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Rugby: cross the line

cross the line DRILLS
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Beat the defence

Offensive players (blue), line out in one deep line while the defence (red) line up opposite in a straight line, slightly inside player from the player that they are marking. The offence will attempt to pass the ball across the line at speed. Defenders will move up to stop them but do not tackle, simply press. This teachers the attackers to pass under pressure, as they try to pass across the line without making any mistakes.

Handling

Building The Loop

Tell your players the following..... One group of 4 players will be in defence. The other two groups of 4 will be in attack, they will attack one group at a time. There will be two attackerss and two defenders in the first two channels, the third channel will be open and free of attackers and defenders. The fourth channel will have an attacker and defender, the fifth channel will be free of attackers and defenders, the sixth channel will have an attacker and defender, and the last channel will be free of attackers or defenders. Defenders can move forward and side to side within their own channel, but they cannot leave their channel. Attackers attack their own channels, but can call a loop (L1,L2,L3 etc.) in order to attack the open channels. Allow players to discover solutions, question - try not to tell. Change the defenders.

Passing

Chain Reaction - Progression

2 x Adjacent 20m x 10m channels In the first channel, players pass the ball across the line in a chain. After the first pass, the player that started the chain remains in the middle to become a defender

Tag Rugby

Corner line Tag

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 entire field width. Explain to the players the importance of spreading out and defending in a line. Game Organisation and Rules The aim of this game is to get the defending team to understand the importance of spreading out in defence. This game is aprogression of Line Tag. Set up a narrow rectangle approximately 10m wide x 5m long. Split the players into 2 even teams and get them to face each other on opposite 10 meter lines. Explain to the players that 1 team will be attacking and their task is to get across the opposition line without being tagged (2 handed tag). The defending team are told to line up at one corner of the field and when signalled by the coach they are to attempt to tag the attacking players before they get across the line. As the game develops the attackers will naturally start on the side furthest away to the defenders, to stop this place the fastest runners on the side closest to the defenders. Explain to the attackers about the idea of changing running gale to step the defenders. R1

Tag Rugby

Evasion Drill

Drill to practice/teach evasion skills. Set up two lines of cones (green and red) with two lines of players (blue and red) of equal numbers opposite each other, roughly 5m away. The attackers (blue) are trying to cross the defensive line without being touched by a defender (red). The defenders can only move laterally. Every time the attacker crosses the line, or gets touched by a defender they have to return to the line 5m away before trying to attack again. The attackers are trying to cross the line as many times as possible in 30seconds. Then switch the attackers and defenders over.

Tag Rugby

Pre-Contact Circuit

Brief your players, but keep it brief! In each grid there will not be two channels. In each of the two channels there are two players with a tackle bag and two players binding with their back to the runner. The players binding will be leaning/driving against a tackle shield (similar to how they would be during a maul). The shield will provide support and resistance just before and during the runners hit. The first player starts and runs to the player with the tackle bag and makes a tackle before moving on. After the 2nd tackle they runs to bind with the 2 players and drives them across the line, their bind should result in their head between the hips of the two players in front of him and his shoulders in contact with the from two players backsides. The players driving position should be low and the hit proportionate. When the 3 players cross the line, one of the 2 binding players takes over and continues to run up the other channel, with the first running player now binding with the other remaining player and taking up a driving position against the shield. Change players around to ensure that every player has an opportunity to play different roles.

Contact Skills

Evasion Drill Tag Rugby - Rugb...

Drill to practice/teach evasion skills.Set up two lines of cones (green and red) with two lines of players (blue and red) of equal numbers opposite each other, roughly 5m away.The attackers (blue) are trying to cross the defensive line without being touched by a defender (red). The defenders can only move laterally.Every time the attacker crosses the line, or gets touched by a defender they have to return to the line 5m away before trying to attack again.The attackers are trying to cross the line as many times as possible in 30seconds. Then switch the attackers and defenders over.

General

Race to the Line Agility & Run...

Set three cones out at an equal distance from one another. On the coach's shout, two players sprint from the middle of the cones out to one cone before sprinting to the other end, and finishing by sprinting to the other end once again. Whoever crosses the line of cones first is the winner!

General

Gauntlet criss cross Off loads...

Set Up 3 sets of 2 defenders each with 2 tackle bags placed 10m apart down 15m x 30m channel - 3 attackers Attacker with ball in centre with 2 support players set 5m back to left and right. Attack runs at bag using footwork on approach to off set defenders fixes on one defender and smashes through hole attack carries ball in 2 hands off loads left or right receiver repeats on next pair of bags

General

Crossover Relay Passing - Rugb...

Keep your player briefing short. You may consider having a demonstration group. Give two players opposite each other, one ball each. On your call they will come forward, towards each other, sidestepping to avoid contact before passing the ball either left or right. There should be no forward passes and the players need to communicate to avoid both balls going in the same direction. When the receivers collect their pass - they do the same as the first set of ball carriers. Players that have completed their run and pass within the grid should join the end of the opposite line. Players should seek opportunity to pass off both their left and right hands.

General

2 v 2 Box Sevens - Rugby Drill...

Tell your players the following...... Whichever group of 2 is given the ball becomes the attack, and should attack upon receiving the ball. The opposite group of 2 becomes the defence, and should defend right away. The object of the exercise is for the defence to turn the ball, and for the attack to score a try by cross the defences line and touching the ball down. Dropped balls, knocked on, forward passes etc. are illegal and will be consider a point for the defence. Illegal actions by the defence will be consider a point for the attack. Each group of two should keep their own score. When the attack is over, the ball should be returned to the coach for the next phase. Have more than one training area in order to keep your players as active as possible.

General

Pre-Contact Circuit Warm Up - ...

Brief your players, but keep it brief! In each grid there will not be two channels. In each of the two channels there are two players with a tackle bag and two players binding with their back to the runner. The players binding will be leaning/driving against a tackle shield (similar to how they would be during a maul). The shield will provide support and resistance just before and during the runners hit. The first player starts and runs to the player with the tackle bag and makes a tackle before moving on. After the 2nd tackle they runs to bind with the 2 players and drives them across the line, their bind should result in their head between the hips of the two players in front of him and his shoulders in contact with the from two players backsides. The players driving position should be low and the hit proportionate. When the 3 players cross the line, one of the 2 binding players takes over and continues to run up the other channel, with the first running player now binding with the other remaining player and taking up a driving position against the shield. Change players around to ensure that every player has an opportunity to play different roles.

General

3-Kick Warmup Kicking - Rugby ...

Drill to warm up/practice different types of kick.Players form two lines in the 15m channels with all the balls starting on one side.The player with the ball at the front of the line runs out and does a cross-field punt to a partner on the opposite side of the pitch - kick labelled 1.The partner catches the ball, and does a chip kick which they chase and gather themselves - kick labelled 2. Once they have gathered their chip kick they perform a grubber kick to their partner who has continued their run. Aiming to kick the ball between the posts for their partner to gather and score - kick labelled 3.Players jog back to join the back of the opposite line.Once the first pair have performed the chip kick, the next pair in line can go.

General

2 vs 1 - Decision Making Decis...

Four players per group inside a 10m x 30m Channel. Requires 10 cones and 1 ball. Two players start outside of the grid with two players inside. One of the outside players passes the ball to one of the inside players before both of the outside players (defenders) run through the red gates. The two inside players (attackers) have to try and cross the try line before the defenders can tackle them, if the attackers are too slow they will create a two 2 v 1 situation.

General

cross over running Agility & R...

5 x 5m grid, size can vary according to ability.<br><br>Player at the front of each queue starts with a ball, runs diagonally across square and gives a pop pass to the player at the front of the oppoisite queue.

General

Conditioning circuit Contact s...

In each of the two channel there are two players with a tackle bag and two players binding with their back to the runner. The first player starts and runs to the player with the tackle bag and makes a tackle before moving on. After the 2nd tackle he runs to bind with the 2 players and drives them across the line. When the 3 players cross the line one of the 2 binding players takes over and continues to run up the other channel, with the first running player now binding with the other player.

General

BacksMove - Slice Backs Moves ...

- Essentially 12+13 swap places.- This will make their opposite track them - The 13 runs an out and in hardline.-The 12 runs an out the back option then strightens up. - Read what option is best on, reading the defensive system.

General

Pre-Contact Circuit Contact Sk...

Brief your players, but keep it brief! In each grid there will not be two channels. In each of the two channels there are two players with a tackle bag and two players binding with their back to the runner. The players binding will be leaning/driving against a tackle shield (similar to how they would be during a maul). The shield will provide support and resistance just before and during the runners hit. The first player starts and runs to the player with the tackle bag and makes a tackle before moving on. After the 2nd tackle they runs to bind with the 2 players and drives them across the line, their bind should result in their head between the hips of the two players in front of him and his shoulders in contact with the from two players backsides. The players driving position should be low and the hit proportionate. When the 3 players cross the line, one of the 2 binding players takes over and continues to run up the other channel, with the first running player now binding with the other remaining player and taking up a driving position against the shield. Change players around to ensure that every player has an opportunity to play different roles.

General

4v1v1 Down the Line Decision m...

Attackers (red players) work down the channel in 4s, working the runners left and right to create space. Defenders are only allowed to defend along their line, marked out with 2 cones. Attackers run in a diamond shape, onto the ball at pace. It's key the support do not get too flat and shoud all be involved. Focus on pass target.

General

Handling crossover Handling - ...

On GO, the ball carrier sprint across the grid with ball in two hands and pass to front player of opposite group.

General

3 Times A Charm Sevens - Rugby...

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 players. They will advance around the lower part of the training area. On the 6 players side, they will go 3 at a time in order to provide 3 defenders, one will advance to the 7 meter marker, the second will go to the 14 meter marker, and the last will stay at the back of the grid. They will advance around the top part of the training area. The attacking players will now face three 2 v 1 situations. Once the attack finishes the two attacking players return to their starting position, the next two attackers go. At the same time the next three defenders go, while the last three defenders return to their starting position. Don't forget to give every player a chance in attack and defence.

General

2 vs 2 (in - out line) Decisio...

In a channel no wider than 10m, two attackers have 5 attempts to score a try on the red cones. The attackers try to create space and beat the defenders by running good support and holding lines.

General

Tackle Box Sevens - Rugby Dril...

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 sets of cones, but there is a defender they need to avoid. When it is clear which area the attacking is going to attack, that defender can advance. This is a full contact exercise. If the attackers scores, they return to the center of the grid to attack again. They cannot attack the same defender twice. If the attack fails, they reset and have another go. After 1/2 minutes, switch the attacker. This is a competition, so keep score.

General

Right to left with a switch Pa...

Players in pairs with a ball between them. The player on the right starts with the ball and passes the ball to the player to the left. The player with the ball then runs diagonally across the grid to the next cone while the player without the ball crosses over behind the ball carrier, ready to receive the ball at the next cone. They continue passing right to left and crossing over in each grid until they reach the end. Once at the end they run back to the start to the right of the grid, practising the same skill on the way back but without cones to guide them.

General

Conditioning circuit Warm up -...

In each of the two channel there are two players with a tackle bag and two players binding with their back to the runner. The first player starts and runs to the player with the tackle bag and makes a tackle before moving on. After the 2nd tackle he runs to bind with the 2 players and drives them across the line. When the 3 players cross the line one of the 2 binding players takes over and continues to run up the other channel, with the first running player now binding with the other player.

General

Attack/Defend Big Time Sevens ...

Tell your players the following...... Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area, about 25 meters in. Tell each team which direction they are playing. Set the ball on the ground in front of the players. If you call 1 then team one is in attack and they should pick the ball up, if you should 2 then team 2 is in attack and they should pick the ball up. The non attacking team is in defence. Normal rules of sevens apply. However, before each team can start their attack/defence, they must all run to their own try line and back. When the attack is over, all players return to the midway point to start again. That's it, lets play! Make sure that you give both teams a chance to attack and defend.

General

3 v 2 v 2 Handling - Rugby Dri...

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, realigning as they run around the cone. Players then play out the 3v2. After this first 3v2 the attackers must move the ball quickly and play out the second 3v2.

General

Decision Making Exercise Decis...

The players stood behind the line work the ball up through the channel in groups of 5. As they progress up the area they work the ball left and right. Defenders are placed on cones which have been given a number. As the group work their way up the channel the coach could call <em>1</em>. At this point one player from cone <em>1</em> runs out to defend. If a call of <em>1</em>, <em>2</em> is made then one player from cone <em>1</em> and <em>2</em> come out to defend. A call of <em>2</em>,<em>2</em> means two players from cone 2 come out to defend and so on... The diagram shows a call of <em>4, 1.</em>

General

A Cheeky Little Number Sevens ...

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following...... Let's 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 advance using lateral passing - with the last player in each line passing the ball to the first player in the opposite line. Every passer must follow their pass, making themselves available as a support runner for the ball carrier. A ball carrier with a support runner has two options - a backwards flick to the support runner - or to pass the ball out to the next receiver. They may also have an additional option back inside, but best to keep it simple to start with. If a support runner receives a flicked pass, they can run with it and pass it to the next player down the line. The passer of the ball becomes the support runner. If the support runner does not receive a flick pass and the ball is passed from the player they are supporting, they should return to their original channel. In the case of a support runner becoming the next passer - they should follow their pass - and the other players should reorganize the line - not fixating on maintaining their original position in the line. Players should change positions in the line following each attack.

General

Fan out and pass Passing - Rug...

In fours, each group with a ball. On front players' command, all players fan out to receive a pass. No one is to cross the grid line - stay within touch line - preserve the space. Now move to next corner and move round grid. Progression: 1) Go clockwise and anticlockwise. 2) First player who passes ball then defends the try line. All other players must draw defender towards them before releasing pass. 3) First player goes for 2 handed touch on ball carrier shorts. 4) Change order so that another player defends.

General

Fan Out and Pass Passing - Rug...

Keep your player briefing, brief! You may decide to have a demonstration grid. On your call, all players fan out to receive a pass. Players initially attack half the space in the grid, that way the lines do not cross into each others space, as you can see in the animation. Players should then attack the full width of the grid, there will be intersection and some confusion. Players stay within the grid. When they finish an attack (the ball is moved down the line), the last player to recieve the ball should score a try just outside the grid - and the line should get set in their new location to go again. Player initially rotate in a clockwise direction. Change this after a period of time. Make sure that players change position in the attacking line.

General

cross the line DRILL CATEGORIES
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Backs Moves Drills
Lineout Drills
Backs Moves Drills
Lineout Drills
cross the line SESSIONS
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Pre-Season: Skills Foundation Session

Get your team playing together again after the break, working on their handling, passing and match fitness in this fun attacking session, finishing with an exciting game of waterfall attack!
cross the line ANSWERS
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Cross kicking from a penalty?

I've seen this several times but most recently in the Currie up championship this weekend. -penalty awarded within opposition's 22m -one of the halves picks up the ball gets to the mark -tap kicks then cross kicks to an open wing, flanker, etc. -try time. Here are my questions%3A 1)Is there any law that makes the half tap kick before cross kicking to his player? 2)Wouldn't crosskicking straight away provide a cushion? If he botched the kick and it went out of bounds, wouldn't a line out be awarded to his team?

Josh Macy Coach, United States of America

Scoring tries - habit?

Why is it important to get players to score the try when completing a handling/running drill?

Archived User Coach

Hi,i coach under 12 and both the hookers struggle to?

Hi,i coach under 12 and both the hookers struggle to get the ball past the 2nd player, does anyone know of any drill that could help them to improve their distance.<br />Cheers<br /><br />AB

Archived User Coach

Looking for day 0 skills to teach children?

I am looking for a Day 0 type of session for American children who may have never held a rugby ball. If I move forward with a rugby exhibition/team creation in the neighborhood, I want to make sure I know how/what to teach Day 0. I'm hoping that interest is growing for touch and flag rugby due to the recent in Philadelphia between the USA Eagles and the Maori All Blacks. I was there. It was fantastic. Tickets sold out so fast, I think there will be more of these in the area. Thanks.

Doug Jones Coach, United States of America

Tap penalty - Running onto the ball

When taking a tap penalty can a member of the kicking team be running onto the ball before the tap is taken?

Archived User Coach

How to complete scoring opportunities?

My team have a problem scoring tries. They create chances but still can't score. How do I rectify that?

melvin kennedy Coach, South Africa

Reduce Numbers in rucks

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?

James Pattinson Coach, Australia

Warm up to improve agility, ba...

Can anyone recommend a warm up drill for improving agility, balance and coordination?Currently attending level 1 introducing children to rugby; I have some ideas already in mind. I'm interested to hear other ideas.Thanks

Matthew Langtree Coach, United Kingdom

Looking for day 0 skills to te...

I am looking for a Day 0 type of session for American children who may have never held a rugby ball. If I move forward with a rugby exhibition/team creation in the neighborhood, I want to make sure I know how/what to teach Day 0. I'm hoping that interest is growing for touch and flag rugby due to the recent in Philadelphia between the USA Eagles and the Maori All Blacks. I was there. It was fantastic. Tickets sold out so fast, I think there will be more of these in the area. Thanks.

Doug Jones Coach, United States of America

Reduce Numbers in rucks | Spor...

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?

James Pattinson Coach, Australia

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