Contact Help center
Rugby Rugby
HOME Rugby Coaching Trends SEARCH

Rugby: continuity

continuity DRILLS
View All

3 on 2 Attack and Defence Drill

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 the players run around designated cones and attack the defenders to score. Ball carrier should initiate the attack by attacking the inside shoulder of the first defender to stop a drift defence. Draw the first defender and make the pass to your next support runner who should do the same to pass to the outside runner who can go and score. Once attacked three or four times players should swap to defence but not every single time to create continuity and positive development.

Defensive Patterns

3 v 2 into 2 v 1

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 cones and green cones). In the bigger grid have two defenders (red) and in the smaller grid have one defender (red). Three attackers (blue) attack the 2 defenders in the first grid. Once they have completed the 3 v 2 situation the player with the ball and one other support player run around the cone and attack the one defender in the smaller grid. Swap the attack and defence after 3-5 repetitions. PROGRESSION: The ball starts on the opposite side to practice passing in both directions. A coach/other player feeds the ball to the three attackers so the drill can start in any position. The coach/other player can kick or roll the ball to the attack to start the drill.

Passing

Diamond shape supporting lines

This is an exercise for continuity and support for attacking play Lay out a rectangular playing area, with four attackers and minimum three defenders The attackers begin in a diamond formation, with the ball carrier at the front The defenders are then stacked in rows, one defender per row, spread out diagonally The ball carrier is tackled by the first man, and offloads to one of the two supporting attackers The receiver of the pass runs and is tackled by the next defender and they offload to one of two supporting attackers As one of the four attackers will be on the floor from a tackle, the next phase will include three attackers, who should be in an arrow formation

Off Loads

Running Lines and Breakdown Continuity

A coach or scrum half feeds a ball carrier who should be running onto the ball. The ball carrier should run towards the tackle sausage and use footwork and a hand off to move past the tackle sausage towards the first two tackle bags. The player should aim to hit the gap between the two tackle bags and power beyond the contact. Those two players then drop the bags and follow the original runner in support. The ball carrier then hits the bag, goes to ground and looks to lift the ball up to one of his support players. The next player then hits the last tackle bag, goes to ground and presents the ball. The next support player clears away the bag to secure the ball. This drill works on a number of skills (running onto the ball, hand off, footwork and hitting gaps, communication and support, clearing out a ruck) in continuity which means its more game realistic and trains players to not only perform the individual skills, but also to be thinking about how the skills link together and what their next job is.

Agility & Running Skills

Running Lines and Breakdown Co...

<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>A coach or scrum half feeds a ball carrier who should be running onto the ball.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The ball carrier should run towards the tackle sausage and use footwork and a hand off to move past the tackle sausage towards the first two tackle bags.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The player should aim to hit the gap between the two tackle bags and power beyond the contact.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Those two players then drop the bags and follow the original runner in support.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The ball carrier then hits the bag, goes to ground and looks to lift the ball up to one of his support players. <li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The next player then hits the last tackle bag, goes to ground and presents the ball.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The next support player clears away the bag to secure the ball.This drill works on a number of skills (running onto the ball, hand off, footwork and hitting gaps, communication and support, clearing out a ruck) in continuity which means its more game realistic and trains players to not only perform the individual skills, but also to be thinking about how the skills link together and what their next job is.

General

Rugby: Static tackling on knee...

Basic tackling skills.<BR>Tackle to start in a low position.<BR>Tackler to position their head behind the player, squeeze their arms around the player an drive in forward off their knees.

General

Sausage Wrestle and Jackal Con...

Groups of 3 Sausage Ball1 player lines up opposite a standing sausage, wrestles it to the floor, landing chest ontop of the bag. A 2nd play holding a ball puts the ball down on the right side of the sausage as if it was an attacker placing it. The first play wrestling the sausage, bouncers up and competes for the ball (remeber to release) The 3rd player once the ball has been placed tries to clear the player competing for the ball.

General

Quick Ball From Slow Ball Cont...

BagsBalls 2 attackers line up opposite 2 defenders with bosh bags. The coach delivers a ball into the attackers. The ball carrier aims to run an overs line - Outsid ehsoulder of first defdner, and attack the second defender.The second attacker looks to leach on/latch on to the ball carrier pushing them through the contact area. Looking for a quick exstra few yards.

General

3 on 2 Attack and Defence Dril...

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 the players run around designated cones and attack the defenders to score. Ball carrier should initiate the attack by attacking the inside shoulder of the first defender to stop a drift defence. Draw the first defender and make the pass to your next support runner who should do the same to pass to the outside runner who can go and score. Once attacked three or four times players should swap to defence but not every single time to create continuity and positive development.

General

Diamond shape supporting lines...

This is an exercise for continuity and support for attacking play Lay out a rectangular playing area, with four attackers and minimum three defenders The attackers begin in a diamond formation, with the ball carrier at the front The defenders are then stacked in rows, one defender per row, spread out diagonally The ball carrier is tackled by the first man, and offloads to one of the two supporting attackers The receiver of the pass runs and is tackled by the next defender and they offload to one of two supporting attackers As one of the four attackers will be on the floor from a tackle, the next phase will include three attackers, who should be in an arrow formation

General

Develop Running Lines Off 9 Ma...

This drill coaches players the lines they should run when receiving the ball in order to maximise the chance of them breaking the gain line.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Use a tackle bag to simulate where the ruck and offside line would be.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The players line up as if they were going to come &quot;around the corner&quot; to receive the ball.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Players should run an L shaped running line to get across the first defender and then footwork to get through the second defender.Progression (0.49) - Add an extra pass to the drill<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>For the first receiver the drill is exactly the same in terms of the running line.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Then there is a second player on his outside shoulder who uses the same running line to beat the second defender.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>The first receiver has a choice (1.19) - whether to go through the gain line and pass or pass before he gets to the gainline.What is the gain line?The gain line is an imaginary line in rugby parallel to the halfway line that is the back foot of the breakdown or the defences offsideline.

General

3 v 2 into 2 v 1 Passing - Rug...

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 cones and green cones).In the bigger grid have two defenders (red) and in the smaller grid have one defender (red).Three attackers (blue) attack the 2 defenders in the first grid. Once they have completed the 3 v 2 situation the player with the ball and one other support player run around the cone and attack the one defender in the smaller grid.Swap the attack and defence after 3-5 repetitions. PROGRESSION:The ball starts on the opposite side to practice passing in both directions.A coach/other player feeds the ball to the three attackers so the drill can start in any position. The coach/other player can kick or roll the ball to the attack to start the drill.

General

3 on 2 Attack and Defence Dril...

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 the players run around designated cones and attack the defenders to score. Ball carrier should initiate the attack by attacking the inside shoulder of the first defender to stop a drift defence. Draw the first defender and make the pass to your next support runner who should do the same to pass to the outside runner who can go and score. Once attacked three or four times players should swap to defence but not every single time to create continuity and positive development.

General

Continuous passing drill Handl...

Groups 9+ BallConesThis could be perfect fro a warm up drill. Player with the ball runs to first cone and performs a pull back pass to the second receiver then onto the 3rd.When the ball reaches the third the 3rd reciver runs to the cone and performs a pull back pass back inside the the 2nd reciver in the next line. This is continuus and should be short and fast pase.

General

Ruck Zone Contact Skills - Rug...

Bags Min 12+ BallThere is a working group of 4 in the middle of 8 differnt bag holders working in 2's. The group of 4 must pick and drive into a difffernt group of bags each rep. The group of 4 work on there contact skills of leg drive and staying on feet, then clear out work. Work for 1 min then swap.

General

Rugby: Ruck Clearing Exercises...

Progressive exercises to improve clearing out at the ruckLay a tackle tube on the floor with another tube on top, angled into the air, with a ball on the floor in front of the first tubeCLEAR: The player starts lying flat on the ground in a press up position, before angling their run and tackling the top tubeROLL: Same set up, but the tube is tiled the opposite direction. The player runs round and wraps their arms round the tube before rolling away to the right with the momentum of their run.

General

Rugby: 3v2 Passing Channel - S...

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'.Set out a playing area of about 10m x 5mThree attackers and two defenders line up next to the coach in the middle of the sideline of the areaOn GO, the players run round their ends of the area and the coach passes to one of the three attackers - the 3 v 2 is liveAttackers must try to get to the defenders' back line

General

Defending in Threes Match Rela...

Set up 4 grids of about 8-10m by 5m. 3 players start on the first grid, working from one end to the other, covering the 5m distance. The aim is to stay in one straight line as they go up, and also keep themselves evenly spaced Once they have achieved that, they fall back into the next grid diagonally across and back. Now there should be 6 players on the line, and they all work together to come off the line, as one. Players continue working like this, until they reach the end of the grid. Once the coach blows his whistle the line may press off.

General

Rugby: Defence - Swimming in T...

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, ensure that the inside defender covers the outside defenders inside, and that they do not rush up to commit to the tackle, but hover across and &quot;swim&quot; past the passer to reach the next and the next attacker. If an attacker draws and passes so well that he then tries to block the defender, he needs to work hard and swim across that blocker to return to his defending role.

General

3 on 1 Attack and Defence Dril...

Set a grid to attack. Defenders and attackers begin on the touchline in the centre. Both leave at the same time and run around appointed cones, ball carrier should accelerate up towards defender channeling them however they want realising that they have two other support runners for different options to run in and score.

General

Grip Game For Offloads Off Loa...

This is a fun warm up game for the whole team to be involved inPlayers are separated into two teams, one team wearing bibsEvery player is holding a rugby ball, which they keep to themselvesThere is one 'live' ball that is used for the game.This is a possession game, where each team tries to keep the ball for as long as possible, passing and catching one-handed (because their other hand is holding a ball already)Once a team reaches 10 passes in a row, possession switches over. A small forfeit such as press ups could be introduced for conceding 10 consecutive passes.

General

2 v 1 Passing - Rugby Drills, ...

This is a simple 2 v 1. The two players have to get past the one defender without being touched, that's it. The defender will start 10 meters back, and can move anywhere inside the box. The attack must remain inside the box and all pass msut be legal. Don't forget to change the defender.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
continuity SESSIONS
View All

Phase Play and Continuity

Continue to build the phases in your play and get your team working as an unit to offer support with this session!

Developing Phase Play!

Get your team confident in both attack and defence with this phase play session, jam packed full with challenging exercises

Continuity Play - Passing your way out of the tackle

Help your side avoid the breakdown by focusing on their continuity skills - keeping the ball moving and starting to work on contact!

Mismatch Gold - Making the most of the numbers

Create space by shifting the focus of your attack and practice exploiting the mismatch with this Sevens Session

Improving Support Play and Decision Making

Teach your players how to make quickly make decisions and scan defences for weaknesses in this week's support and decisive play session!
continuity ANSWERS
View All

switch pass in rugby union

switch pass in rugby union

maria Coach, England

Is Bridging Illegal?

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

Archived User Coach

What are the best drills to use for training for sevens??

What are the best drills to use for training for sevens?

Archived User Coach

I coach Under 11's I have two players that do all the right things in training but when the game starts they will not pass. They do score tries but I think we could score more if they passed. What can I do? Gary SWales

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Gary Grant Coach, Wales

Back Row support of 12

Hi there. Does anyone have any session plans on back row support of 12 taking quick ball off the top of a lineout?

Archived User Coach

Our under tens when they go into a ruck situation often go straight over the ball leaving it in the open. A is this ball then available to be played by any player from both teams and B if this ball is out how can we teach them to secure the ball.

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

under 9 - How to teach support play & offloading

I coach under 9, first season full contact. The boys are tackling & rucking well but do not in open play pass to each other or support the player with the ball, therefore we have no continuity. What games can I introduce which will address my problem ?

William OBrien Coach, England

Teaching a player cues for a halfback pass,(passing?

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

Archived User Coach

rugby coaching qualifications

how do you obtain rugby coaching qualifications

Archived User Coach

any one know drills for defending a attack from scrum?

any one know drills for defending a attack from scrum in midfield?

Archived User Coach

First time coaching the U13s next season - any tips greatly appreciated!

I have just started helping our head coach with under12's team. He wants to retire and has put me forward to be head coach next season. I am a little worried on how i should aproach training with the boys, going to a full 15 a side team on a full pitch. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Archived User Coach

Share your Level 2 drills

Is anyone willingto share their L2 core skills task drills? You know the 1 v 1 go forward, side defence, support and continuity etc

Dave Greenwood Coach, England

Continuity of the game

I am a referee coach. I want to explain the way players play with the expectation of continuity so I can coach the concept of refereeing for contuinuity

Stan WRIGHT Coach, New Zealand

Tackler

Get on feet without using knees ?

Krappie Odendaal Coach, South Africa

Attacking

how can we improve. 1. Rucking especially at the wings.2. Ball presentation 3. Predictable attack patterns. 4. Running onto the ball5. Running angles6. Ineffective kicking game

Rutakiirwa Ambrose Coach, Uganda

First time coaching the U13s n...

I have just started helping our head coach with under12's team. He wants to retire and has put me forward to be head coach next season. I am a little worried on how i should aproach training with the boys, going to a full 15 a side team on a full pitch. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Archived User Coach

rugby coaching qualifications ...

how do you obtain rugby coaching qualifications

Archived User Coach

switch pass in rugby union - S...

switch pass in rugby union

maria Coach, England

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_rugby
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Pick and Go: Why Low-Volatility Rugby Is Dominating the 2026 Six Nations

Pick and Go: Why Low-Volatility Rugby Is Dominating the 2026 Six Nations

The teams winning in 2026 aren't taking risks - they're grinding out territory with relentless pick-and-go phases. Here's how to coach it.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Smart Mouthguards and Concussion Protocols: Coaching for Player Welfare

Smart Mouthguards and Concussion Protocols: Coaching for Player Welfare

Player safety technology has arrived at every level of rugby. Here's what coaches need to know about smart mouthguards, concussion protocols, and training safely.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Six Nations 2026: Tactical Trends Every Coach Can Steal

Six Nations 2026: Tactical Trends Every Coach Can Steal

From France's collision dominance to England's folding defence - what grassroots coaches can learn from the 2026 Six Nations.

February 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
touch rugbywarm uptouchtackling7ruckingtag rugbypassingrucktagmauljunior backline drillslines of runningscrumdefencelineoutfitnesstackleunder 8sevens

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!

Heather Weston Rugby Coach, United States

I am so pleased with all of the drills and advice on rugby. I am a player for my local club and we don't have a coach at the moment so I, as a senior player, am filling that gap. With your help, the team has been able to improve our skills.

Mokie Tau Rugby Coach, Papua New Guinea

Your tips and session ideas have really brought some interest back to our rugby training. The players and I now really enjoy our training sessions.

Eifion Highes Rugby Coach, United Kingdom

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create professional rugby coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested rugby plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3 v 2 7 counter rucking defence defense fitness football forward drills junior  backline drills lesson plans line out lineout lineout drills lines of running maul passing ruck rucking rugby scrum scrum machine search sevens tackle tackling tag tag rugby touch under 8 warm up
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of rugby coaches plus 1100+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT