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group DRILLS
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Box agility running

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.

Agility & Running Skills

Continuous Attacking

Groups of four, 1 attacker and three defenders Coach calls out the number of a defender as the attacker retreats to allow that defender and the attacker to continue the drill Attacker reacts to defender and attempts to score

Agility & Running Skills

Defender - Round and Realign

Tell your players the following...... There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier. Each group will have one defender, the defenfer will not have to go around the cone. On GO, the group moves towards the closest cone.At the cone, the players spread out and attack the line at pace and with width. They should realign following the attack left, to attack again right. When the second groups sees the first group complete their first set of passes, they should begin without waiting. The defender should swap with another player in their group. Variations: Make the training area small to force quick hands. Make the training area wider to increase the length of the pass. Allow players to be creative in attack.

Passing

Fast Footwork

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.

Agility & Running Skills

Leave No Man Behind

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.

Agility & Running Skills

Mini Ruck

Groups of five Three attackers try and score against one defender If touched must ruck

Ruck

Progression in ruck

In groups of four, the ball carrier runs out, turns and passes the ball to the second player. The first player then becomes a defender. Player 2 goes into contact and tries to drive the defender forward but when stopped, slides down to ground and presents the ball. Player 3 then drives over player 2, clearing the defender out of the way. Player 4 picks up the ball and runs on to the end where the drill is restarted running back down the grid

Ruck

Standing and Passing - Variation

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell your players the folloiwng......... Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters part - running with the ball and attacking space. After the first catch - pass ball around body. After the second catch - pass ball through legs from front and behind left leg. After the third catch - pass ball through legs from front and behind right leg. You might consider asking players to pass the ball with just one hand, off their hip

Passing

Tag Maul Game

Groups of 10. 5 v 5 Match. Players start the game and after each touch the touched player must simulate a MAUL by turning and setting up the ball. Allow 1 player to drive in on the ball.

Maul

Touch Ruck Game

Groups of 10 5 v 5 match, after each touch the touch player must simulate a ruck by hitting the floor. Allow 1 player to clear defenders away Offside line for defenders 5m back from ball

Ruck

Rugby: Passing Lines of 5 - Sp...

Set up an area of about 15 x 15m. Have 2 teams of 5+ players, with 1 one ball.The players can run anywhere in the area but can't run with the ball. The first team that get 10 passes wins a point. If the ball in intercepted or dropped then turnover. The 1st pass is after the turnover is free.Stop the game every 1 minute to stretch for 30 seconds.PROGRESSIONPlayers can run with the ballPlayers can run with the ball for 2 seconds onlyOverhead passes onlyTouch the ball on the ground before passingCan't pass back to the person you've received it from

General

How to Run a Junior Rugby Team...

General

Rugby Baseball Sevens - Rugby ...

Split your team into two teams. One team will be up to bat/kick and the other team will field. The fielding team should take up positions that they feel will be advantageous to their game plan - don't worry too much about over coaching this - players can learn as they play. The fielding team should have a pitcher/thrower of the ball. It is his job to stand on the pitching mound and to throw the ball as hard as he can toward the hitter/kicker. The idea is to force the hitter/kicker to struggle to catch the ball. A bad throw is considered wide and three bad throws means the hitter/kicker gets to walk to first base. However, three good throws that are dropped will be considered three strikes and the hitter/kicker will then be out. So the pitcher throws the ball, as hard as he can, to the kicker/hitter -who if they catch it can make a kick to space. The kick must land on the pitch, but can bounce into touch. If the kick is caught then the hitter/kicker is out. If not then they can start running. They need to get from 1st to 2nd to 3rd to 4th and then back to where they started in order to score a home run. They can stop at any base and be considered safe. However, runners can be called out when running between bases if the fielders manage to get the ball grounded at any of the two bases they are between.

General

Ball Tag Warm Up - Rugby Drill...

Make sure that you have your warm-up area marked out before your players arrive, it's important that you get them working right away. You can decide to play this game in smaller grids, or a larger playing area with the entire team. If using small grids, they can be 10 meters x 10 meters - and mark out as many as you need depending on the size of your team. If playing in a large area with the entire team, have two players working as taggers. The rest will be attackers - running around the playing area trying to avoid the taggers/defenders. If playing in a smaller area, have 2 defenders/taggers and 6 attackers. Give the taggers/defenders a ball each. Keep your law briefing, brief! It's important to get the players working as soon as possible. Tell the players that the two players with the balls will be chasing and looking to tag the rest of the players. If you get tagged, you join the taggers team. Play the game until all players are tagged. The last two players tagged, become the first two taggers for the next game. The ball cannot be thrown.

General

5 Attacks 3 Sevens - Rugby Dri...

Using cones mark out the four corners and the midways points of each side of a 20 x 20 meter training area. Divide your players into groups of 8, and allocate one group of 8 to each training area. Have one coach at each training area, and one ball. Each player should have their own cone to stand on, as shown in the diagram. Have more than one training area in order to keep your players as busy as possible. Tell your players the following...... This will be a 5 v 3 attacking opportunity for the 5 players given the ball. There are 4 players on the midpoint positions, one on each side of the training area. The coach will give the ball to one of those players. The 4 closest players will join the ball carrier in attack, the opposite 3 players will become defenders. The try line is just across the defenders starting line. The defenders operate within the laws of the game and should try to stop the attack by turning the ball, forcing a mistake, or pushing the attack out of the playing area. The attack should aim to score a try, but should play within the laws of the game. When the attack is over the coach will take the ball and players should return to their starting positions for the next attack. Don't forget to give every player the opportunity to play in attack and defence by changing the starting position of the ball.

General

Passing Grid Passing - Rugby D...

Set up a grid of about 10 x 10Aim to have 12 attackers and 2 defenders3 attackers spread out on each side of the square. One player starts with the ball and runs towards the first defender, before passing off to a supporting attacker, who runs towards the next defender and passes off to the other attacker in the threeThe ball is popped off to the end attacking player on the opposite side of the squareThe same play happens with three new attackers and same two defendersThe ball is then popped off to the side, and play continues until all four groups of attackers have run through twice.Then switch defenders.

General

Single File Running Tag Rugby ...

Groups of 5 1 Ball per group. Ball at the front of the group. The first player runs out to the 5 meter line then stops, turns slightly and gives a little pop pass to player 2 and holds the ball for player 2, who then runs on for 5 meters and stops, turns slightly and gives a little pop pass. When player 5 gets the ball a try is scored and the group will have travelled 25 meters in total in a straight line. When the group has finished they will be standing in a straight line in a chain 5 meters apart.

General

Rugby: Whole Group Handling - ...

Simple quick hands down the line. Players line up in fours. A coach or player feeds the ball in and players must hold their depth and use quick hands along the line.

General

5 vs 5 Tag Rugby - Rugby Drill...

Pitch 20m x 20m. All players wearing tag belts Start the game with a free pass, defenders must be 7m back at the start Attacking players must try to run past the defenders to score a try. If tagged, the attacker must pass the ball backwards to a team-mate. After a tackle, the defenders must give the tag belt back, stay on their own side of the ball and NOT intercept or obstruct the pass.

General

Red Arrows Tag Rugby - Rugby D...

Players work in groups of 5, with 1 ball per group - starting in a single file. The first player runs out 5m then stops, turns slightly and gives a little pop pass to player 2 who runs out another 5m then stops, turns slightly and gives a little pop pass to player 3.

General

Continuous Passing Square 1 Pa...

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).

General

4 vs 1 Tag Rugby - Rugby Drill...

Groups of 5 Combine grids to make 2 channels each 10m x 20m 1 Ball per group Ball carrier tries to score a try by running past the defender. Support players follow the ball carrier. If tagged, the ball carrier must pass the to one of his / her support players. The defender must GIVE the tag back before trying to make a second tackle.

General

Bank Robbers Warm Up - Rugby D...

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell the players the following laws for this exercise..... Players must start the game behind the outer cone of their corner and only one of them can enter the grid at any one time. This game works on a relay basis, one and only one player in the grid from each group at a time - and the next player must be touched before they may enter the playing area. While balls are in the center of the grid, one relay robber from each team can enter the grid to steel a ball from the center of the grid and bring it back to their own box or bank. If all the balls in the center of the grid have been stolen, teams can now steel each others balls - but the same relay rules apply. The winning team is the team that can get 4 balls into their box. Adjust this to allow your players to experience success or to make the game harder. You can add or remove balls to make the game harder or easier. No cheating! Only one ball can be carried at a time, only one player from each team in the grid, and you cannot go until tagged.

General

The Team Run Sevens - Rugby Dr...

Use half or a full pitch for this exercise. A full team of 7 will run unopposed. Players should use this as a rehearsal of everything that might happen in the game, and therefore should execute all of the following..... Line-outs, and what happen after them. Scrums, and what happens next. All moves. The full attacking patterns. Any kicking strategies, including restarts. When you feel the players are ready, bring in opposition with pads, and then without in full contact.

General

Best Free Apps for Rugby Clubs...

General

Space Invaders Warm Up - Rugby...

Keep your playing briefing, brief and tell the players the following laws. Both teams are in attack and both teams are in defence, at the same time! It is up to you how many players you allocate to your attack and how many you allocate to your defence. If you are touched while carrying the ball (decide if the touch is one handed or two handed), you and your entire team must return to your red zone before being able to restart your attack. While your team is returning to your own zone - you cannot defend the neutral zone and any touches in there will not count. If your team makes a mistake e.g. a dropped ball or forward pass. Your entire team must return to your own red zone, not defending the neutral zone as you retreat. The winning team is the team that invades the oppositions space and scores a try, just outside the grid, first. There is no offside in defence. There is no kicking.

General

Broken Defence Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell your players the following..... The attacking group will wait at the top of the training area until the coach calls the number of defenders. On the call of 1, 2 or 3 - they should attack - aiming to score a try at the opposite end of the grid. The defenders will go in the numbers called. If the coach calls 1, then defender 1 goes - the rest do not. If the coach calls 2, then defenders 1 and 2 go, and if the coach calls 3 - then all 3 defenders go. Defenders who are called can move forward and back, left and right. That's it, lets go. You will need to decide if this is a contact exercise or not. Don't forget to change the defenders.

General

Alcatraz: Jail Break Warm Up -...

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.

General

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group SESSIONS
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Developing Invasive Attacking Skills!

Improve your players decision making to help them recognise where the space will develop and how they can maximise their success when they create the space, either by going into contact and offloading, or passing before the tackle.

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.

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.

Rocking the Ruck

You've only got 5 seconds in the ruck to free the ball and win back possession for your team - Make those 5 seconds count!

Jackal at the Tackle - Technique and Confidence Session

Can your players tackle and jackal? Use this session to introduce your players to the jackal and improve their technique in 1v1 and game situations

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?

Coaching the Blitz Defence

Develop the aggressive Blitz defending style in you game and don’t let the opposition get comfortable on the ball with this session.

Coaching the Drift Defence

Get your players thinking their way through this session, focussing on Drift Defence when the opposition have an overlap on the outside.

Maul Development: Create, Secure and Defend a Maul

Use it, and not lose it! Create, secure and defend a maul with this session for a successful season.

Start of season rugby skills refresher

Basic skills training can be a chore, so use this plan to improve your team's overall performance, in preparation for the start of the new season

Engaging Defenders - Passing, Running and Receiving!

Put some sting in your rugby with this London Wasps fundamentals session! No matter what time it is in the season make time to work on the basics!

Conditioning/Evaluation Session - Touch Variations

Separate the wheat from the chaff and find out which players should make up your Starting Lineup in this fitness and skills evaluation session

Starting to coach the Drift Defence

Teach your players how to defend when they're on the receiving end of an overload and get them drifting like a pro!
group ANSWERS
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I have an a kid deaf and dumb in a group of 31 kids?

I have an a kid deaf and dumb in a group of 31 kids in teh summer camp, How can I teach the basic skills to him with out make feel diferent?

Archived User Coach

Can we have a section for the U11 age group (U9, U10?

Can we have a section for the U11 age group (U9, U10 and U11). This is a very important age group for future rugby.

Archived User Coach

I need ideas for fun team building activities and any?

I need ideas for fun team building activities and any fun games to help towards team building. Has anyone got any ideas on what to do? Anything to spice up rugby training sessions in the dark, cold winter nights.

Archived User Coach

Rules on hand offs

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and IRB Educators.

Archived User Coach

I am currently coaching under8's rugby in England which?

I am currently coaching under8's rugby in England which is 7 a side tag. Next year we are going into 9 a side contact and we wanted to start coaching our players the techniques of tackling and carrying the ball into contact towards the end of this season to prepare them for next season. We didnt carry this out as we were unsure what the RFU directive was regarding preparing for the step up. Some people say they were training their players and some people were not. Does anyone know the official line from the RFU whether or not you can train in contact or not

Archived User Coach

RFU - proposed Mini's rule changes

RFU - proposed Mini's rule changes%3A All - just a quick straw poll%3A Have any CLUBS that you are aware of officially come out in SUPPORT of these changes? If not, have they come out officially rejecting the proposed changes, or are they adopting a "wait and see" attitude? Regards Stephe

Archived User Coach

Tackling nerves - I coach 10 year old boys. Some boys?

Tackling nerves - I coach 10 year old boys. Some are very nervous about being hurt when tackling opponents although the same guys are like lions with the ball in hand. As a result our defence suffers. We have tried hammering home the correct technique to give confidence but to no avail. Can anyone suggest any psychology or drills I might try?

Archived User Coach

my club has a problem with the seniors. Numbers at?

my club has a problem with the seniors. Numbers at training are low every week, I know there is not a quick solution so how can i create a good culture of training ?

Archived User Coach

Hi Guys Though we all fully enjoyed it, We have just?

Hi Guys Though we all fully enjoyed it, We have just lost a tournament - mainly because the forwards were not offloading in contact and were getting turned over. Does anyone have a forwards type game I can use with the boys to play instead of drills, to strengthen their skills in this area? The team is a under 12 group. And I have 14 forwards. Thanks for you help in advance. Cheers Iain

Iain Hughes Coach, England

Does anyone know of an assessment for U10's

We have a large squad and need a transparent way to assess our players to justify the team selection - does anyone know of, or use an assessment tool to assess skills in this age group?

Archived User Coach

At u13 age group is it good to be playing a game every?

At u13 age group is it good to be playing a game every weekend or should it be staggered with training?

craig hamilton Coach, England

Coaching the U6s - any drills or ball games for this age?

i shall be starting coaching later this month, hope fully the under 6s agegroup. does any one have any drills or ball games suitable for this age group? thank you, chris.

christopher jenkins Coach, Wales

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

Ball retention skills

How can I improve my U15 ball retention skills? They keep getting stripped or lose the ball in contact.

Noel Hill Coach, England

Group Membership

I am wondering if there is a group membership for a team/department?Thank youSam

Sam Clarke Coach, England

Team building activities u12s

u12 boys team.. looking to do 90 min team building session in a hall.. large group of 30. kids and coaches.. any recommendations for activities and games that don't need buying equipment or investment.. that like promote cross friendships..bonding..Communications..fun

Sean bohan Coach, Scotland

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

I need ideas for fun team buil...

I need ideas for fun team building activities and any fun games to help towards team building. Has anyone got any ideas on what to do? Anything to spice up rugby training sessions in the dark, cold winter nights.

Archived User Coach

Getting 9-10 year olds to spre...

Getting quite frustrated that my u10's are not using the space on the pitch and tend to bunch up. Despite various drills and game scenarios to force them to spread out and pass to someone in space they revert in any game to bunching up around the ball and taking it back into the thick of the opposition rather than looking left or right! Any ideas how to change their ways?

Ian G Coach, England

My U11's are a mixed bunch whe...

My U11's are a mixed bunch when it comes to tackling. Some very good, most OK, some ...hmmmm... enough said. Been through all the drills and when we break things down, go back to basics, everything appears OK, but it doesn't always transfer into the game. Any ideas on small group games that will allow me to combine technique with confidence?

Archived User Coach

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