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fitness DRILLS
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7's Fitness Handling

Tell them the following...... The ball carrier will run forward with the ball, their partner will go with them in support. The ball carrier will pass the ball to the supporting player, who is moving forward. The new ball carrier will now pass the ball to the first receiver in the next group of two, who should be chasing - but no too close. And so the exercise continues, with each set of two support the last set of two. The challenge is, as well as good passing, is that the players should be around the 5 meter boxes and sprint back their starting position in order to keep the ball moving without stopping. Remind the players that this must be done at pace.

Sevens

All In Touch

The following are the laws for this game: Equal number of defenders and attackers. Use bibs to identify both teams. Normal laws of rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over. The attacking team gets 8 touches before the ball has to be turned over. Change this to suit your training goals. When an attacker is touched they: stop running, turn and present the ball to a support player who wait for the entire defence to gather in around the defender that made the touch. Following a touch all defenders must gather in and be connected by touching another defender. Only when the support player passes the ball out can the defence restart the game. If the defence goes offside or operates illegally, the attack gains 10 meters. If the defence does not get in quickly, the attack can gain 10 meters. Judge this depending on your player's fitness. There is no kicking.

Warm Up

Another Defender Bites The Dust

Normal laws of rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over. The attacking team gets unlimited touches. A player is touched only when the defender has made a two handed touch, you can change this to one hand if you wish. Defenders cannot hold the attacker, nor can the attacker use significant force to push through defenders. Defenders who make a touch go to the touchline where an assistant coach will have an activity waiting for them, doesn't have to be fitness related - a passing activity will be fine. They stay there until the attack scores. As each defender leaves the pitch, the attacker has an increasing advantage in terms of numbers and available space. If a player is touched: they stop, set the ball down, stand over it, and the scrum half is allowed to move the ball again to restart the attack. The defence must remain onside following a touch. Only when the support player passes the ball out can the defence press up on the attack. If the defence goes offside or operates illegally, the attack gains 10 meters. Don't forget to switch the teams around and to count how many defending players are on the pitch when the attack scores. he winning team is the team that can score with the most defenders on the pitch. Tries only, no conversions - keep the game tempo high. There is no kicking.

Warm Up

Defense into rucking

Work this fitness, defensive in line speed, communication, beating the defender and rucking. Even number of players and pads. Pads 5 m in front of players. Each time the coach throws the ball, players go forward (line speed) and make a tackle. When the coach chooses, throw the ball to one of the players, who steps and tries to get through pads. The other 2 players looked clear beyond the ball. Pad holders are active and try to stop the attacker. Defenders must talk and get onside.

School

Depth, Fitness, Warming Up

This exercise is all about getting deep lines of support, speed onto the ball, warming up the entire body, and getting fit for rugby - in this one we're doing lots and achieving more than your players may realize. Using cones, mark out a box - size depends on your coaching goals. Have 4 passing units, 1 on each side of the box. Decide on the numbers that you would like in each unit, depends on the number of players at training and your goals for the training session. Give the first player in one of the units a ball, and the last player in the opposite facing unit a ball. The ball carrier starts on their feet, but the rest of the unit starts laying down on the ground. They can only get up to receive the ball when the ball carrier (who will be passing the ball to them) has advanced 1 meter. When the ball gets to the end of the line, the last receiver passes to the first receiver in the line closest to them. The units that have just finished should quickly change place to that the first runner is different each time, they should set and get ready to go again. Keep the action going.

Warm Up

Rucking with 4 corners

Excellent way to involve large numbers and fitness. Develops understanding of working hard when on the floor, communication and skills in contact. 4 pads 4 balls Groups of 3 1st play hits (Drives and presents), 2nd play clears 3rd picks. 3rd player picks and get back into the middle, they then go to another free pad. Important ball carrier hits low, ball into hands and drive legs. When on floor, vital and he is active As for player should come low to high and drive defended beyond the ball Important players work hard to get off the floor. Do this around 1 min before swapping to build fitness.

School

Seven In Touch

The following are the laws for this game: Equal number of defenders and attackers. Normal laws of sevens rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over. The attacking team gets 8 touches before the ball has to be turned over. Change this to suit your training goals. When an attacker is touched they: stop running, turn and present the ball to a support player who waits for the entire defence to gather in around the defender that made the touch. Following a touch all defenders must gather in and be connected by touching another defender. Only when the support player passes the ball out can the defence restart the game. If the defence goes offside or operates illegally, the attack gains 10 meters. If the defence does not get in quickly, the attack can gain 10 meters. Judge this depending on your player's fitness. There is no kicking.

Sevens

Tackle Fitness

The runner/tackler starts 10 meters back, runs forward and places the ball down just before the bag, and in the same motion hits the bag making a tackle. They then get to their feet and lift the ball, repeating the same skills at the opposite tackle bag. This repeats for 1 minute at pace. Switch the runner/tacklers with a player at the bags.

Sevens

Target 3:15

Tell the players that they have to run and hit every line on the pitch, but before proceeding to the next line they need to return to and touch the try line. For example a player would run to the 5 meter line and back to the try line, then to the 22 and back and so on. The players should aim for a target time to complete the exercise e.g. 3 minutes 15 seconds, but you should change this to suit your players fitness levels. Time your players and record their times, use the recorded times as time to beat when you next use this exercise.

Sevens

Three Blind Mice - Tag Warm-Up

Tell the players that one group is the Mice and that mice have tails, their tags. The other group is not happy with the Mice, they are the Farmers Wives and - they need to chop the tails of the Mice off! The tails are the tags. The Farmers wives can run anywhere, in all directions, within the playing area - as can the Mice. The Farmers Wives can work together to hunt a Mouse. When a Mouse has their tail chopped off, they have to go to the chop zone (there might be some light fitness work there for them, your call. With older players you might have more interesting fitness work or challenges in the Chop Zone). You might decide that one tail is enough to be sent to the chop zone, or maybe they have a second chance and the Farmers Wives need to get both tails. Don't forget to change over after a period of time, counting the number of Mice in the chop zone. The winning team is the team with fewer Mice in the chop zone at the end of their playing time. You might decide on about five minutes a half. Have a bit of fun with this and let us know what variations worked for you!

Warm Up

Tackle Fitness Sevens - Rugby ...

The runner/tackler starts 10 meters back, runs forward and places the ball down just before the bag, and in the same motion hits the bag making a tackle. They then get to their feet and lift the ball, repeating the same skills at the opposite tackle bag. This repeats for 1 minute at pace. Switch the runner/tacklers with a player at the bags.

General

Agility Fitness Drill Warm up ...

Set up the practice as shown above. 40m x 20m Grid. Groups of 4 Player start in the bottom right corner and on the command sprint as a group before doing 5 press ups. They then side step 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.

General

Simple Passing Exercise Passin...

Tell your players the follow..... The first two players at each coach will advance, attacking the cone to their left, in the middle of the training area. The players should split as they run, increasing the distance between them. When they get as far as the middle cone, they should then pass. The reciever then passes to the first reciever on the cone they are approaching.

General

Rugby: Bag Slams | Contact Con...

This is the second exercise in a series of three that can be put together to form a contact conditioning circuit. The circuit can be sets of 30 seconds of hard work followed by 30 seconds of rest. Swap in this circuit for your usual fitness routine to give the players something a bit more interesting and transferable to a game. Alternatively, this would be a great exercise to include as part of a warm up.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Players work individually, picking up a tackle sausage and driving it into the ground. <li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Repeat for the whole 30 seconds.This exercise will develop your players core strength, which is immensely important in most areas of the game.Moreover, this exercise simulates how players will have to maintain power in a game. For example when going from making a tackle to then contesting the ruck.0.40 - What is the purpose of these conditioning circuits?

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

Tackle Conditioning Tackling -...

This is a simply set up game designed to test players' ability to continuously make tackles, especially when fatigued.Each area should be about 10m long and 5m wide - 1 tackle tube required.Starting from one end, a player runs to the other end where the tube is standing up, and the player tackles the tube to the floor.That player must then pick the tube up and run back to the original position and place the tackle tube there, stood up.The other player in the pair runs from their end, and tackles the tube to the floor, before picking the tube up and carrying it back to thetheir end.Continue this for one minute.

General

Rucking Ruck - Rugby Drills, R...

Groups of 4 and two groups of defenders with contact pads. 1 ball per group. The ball carrier drives into the contact pads and presents ball backwards. Player 2 binds on, face to face and secures ball, player 3 binds on the other side to form a front row. All attackers bind together and drive defenders back 2-3 metres. Player 4 takes ball out at back and runs back around cone with players 1-3 in support. Repeat going back the other way until all attackers have practised each role.

General

Continuous passing onto cones ...

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.

General

Passing Race Passing - Rugby D...

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.

General

Standing Throws Lineout - Rugb...

The aim of the exercise is to warm up and activate the core to develop accuracy of the throw with a partner 10m - 15m

General

Miss Pass (M1) Passing - Rugby...

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible. Lets get the ball and the players moving with lateral passing through the hands. Each training area only needs one ball, and that ball should start with the any of the two players at the very ends of the L. Tell players to move forward, passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver, that player will pass it to the first receiver in the next line that is waiting to go. They should advance right away. Allow the players to simply move the ball down the lines, don't mention the Miss Pass. After you feel the players are comfortable, tell them that on their call they can miss pass (M1) a player in the line. So the first ball carrier might decide to Miss Pass (M1) the first receiver in the line, and move the ball directly to the second receiver. Any player, if they have the option open to them, can call a miss pass. Allow the players to discover, though questioning, the best possible way of executing and calling the (M1) move. Players should change position in the line after each run.

General

Rugby Cricket Fielding Passing...

Coach stands in the middle of a semi circle of 6-10 players, holding a ball.One player throws a ball at the coach, who bats it away using the ball they are holding. This will send the ball off at a strange angle and make it difficult to catch. The person nearest to the ball should catch it.If they drop the ball then they move to the right hand side of the semi circle. The person at the far left of the semi circle at the end wins.

General

Blind Catch - Ball Handling Ha...

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

General

Attack/Defend Sevens - Rugby D...

Tell your players the following...... Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area. 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

Slalom Running Warm Up - Rugby...

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.

General

Track Sevens - Rugby Drills, R...

One of the players in a group of 4 should be an attacker, and should take the pad. The other 3 players will be defenders. The attacker will start at the top of the grid, and the defenders start at the bottom, one behind the other, see the diagram. Tell the players the following..... The attacker will advance, trying to avoid contact. The opposite defender should track and hit the pad. They players reset, and the next player goes. Don't forget to change the player on the pad.

General

fitness DRILL CATEGORIES
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Warm Up Drills
fitness SESSIONS
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Rugby Fitness, Strength and En...

Make sure your players don't run out of steam with this Rugby Fitness session, working on their strength and endurance

Fitness Testing Session | Rugb...

Put some responsibility onto your players and make sure that they?re up to the standard they should be after pre-season. Test their levels with this session.

Performing when tired - Endurance Running session

Find out if your team can drive out a difficult win! Work your team hard and test their match-skills when tired!

Position Specific Speed Training

Get your team the fastest and most agile out there. As the season deepens, we all need to stay on top of our game; make sure every position is covered with this intense drill.

Defensive Dominance!

With this high intensity session, improve your team's defensive skills, whilst also working on their fitness

Rugby Fitness Drills and Games

Fitness is a vital part of getting to the line for the full 80. Work on your teams skills and technique whilst putting them under fatigue with a gruelling fitness session.

Developing young players confidence in tackling and contact

After building up some preseason contact resilience, it?s time to refine players tackling techniques to build their confidence as players go into contact. Focus on the technique and develop their willingness to go into tackles properly to improve success rate and reduce chances of injury.

Pre Season: Contact Conditioning and Skills

As the start of the season nears, continue to build your players resilience to contact and ensure they?re up to speed with their physical conditioning with this demanding session.

Pre-season Contact Build-Up

After a long off season period it's important to carefully ease your players back into contact - use this session to get your players tackling again in a safe and injury-free environment

Pre-season Burner 2

Get the team excited to be back together again. Pre-season?s going to be a battle, but go and make it fun with this burner!

Pre-season Burner

Are you up to it physically yet? Really feel the burn with this session and push your team hard! You will really feel the benefits after!

Handling and Passing - working under pressure

Fast hands and a cool head will be needed in this physically testing pressure passing session - are your players up to the challenge?

Fitness and Handling Skills - Refresher Session

Work on their speed and stamina in this passing and receiving recap session - designed to get your players spreading their fingers for maximum passing control

Defensive blowout - Fitness games session

Banish dull fitness exercises with.this competitive and physically demanding session - working on tacking, fitness and players' ability to close down space

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!

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!
fitness ANSWERS
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Fitness training ideas

Fitness training ideas

Archived User Coach

i need fitness drills

i need fitness drills

Archived User Coach

Fitness Drills Forwards / Backs

Has anybody got special fitness drills for forwards and backs. What i'm looking at is speed, andurance, .....

Archived User Coach

A way to develop a great physical performance on rugby?

A way to develop a great physical performance on rugby 7's. The best trainning program to reach a good condition?

Mauricio F Coelho Coach, Brazil

Do anybody have good pre season training exercises?

Do anybody have good pre season training exercises for my schools first team?

Alwyn Burger Coach, South Africa

Has anyone got any exercises or training ideas for Christmas break?

Has anyone got any ideas regarding exercises or training programs I can give my senior team to do while we are on the Christmas break as we've got a game first week back in January. I don't want them to loose too much fitness over the Christmas time.

Archived User Coach

Under 8's drills%3A how to get players to stay in position?

Under 8's drills%3A how to get players to stay in position (in their channels) defensively to avoid them chasing the ball all over pitch! thanks, David

Archived User Coach

Resistance Training for U14

I am curently helping coach an U14 team, my focus being on forward play and conditioning. As a general rule, for conditioning I only get the lads to work against body weight for resistance training. Some players (and parent?)are eager to get into the gym and start to use weights as means of resistance. Obviously at this age the level of physical maturity of players is vast, boys to men, hence each individual must be assessed. I have done some reseaech which would indicate that the use of weights for 14-15 year old is to be encouraged (Irish RFU), but I am keen not to get the lads into the gym to early. Does any one have and ideas on this subject or can point me to any research to support either idea.

Archived User Coach

Looking for a fitness session that is both enjoyable?

Looking for a fitness session that is both enjoyable but hard work too?

Archived User Coach

Does anyone have any ideas for a pre season fitness?

Does anyone have any ideas for a pre season fitness regime for under 13`s.Outsided of our training sessions I am looking for a personal programme that the guy`s can undertake themslves.

Archived User Coach

How do you afitness test on your players to see how fit the are

How do you afitness test on your players to see how fit the are.

Archived User Coach

Can you tell where to find the fitness test that was?

Can you tell where to find the fitness test that was shown last week

Stephen Mark Frost Coach, England

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

How can I improve my team's line speed in defence?

How can I improve my team's line speed in defence? Are there any drills which can help me?

michael klieve Coach, England

Pre-season fitness ideas for 1st grade players?

Has anyone got any tried and tested preseason fitness drills aimed at 1st grade players

Ben Carter Coach, Australia

Tackling for 10 & 11's

Hi, at the moment having trouble with our junior team getting to tackle correctly.....we've trained well and brought various drills to tackle prperly but come game day the kids are going too high and grabbing jerseys.....only one of two have a great technique!! So any idea for teaching better tackle technique for 10 & 11 year olds? Thanks and look forward to you're response. Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

matt gilmore Coach, New Zealand

Fitness Drills Forwards / Back...

Has anybody got special fitness drills for forwards and backs. What i'm looking at is speed, andurance, .....

Archived User Coach

What are the basic tactics for...

What are the basic tactics for playing 10's rugby

Simon Firth Coach, Qatar
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Fitness 5

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Two Attacking Lines

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