Sevens

The exercise is simple, the attacker has 2 minutes to score as many tries as they can.
They do this by attacking the space between 2...

Tackle Conditioning Circuit

category: Contact-Skills

2 sausages
1 bag
1 ball

Step 1 - Low chop tackle on the sausage.
<...

Tackle Conditioning Circuit

category: Tackling

2 sausages
1 bag
1 ball

Step 1 - Low chop tackle on the sausage.
<...

Tackle Practice

category: Tackling

Teams of 3 one team with ball.

Start with both teams on their own goal line.
Team with ball attempts to score
Defending team allowed...

Tackle Square 1V1

category: Tackling

Step 1: Both the attacking and defending players complete 2 chop tackles on the tackle sausages.

Step 2: The attacki...

Tackler Clear Out Game Play

category: Ruck-Clear-Out

Two teams of five players each
One attacking...

Team Kicking Game

category: Kicking

Two teams of 2. 1 team attacking and the other team defenders.

Attacking team starts with a ball.

Aim of the game is for the attac...

Team Of 5 V 1 V 1 V 1 V 1 V 1

category: Tag-Rugby

2 x 20m x 10m Channels

5 Defenders in each channel, spaced 5m apar

The attacking team of 5 players must beat each defender in tur...

Ten Passes Then...

category: Handling

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

Ten Passes Then...

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

The Berlin Wall

category: Warm-Up

Tell the players that when you touch the shoulder of a player, they: have to go into the center of the circle, pick up the ball, and try to b...

The Team Run

category: Sevens

Use half or a full pitch for this exercise.
A full team of 7 will run unopposed.
Players should use this as a rehearsal of ...

The Trinity

category: Sevens

The exercise starts with the first attacking unit running around the bottom of the grid, as they do the first defending unit run around the t...

Three Blind Mice - Tag Warm-Up

category: Warm-Up

Tell the players that one group is the Mice and that mice have tails, their tags. The other group is not happy with the Mice, they are the Fa...

Tight & Wide

category: Sevens

Players start in attacking group of 3 on the 10 meter side of the grid. They pass the ball down the line at 10 meters,� attacking forward the...

Touch Ruck Game 4 V 4

category: Ruck-Clear-Out

Defenders must use two hands to tag the ball carrier and have the body position as if performing a tackle

Once tagged the ball carrier goes ...

Tracking Hit

category: Tackling

Tracking hit (2 x 10 minutes in split groups)

Set up

3 different colour cones on the gain line. 2m spacing (set up 3-4 are...

Traffic Passing

category: Warm-Up

This passing exercise will keep large groups of players busy passing, running onto, and moving the ball in traffic without the need to spend large ...