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ball skills DRILLS
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Handling Skills Ball handling ...

In pairs, stand facing each other, 3m apart. Pass the ball at waist height. How many passes can you make in 15 seconds? Pass first to the left, then to the right Are you better with one hand than the other?

General

Grids Handling - Rugby Drills,...

1) Run out (2 steps) turn and pop ball to a support player. 2) Run out (2 steps) turn and let support player take it out of your hands. 3) Run out - go to floor (facing support runner). Chest pass up to support. Progression: Support player tells person in front which of the above he wants.

General

Ball Tag Warm Up - Rugby Drill...

Make sure that you have your warm-up area marked out before your players arrive, it's important that you get them working right away. You can decide to play this game in smaller grids, or a larger playing area with the entire team. If using small grids, they can be 10 meters x 10 meters - and mark out as many as you need depending on the size of your team. If playing in a large area with the entire team, have two players working as taggers. The rest will be attackers - running around the playing area trying to avoid the taggers/defenders. If playing in a smaller area, have 2 defenders/taggers and 6 attackers. Give the taggers/defenders a ball each. Keep your law briefing, brief! It's important to get the players working as soon as possible. Tell the players that the two players with the balls will be chasing and looking to tag the rest of the players. If you get tagged, you join the taggers team. Play the game until all players are tagged. The last two players tagged, become the first two taggers for the next game. The ball cannot be thrown.

General

Building Speed Onto The Ball S...

The speed of the pass should be reasonable and provide the interceptors with a chance of success. Tell the players the following.... The rest of the players will start one cone back from the passers, each standing one behind the other. The first player will go, aiming to intercept the flat pass. Then the next, until all players have intercepted the pass. They then move another cone back - to do the same. They keep moving back until they don't have enough speed to get onto the ball. Don't forget to give the passers a chance, they could be injured players who you might want to keep busy with simple passing.

General

Blind Catch - Ball Handling Ha...

The aim of the exercise is to develop ball control and reaction catching skills.

General

Rugby Ball Underarm Catching -...

The aim of the drill is to develop basic high ball catching skills.

General

Rugby 5 Pin Bowling Sevens - R...

Using cones and tackle bags, mark out your training area as shown in the diagram. The tackle bags should be stood up, and at a distance away from the play that tests the strength of their pass. Set 6 balls at each cone and divide your players into groups of 2, and allocate one group of 2 to each training area. Tell your players that... Each player has five tackle bags and six balls, the winner is the player that knocks down the most balls.<br /><br />A player cannot leave their cone and must knock the bags down by passing and hitting with the ball on the bag or the bag itself.

General

Keep The Ball Game Sevens - Ru...

Tell your players the following: One group of two players will be defenders, you might want to give them bibs. The attackers just need to keep the ball moving without getting touched while holding the ball. The passes can be forward. Attackers can move around the training area. If a player gets touched while holding the ball they and their partner become the defenders - the old defenders become attackers. If the ball is dropped, the pass is bad, or goes outside the training area - the player that made the mistake and their partner become the new defenders, replacing the old defence. This should be fun, but players should strive to control the ball, moving it into space and away from the defence.

General

Seal Contact Skills - Rugby Dr...

The aim of the drill is to develop good techniques to protect the ball and stay in a strong position.

General

Mini Game - Skills Game Ball h...

In this game players try to keep possession and carry the ball over their opponent's line to score a try.

General

Rugby Netball Warm Up - Rugby ...

Break your players into two teams. One team goes to attack, and one to defence. There is no kicking in this game. Normal laws of rugby do not apply e.g. the ball can be passed in any direction. The ball is passed from player to player, but once the ball is caught - the ball carrier must stop moving. They can move only to pass the ball to another player. The defenders can close down attackers, working to remove attacking options. Defenders can intercept the ball, but must leave the ball carrier alone once the ball is cause. They can apply pressure on the pass, similar to the pressure that a bastleball player might apply (but consider using this as a progression). Tries can be scored by attackers who catch the ball inside the oppositions in goal area. Dropped balls result in a turn over.

General

3 v 1 Grid Passing - Rugby Dri...

6x6m Grid Ball Players line up in 3s opposite sides of the grid. Simply pass the ball along the line. 1 defender is in the middle of the grid putting pressure on all ball carriers.Once hand completed the next line starts immediately. Defender swaps out when there is a mistake or when he touches someone with the ball. Progression: add another defender, make the passes wider.

General

Offloading Off The Floor Off L...

The aim of the exercise is to develop ball control and offloading off the floor.

General

Drop Kick Kicking - Rugby Dril...

Can be practiced with all players but specifically for the kickers of the team for start off kicking and tactical point scoring. 1 ball, cones to set up target zones etc.

General

Evasion race Agility & Running...

Divide your players into two groups and set up two lines of cones about 3m apart. Each cone should be 1.5m apart in a straight line. The player in front must go through the cones evading from one side to another return and give the ball to the next player to go They are done when the ball is back in the hand of the player which went first Each player needs to pass through the grid and they end with the ball back in the hands of the player that started.

General

Clapping Game Passing - Rugby ...

Tell your players the following. Lets just get the ball moving clockwise for a while, just to get the ball moving through the hands. After a minute or two, lets switch the direction of the ball. After another minute, tell them the ball can go in any direction, but...... The receiver must clap once before catching the ball - and the passing player must move the ball within 5 seconds. The passer can dummy, and if a receiver claps they must do one or more press-ups. If the receiver doesn't clap and receives a ball - they must do one or more press-ups following their pass. You can also play this game using a word like RUGBY. Each time a play makes a mistake they get a letter. The loser is the first player to get all the letters that spell RUGBY. Some teams and coaches have more interesting and colorful words to spell - I'll leave this to you. Have fun with this!

General

Contact Skills Circuit Ruck Cl...

Groups of 2BagsBallsContact conditioning 1. Body height clear out workIn there groups, do contact hits on each shoulder. Stand 2m apart and take turns doing hits against bag2. Crocodile roleOne player lies on top of a tackle sausage (long way round), the group of 4 take turns swapping roles of being tackled and tackler. Focus is the crocodile role.3. Clear out.One player stands over the top of tackle bag competing for the ball. Other player arrives from 2m away to clear out the player, to prevent the threat of stealing the ball.3. Bounce and competePlayers lay either side of the a ball. When whistle goes, both players bounce off the floor, one competes for the ball while the other focuses on clear out or crocodile role.Do 3 sets of 2mins. Repetitive drill.

General

Lineout Throw - Heavy Ball Lin...

The aim of the exercise is to develop core activation buy pulling your core in and at the same time fire your glutes forward and squeeze them tight, this is the activation movement we are looking for when we throw the ball this will then keep you in a strong position.

General

Pass and Support Sevens - Rugb...

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following...... Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Give the player at the start of one of the lines a ball, tell the line to advnce using laterial passing - with the last player in each line passing the ball to the first player in the opposite line. After some time (your call on how long this should be). Tell the players that, with the exception of the first player in each line, every reciever will not be able to pass the ball until touched on the shoulder by the player that passed them the ball. Every passer must follow their pass, touching the reciever on the shoulder to release the next pass. After the supporting player has made their touch, and the ball has been passed, they should return to their original channel. Players should change positions in the line following each attack.

General

Quick Passing To Space Sevens ...

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following...... One of the attacking lines takes the ball. They simply attack, moving the ball through the hands - lateral passing only. The defenders (there will be three), mark the first three attacks, they leave the forth free. Defenders can move up and down, left and right, but must leave channel 4 open. Defender start 10 meters back. The ball must go through all four attacking hands. Don't forget to switch the attackers and defenders.

General

ULSTER Backs Moves - Rugby Dri...

Use the diagram as a starting point for players. 10 advances carrying the ball, inviting the defence to press up on the attack. 12 and 13 advance, 13 cutting in towards the 12 and drawing their defender in. 11 loops around, planning to enter outside 13. 10 passes to 12. 12 miss passes to 11. 15 should have advanced from behind the 13 and up. 11 passes to 15. 14 provides outside support.

General

Bank Robbers Warm Up - Rugby D...

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell the players the following laws for this exercise..... Players must start the game behind the outer cone of their corner and only one of them can enter the grid at any one time. This game works on a relay basis, one and only one player in the grid from each group at a time - and the next player must be touched before they may enter the playing area. While balls are in the center of the grid, one relay robber from each team can enter the grid to steel a ball from the center of the grid and bring it back to their own box or bank. If all the balls in the center of the grid have been stolen, teams can now steel each others balls - but the same relay rules apply. The winning team is the team that can get 4 balls into their box. Adjust this to allow your players to experience success or to make the game harder. You can add or remove balls to make the game harder or easier. No cheating! Only one ball can be carried at a time, only one player from each team in the grid, and you cannot go until tagged.

General

Fast Feet Drill Agility & Runn...

The ball carrier from each team runs out to the cone and runs backwards on the return before passing to the next playerFirst team to get all players back to original start position wins.<BR>

General

Rugby Netball Agility & Runnin...

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 at each end (green cones). Split the players into two even teams and give each team different colour bibs.Teams are aiming to score points by passing the ball to a team mate who is standing in the scoring zone (see diagram). Each time a player catches the ball on the full from a pass from a team mate in the scoring zone their team scores one point, and they turn and attack back the other way. Players cannot run while holding the ball, they must be standing still when they pass.The defending team cannot get closer than 2m to the player with the ball, and can only gain possession by intercepting a pass or if the attacking team drop the ball or give a poor pass which goes to ground. PROGRESSION:Players can only have possession of the ball for 2 seconds. If they hold the ball for longer than two seconds then possession is turned over. This means that the defending team can gain possession if they cut down the attacking players passing options.Players can run when in possession of the ball, but still can only have possession of the ball for 2 seconds.Passes must be over head.Passes must be below waist height.Chip kick / grubber kick instead of pass.Passes must be out of the back of the hand.Passes must be behind the back.Defenders can touch the attacking player in possession of the ball. If the defending team makes two touches on the attacking team then possession is turned over.

General

Traffic Passing Warm Up - Rugb...

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 amounts of time standing around and doing very little. It's a little confusing to start with, but when the players get going - it's great fun and very busy. Create a large box, the size is up to you and can be varied depending on your coaching goals. Each side of the box should have 4/5 players, more or less if you wish, standing in an attacking passing line - ready to go. You'll need two balls, give one ball to the first player on one of the lines, and the other to the last player on the line opposite. The lines advance passing the ball down the line as they go - they will pass through one another. When the ball gets to the end of the line, the last ball holder passes the ball to the first receiver of the line closest to them - and that line advances. There should be two lines active at any one time, and two lines getting ready to go. I hope that makes sense!

General

Tackle Clamp Partner Jackle Co...

The aim of the drill is to encourage the tackler to challenge for the ball after the tackle with a supporting player (+1) to clamp on his inside to reenforce the contest.

General

ball skills SESSIONS
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Developing Invasive Attacking Skills!

Improve your players decision making to help them recognise where the space will develop and how they can maximise their success when they create the space, either by going into contact and offloading, or passing before the tackle.
ball skills ANSWERS
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what are simple drills for touch rugby...to get ready?

what are simple drills for touch rugby...to get ready for the season?

Archived User Coach

what tips would you give for a flanker aged 17

what tips would you give for a flanker aged 17

Archived User Coach

New rules... how best to take long corners ?

Given the lovely new rules... Can you suggest how to coach a team taking long corners. No player can be 5 yards from player taking the long corner - So creating a 2v1 now is impossible. How do you coach this ? Thanks

Grant Hunt Coach, United Kingdom

I am trying to put together a season long coaching?

I am trying to put together a season long coaching schedule for under 13s and under 14s covering all the aspects of the game

Archived User Coach

I need to keep a training diary and I have no clue?

I need to keep a training diary and I have no clue as how to start one

Archived User Coach

Hi, Does anyone have any drills for a No 8 in Rugby?

Hi, Does anyone have any drills for a No 8 in Rugby for a U11 group

Iain Hughes Coach, England

Are you better off training 1 night a week or training?

Are you better off training 1 night a week or training multiple nights a week as a U10,u11 team.

Archived User Coach

I am coaching the U11 this season. There are some significant?

U11 Rugby I am coaching the U11's this season. There are some significant rule changes from U10. Please can I get some advice on what lessons were learned from coaches who have been through a similar experience.

William OBrien Coach, England

What are the main qualities fullbacks should have

What are the main qualities fullbacks should have?

Archived User Coach

First time coaching U9 and U10s - anyone got any backline coaching tips?

Hi im a first time coach and is still getting the hang of how the technical details of the game works the back line is my department and whould like any help i can get to know what drills to do and anything helpfull in the backline im currently coaching for the under 9 and 10

Archived User Coach

How can I get players (U15s) to take the initiative).

How can I get players (U15s) to take the initiative and to go looking for the ball? They have the skills to use the ball when they get it but remain waiting for a pass. This applies especially to the wings and fullbacks. The same is true about backs getting involved in rucks and forwards not picking up loose ball. (I've only just inherited this team).

Andy Stephens Coach, Wales

Developing a 1:1 coaching plan for a junior

Hi I’m a proud dad who wants to help his 12 year old son develop as an aspiring number 12/13. No experience at all coaching but willing to give it a go. He already trains with his team of course but only once a week. I’d like to supplement that with a plan that he and I can follow 2 to 3 times a week but limited realisticallly to he and I. Passing and tackling and speed and agility I’m guessing are key? Anything on decision making would also be good. Any advice gratefully received!

Carl Mooney Coach, England

Ball retention skills

How can I improve my U15 ball retention skills? They keep getting stripped or lose the ball in contact.

Noel Hill Coach, England

How to bring eagerness in the team?

My team is missing eagerness to fight for the ball or pick it up. What trainingsessions could help?They keep watching how someone else picks up the ball.

Niels Spelbos Coach, Netherlands

Is there a U7s rugby union coaching plan for week by week

Is there a week by week coaching plan for the U7s? It’s my first time coaching and need some advice and plans. Where do I start? What do I do every week to get them ready for the season Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Liz Coach, Australia

skills or training session for high-ball receiver

hello there people I am looking for new ideas on high ball skills that I can incorporate into a 1 week training session much help will be appreciated cheers kudz

kudz Coach, France

Ball retention skills | Sportp...

How can I improve my U15 ball retention skills? They keep getting stripped or lose the ball in contact.

Noel Hill Coach, England

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