Rugby: cones

15m x 35m Grid. 1 Attacker starts on the half way line of the grid, with the other two outside of the grid back to back with two defenders. On the command the one attacker runs around the red cone, with the other one running around the blue cone - likewise for the defenders. Once they have run around the cones a 3 vs 2 will develop. If the player with the ball passes immediately this will give a 3 vs 2 in the middle of the pitch.

Start with 2 players on the centre cone, each with a ball, and facing each other. On the shout "GO", they both run backwards to the first cone They then side step up the grid to the second cone Next players run through the slalom cones back to the start where the ball is passed to the next players Next players can only go when each player has received a ball (to ensure each race is fair).

Players line up in two groups on the first cone. On GO, the first players side step to the second cone, go around it and run backwards to cone three where they side step the opposite direction to cone four where they turn and sprint back to the start and pass the ball to the next player. When both players have received a ball they repeat the drill Its a good idea to have groups next to each other so they can compete against each other.

4 Tackle Bags. 10 Cones and 1 Ball. 10m x 30m. The first player in the line begins with the ball. As he approaches the first cone and passes to player 2 who is supporting. Player 1 carries on their run and hits the tackle bag before running backwards to player 2 original position. Player 2 on receiving the ball passes the ball onto player 3 before hitting the tackle bag and back pedalling to player 3 original position. When the ball reaches player 5, that player side steps behind the others back to position 1 where the drill is repeated.

Setup as shown. 2 groups with one ball per group. The first players in each group sprint to the second blue cone then quickly back step to the first. Then they sprint to the third, back step to the second,, then sprint to the fourth where they side step to the next cone. At that cone, they sprint forwards to the next cone then side step to the last cone which they turn around and sprint back to the start and pass the ball to the next player.

On the coach's call players run through the slalom. As they pass each cone they have to pass the ball around their waists.

Players start in the bottom right corner and on the command sprint as a group before doing 5 press ups. They advance as a defensive line, moving as fast as the slowest player. They never leave a player behind. They then side step (push as a defensive line) left to the next set of cones to do 5 sit ups before sprinting to do press ups. The group follow this routine until the end before the next group go.

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other. The pass should come from on, or behind the hip. They should make 10 passes on one hand, and then 10 passes on the opposite hand. That's it, lets get going - it's a race.  Any dropped balls - and your group has to start again. That's it, get working.

One ball and 6 cones. 15m x 15m. Setup the practice as shown. The first two players run up to the half way line of the grid and place the ball down before continuing their run to the end of the grid before turning around to defend. The remaining 3 players (attackers) can go as soon as the ball is placed down and then they play a 3 v 2.

Players stand on a blue cone. On Go, the player passes the ball and sprints out to the nearest cone in the middle then back steps back to the next blue cone in line.

Drill to practice attacking from different positions.Set up a grid roughly 20m wide and 15m long with three defenders (yellow) and four attackers (blue). Within the grid place a number of different coloured cones.The attack start with the ball and the coach will shout the colour of a cone, the attack must touch the ball on that cone before they can attack. Once the attack have touched the ball on the cone the defence can start to defend.PROGRESSION:To start with the defence can only move laterally along the try line, then are allowed to move off the try line.

From the start position, run out to the centre set of cones. Quickly move sideways to the left set of cones and then move quickly sideways to the right set of cones. Return sideways to the center set of cones and then run quickly backwards to the start position.

Set up 4 cones in a square, and get the players to form equal lines behind each cone.The ball starts with a player on one cone who runs towards the cone to his right and passes the ball across the square to a player from the next cone running onto the ball. He catches the ball and continues his run, passing the ball to someone from the next cone running onto the ball.Change the direction which the ball is goingProgressions:Get the players to change direction on your command (shout/whistle)Multiple balls at a timeAs a group must complete 10 successful passes before the session can move on, every time a ball is dropped the whole group does an exercise (e.g. 10 press ups).

Set up a grid roughly 7m x 5m with three lines of attackers on one side (blue), and two defenders on the other (red). The aim of the drill is for attackers to execute 3 vs 2 situations and score. The defenders can only move side to side between the red cones.The attackers start with the ball and run towards the try line (red cones). The ball carrier has two options of who to pass to, the near support player or the wide support player. The ball carrier must draw the first defender and then react to the movement of the second defender to decide who to pass to. He passes to his support player who scores. Once the attacker scores he passes the ball to the next set of attackers who attack against the same defenders. The previous attackers get in position for the next repetition.The attack can start from any of the players, it does not have to start at the same side each time.

Tell your players the following....... There should be one group of 4 players between each cone on the four sides of the grid. The ball carrying group will advance - passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver in the attacking line, they will pass the ball to the first receiver in the next attacking line. Simple as that - they should keep going. All four groups must go, in any one cycle of attacks - a cycle is 4 attacks. Progression: Add in one or two defenders, have them work from side to side - rather than closing down space and - don't forget to change the defenders into attack after some time in defence.

Players line up at least 2 or 3 behind a cone. The ball starts at one end with the player running up to the cone in front of him and passing to the next player waiting on the cone. As a player has passed he must quickly run around the grid and fall back into position. The Ball is constantly within the grid moving from right to left.

Drill to practice chasing and tackling someone.Roughly 5m x 10m channel. Players lined up in two lines behind red cones.First two players run out to white cones where a coach/feeder passes one of the players the ball. The player who receives the ball runs to try and score between the green cones, the other player tries to chase and tackle them.

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 the square, and one defender (red) on the other side of the square on the left hand side (see diagram).The attacker with the ball runs forward, then diagonally across the square towards the diagonally opposite cone, to get the defender to chase him.The second attacker also runs forward, then switches back across the square towards where the defender has come form.The ball carrier turns towards his outside and passes to the other attacker who is running a switch. They then score over the try-line marked by the green cones.If the defender holds for the switching player, the ball carrier should continue running and score over the try-line marked by the green cones.

Tell your players the following..... 3 players start on the right cones. The remaining 3 players will be running, they start at the top of the grid. The runner take the first ball off the player standing at the first cone, they pass it down the line while advancing to the second cone. At the same time the player on the cone, who passed the first ball, runs to the second cone on a loop to retake the ball. They remain at that cone for the runners to return. The same thing happens at the second and third cones. When the attack gets to the bottom of the grid, and they have finished all 3 lateral passing tasks - they turn and go again. Change the runners and players on the cones when you're ready.

Tracking hit (2 x 10 minutes in split groups) Set up3 different colour cones on the gain line. 2m spacing (set up 3-4 areas with 2 pads)Defender starts in the middle cone. Attacker has a pad. On "GO" the Attacker with the pad runs straight to one of the 3 cones.The coach can shout a colour to direct the Attacker to a certain cone. The Attacker must run straight to it. This drill will test Defender's front on and side on tackles: left and right.

5 players start on a straight line of cones about 5m apart. 10m away there are 5 more cones. Two of the 5 cones are blue, and two are red, and the middle cone is orange. The player on the orange cone never defends, he always attacks and always starts with the ball in hand.The coach shouts a colour and the players who are standing on those cones must run forward and touch the cone 10m away from them. It will always be 2 defenders, but their positions will slightly vary. Once the first defending player has touched the furthest cone across from where he started the orange player can initiate attack. The orange player will have 2 supporters, one either side of him.The ball carrier should look to attack the "Mid-Space" i.e. the space between the 2 defenders, as hard as he possibly can. This will cause at least one of the defenders to move in towards him, and therefore open up space for the supporter.You will notice as the drill goes on, if the ball carrier runs at this space hard enough, the defenders are sometimes caught in two minds of "its your man" and the attacker will glide straight through the gap, but only if he is explosive from the word go!!

<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Set up: the cones as shown with a cone 10 meters each side of the posts on the try line. This will mark where the ball will be passed from (feeder) preferably from a scrum half.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Divide the group into 3 and ask them to stand in single file behind each cone.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The ball is fed from a position alternately from either side of the post. This will encourage the players to scan, communicate and to be expectant of the ball.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The players on the cones opposite the posts will either be the 1st receiver or the BANG option runner. The BANG runner is always running an out to in, or up to in line to fix the 2nd defender.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The players on the middle cone will receive the ball in the BINGO (pull back) option outside the ‘outside’ post or just in behind the BANG player.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The BINGO players should run and an arced run to receive the ball outside the outer post. The BINGO player should try to straighten up prior to receiving or on receiving the ball.<br>Progression:<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Get 2 players or coaches to stand in front of the posts with 2 different coloured cones in their hands on their hips.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The cones will represent the ‘hips’ of the 2nd defender.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The aim is to encourage the 1st receiver to scan, look, and make a quick decision (choice of pass) depending on what the defender is doing.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>If the 1st receivers sees the ‘inside’ cone on the 2nd defender then they must assume the defenders hips are turned OUT and make a short pass to the BANG runner.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>If the 1st receivers sees the ‘outside’ cone on the 2nd defender then they must assume the defenders hips are turned IN and make a PULL BACK pass to the BINGO runner.

Set out a course of cones in pairs, with two pairs of cones at the front and back of the course - two cones go in the middle of the front and back cones, not in line but just to the side. Two cones then go opposite the two cones in the middle on either side. <br><br>Two players stay at the front of the circuit, standing back facing towards the rest of the cones. On the shout of GO, the players run backwards before turning to face forwards at the first cone, sprinting to the side and running around this cone before sprinting to the top. Here they turn completely around the cone, before sprinting forward to the start.

Groups of 8Ball Cones2 sets of 4 players line up back to back.Cones are places 3m apart and 3 in fornt of both set of players.When the coach says go the players must complete 4 passes before reaching the far cones. Then they must turn and do the same off coming back. (1 rep) Its a race agaisnt the opposing attackers to compelete the the reps given.

<span id=&quot;docs-internal-guid-0bcf75a9-9414-f74b-43eb-51b4947c502d&quot;> <ul style=&quot;margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;&quot;> <li style=&quot;list-style-type: disc; font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;> <p style=&quot;line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;><span style=&quot;font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&quot;>4 players are required for this drill; 1 attacker, 2 defenders and 1 scrum half. <li style=&quot;list-style-type: disc; font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;> <p style=&quot;line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;><span style=&quot;font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&quot;>Once the defenders are set up in either corner of the try line they are assigned a coloured ball. <li style=&quot;list-style-type: disc; font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;> <p style=&quot;line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;><span style=&quot;font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&quot;>The attacker is to start in one corner of the baseline. <li style=&quot;list-style-type: disc; font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;> <p style=&quot;line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;><span style=&quot;font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&quot;>The drill begins when the attacking player is fed a coloured ball by the scrum half. <li style=&quot;list-style-type: disc; font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;> <p style=&quot;line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;><span style=&quot;font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&quot;>The defender associated with that coloured ball will then come out to defend the try line from their corner. <li style=&quot;list-style-type: disc; font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;> <p style=&quot;line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;&quot; dir=&quot;ltr&quot;><span style=&quot;font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;&quot;>This drill relies on both the reaction speeds of the defenders noticing which ball is in play and also that of the attacker noticing which defender is in play and consequently where there is space to attack.

 The Moles want to turn the cones onto their head, and the Green-keepers want the cones the right way up. Let the kids play, you can start the game by shouting '123 Play Divots!'. After playing for some time, lets find out who is winning - but don't take too long counting. Now tell the players that they must do one press-up before turning a cone - let the game start again. Play for another minute or two.

One ball and 6 cones. 15m x 15m. Setup the practice as shown. The first two players run up to the half way line of the grid and place the ball down before continuing their run to the end of the grid before turning around to defend. The remaining 3 players (attackers) can go as soon as the ball is placed down and then they play a 3 v 2.

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.

From the start position, run out to the centre set of cones. Quickly move sideways to the left set of cones and then move quickly sideways to the right set of cones. Return sideways to the center set of cones and then run quickly backwards to the start position.

The first player runs around the red cone and back down to the start of the slalom. There the player zig-zags up the slalom, then back down before running around the second red cone and down to the second group of players where the ball is passed to the next player Important no more then a max of 3 players per slalom to make sure that there is lots of activity.

Set up a pitch area (green cones) based on the age of the players (depending on how far they can kick) with fielders spread out around the pitch. (E.g. senior players may need half a pitch whereas 20m x 20m may be big enough for a beginner).Set up a diamond by setting up cones roughly 10m apart (blue) similar to a baseball pitch, with kickers lined up on one side.One player/coach is the feeder in the middle of the diamond. He stands on the white cone and passes the ball to the kicker who catches it and then almost immediately kicks the ball, aiming for space.Once he has kicked the ball he tries to run around the diamond to score points.The kicker is out:Caught - their kick is caught on the full.Stumped - a fielder touches the ball on the cone that the kicker is running to.Out of bounds - if their kick goes out of the area of the pitch on the full.PROGRESSION:Make the feed harder (roll or a difficult pass to catch)Widen the cone diamond so the kicker has to run furtherKicker has to do a press up on each cone before continuing to the next oneEncourage defenders to work off the ball - they must pass the ball three times before stumping someone out.

The drill starts with two teams of equal players playing a standard game of touch. Whenever a touch is made, the defender immediately joins the attacking side and acts as scrum half. This creates an attacking overload. Players must try to score a try by exploiting the overload in the least amount of touches. The drill resets after a try is scored.

Drill to practice fast, accurate passing.Set up a T shape with 3 cones roughly 5m away from the central cone (see diagram)One player stands on each cone, the player in the middle of the T is the player who works (yellow).The players on the outside (blue) take it in turns to pass to the working player (yellow), who must catch the ball and pass it to the free player on the edge (see video.PROGRESSIONS:Start slowly and increase the pace at which the players pass to the working player, giving them less time to catch and pass the ballIncrease the distance that the working player must pass the ball.

Set up 5 cones around in a circle. The tackler works out from the first cone to make the tackle. The tackler then backtracks around the next and then comes forward to make the tackle again. Two tackles off the right shoulder, one front on and two off the left shoulder.

Drill to practice attacking organisational skillsSet up a grid roughly 20m wide and 20m long, with different coloured cones at one end and 5m away from that end (see diagram).3 defending players line up at one end (blue players between white cones) and 5m infront of them 4 attacking players line up (red players between green cones). One further defender waits at the opposite end of the grid.On the coaches command the three defending players run to the green cones and turn to defend. Meanwhile the four attacking players run to the white cones and turn to attack, receiveing the ball from the coach (grey). They are trying to score at the far end of the grid (red cones).Once the attack have beaten the defensive line the final defender may move forward off the try line (red cones) and try and defend.

Set up a running slalom for your players to run through at the end of their training. It should be approximately 10 by 5m in size.Slalom through the blue conesFrom the final blue cone players run backwards to the 1st red coneThen run forward out to the next red cone, then backwards again (repeat pattern until final red cone)Quick turn around the final red cone and then <em>sprint</em> to the end of the courseJog back to the start line and repeat.

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.

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 previous session. The best bit is that it's fun and relevant to all ages. If you're coaching tag rugby, change the warm-up exercise from contact to tags. One team runs clockwise round the inside of the circle with the other team running anti-clockwise around the outside of the circle. The circle in this case is marked out using blue cones, but you can use whatever colour you like. When the coach shouts 'Jailbreak' the players inside the inner circle try to 'escape' to outside the 10m x 10m square (yellow cones). The size of the square and distance from the circle is a suggestion, play with it a little and let us know your variations! The inside team scores a point for each 'jailbreaker' - swap over. If you have an odd number of players give the defenders the extra man.

Tell your players the following...... There will be one runner. 1 player, static, on each cone. 4 players on the cones in total. There will also be two players in defence, they will have a tackle/ruck pad each. The defenders will be 3 meters in from the start of the grid, the second defender 7 meters behind the first. The defenders can move left and right, but not backward and forward. There will be a ball on the first left cone, and on the second right cone. The player at the first cone with the ball will pass the ball to the runner, who avoids the defender and passes the ball to the reciever on the opposite first cone. The runner then catches the second ball, passed by the player on the second cones. The runner passes the ball to the opposite reciever, avoid contact with the defender. The runner then turns and does the same again - the defender steps back a bit. Don't forget to change the defenders, proving all players will the chance to attack.

From the start position, run forwards out of the 1st set of cones, then side-step to the left to go around the far left cone.<BR>From the far left cone, head back towards the centre set of cones in the course.<BR>Run out form the centre set of cones, this time side-stepping to the right around the far right cone and then heading back throght the last set of cones to the finish.