Rugby: body position

Several of my players are taking the ball a yard too far into contact and losing possession as a result.Do you have any suggestions or drills that would help to address this? Dave Knights. Hong Kong

I have just started to train girls under 15. Some of them have knowledge of the game, but in mayority dont know anything. I ususally train girls M21 and Im afraid the drills and tecnics I know, are not fun enough for this age group. I wish to learn some fun, and interactive drills to iniciate them to the basics of the game.

an RFU directive states that coaches should not hold pads/shields for juniors to run into during sessions, or even juniors holding pads for each other!!! I notice a lot of drills utilise pads as this was something we always used when I trained years ago! I personally think they are a good thing (especially since some of the juniors I coach are 'not small'!) BUT wondered what the general thoughts were out there in SportPlan world....

My fowards seem afraid to ruck and stand around the ruck while in the way of the scrum half trying to get the ball out to the backs. They also don't support the ball carrier while he is being tackled. Please help me with any suggestions!!!

can anyoune suggest some line out moves for under 12s?

Positional rotation at U9 level... I originally posted this as answer to a question about squad rotation, but thought I might get a better response if I posted it as a question in its own right... I have an 8 year old at the age level you are talking about - he isn't the best player at the club by any means, but has his good moments. He loves watching the game, he has a good understanding of the way it is played (to the extent that he has often shouted at the telly over recent weeks at some of our illustrious stars when they're out of position) and he has good handling skills - to be honest he's just not brave enough in the tackle yet, but I know it'll come so I'm not making a big thing of it. However, he and a couple of others are constantly stuck on the wing, and are getting fed up with the fact that they don't get the opportunity to get involved much. The coaches seem to have their "big names" and as you say seem more interested in the short term aims of winning each game rather than trying to keep the lads interested and challenged each week. I know my son's aware that I think they should move them all around, although I have made a point of not criticising the coaches at all - I think he heard me talking about it to someone else. The coaches have talked about moving players to different positions, but haven't done it, and aren't really receptive when they are asked about it. There are two coaches, and the one that seems to have the "casting vote" is pretty autocratic and doesn't seem to accept criticism or suggestions. My son has mentioned about moving to another club, where he may or may not get more of a chance to shine, but I am not sure this is the right move as it may teach him to give up rather than sticking with something. Any thoughts please?

I will be coaching under 10 next season and need some guidance on how to interpret the rules for the maul?

Simon My son's PE teacher has told him that Bridging is lieegal for the U13 to U19 group. His Club coach has been encouraging its use in games for two seasons. I can see some of the dangers but also the advantages Who is right is it banned or can it be used? Paul submitted by email

Where should the posts be postioned on a ruck? also, what is the best way to teach this?

What could you teach a player cues for the halfback pass,(passing from the ground)?

Is sealing the ball at the tackle and ruck legal again?

i coach collegiate womens rugby...any suggestions for tackling sessions in practice - my girls are very hesitant to "hurt" each other. we have tackle dummies, but that just isn't the same...

How can I coach player to run the ball into engagements with good body position. To often the bigger players go in to high expecting to use their strength to get through only to have the ball ripped away.

my U11's are progressing well but still not competing at  rucks/loose play, any suggestions on drills that work on body position and clearing out?

I saw this video and I don't it is legal or not? it seems to me he is not entering by the gate. 

Hello, i am after some help with planning a half hour session in off loading out of the tackle

Are there any drills to encourage three-quarters to quickly return to the midfield to defend 2nd phase possession? My U11s backs get drawn into rucks amp; mauls and leave the opposition too much attacking space in midfield. Thanks

I did the level 1 and have bought into the philosophy - small sided, conditioned games rather than drills with boys standing in lines and being told where to run. I think it would be good to share ideas of variations that coaches use to focus on specific areas, and how to keep it fresh week in week out.Simply, I award points for good application of the skill we're focusing on. 3 points for good body position in the ruck or driving an opponent back. Only 3 points for a try motivates them to execute the skills.

Hi. I coach a B level under 12 team at school with very mixed abilities. All the other teams we play put all there forwards into the rucks and therefore we have to, to win the ball. Is there a way I can combat this with a few less players in the ruck?