round Rugby Drills, Videos and Coaching Plans -

Round and Realign Passing Dril...

Rugby League Round and Realign Passing On GO, the group moves towards the cone, pop passing between all players in close proximity.At the cone, the� ...

Round the circle Passing Passi...

Rugby Round the circle Passing Passing Each group forms a circle with players about 1m apart. First practise passing and catch around the circle. Nex...

Round The World Passing Drills...

Rugby Round The World Passing Tell your players the following..... The first player picks the ball up at the cone passes the ball to the next player,...

Round the Back Practices for J...

Rugby Round the Back Practices for Juniors 3 players line up in a coned area each with a ball. They run out in a straight line to the opposite end of...

Defender - Round and Realign P...

Rugby Defender - Round and Realign Passing Tell your players the following...... There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball car...

Round and Realign - with defen...

Rugby League Round and Realign - with defender Passing On GO, the group moves towards the cone, pop passing between all players in close proximity.

2 v 1 Around The Corner Decisi...

Rugby 2 v 1 Around The Corner Decision making • The aim of the drill is to develop handling in a ... Feeder passes to the attackers once they are r...

1 on 1 Breakdown Skills

Fun game 1 v 1 game to improve skills on both sides of the breakdown.
One player lies face down either side of a tackle tube (players ...

1 vs 1 colour cones

123 Play Divots

The Moles want to turn the cones onto their head, and the Green-keepers want the cones the right way up.

Let the kids play, you can start t...

1v1 Clap Tackle - Warm up

Groups of 2.

Everyone find some space.
Stand opposite your partner.
One of the players (attacker) use footwor...

1v1 Clap Tackle - Warm up

Groups of 2.

Everyone find some space.
Stand opposite your partner.
One of the players (attacker) use footwor...

1v1 Clap Tackle - Warm up

Groups of 2.

Everyone find some space.
Stand opposite your partner.
One of the players (attacker) use footwor...

1v1 Tackle Grid

Small playing area, for 1 v 1 tackling.
Players line up in two lines adjacent to the coned area.
Coach shouts go and the front...

1v1 Tackle Grid

Small playing area, for 1 v 1 tackling.
Players line up in two lines adjacent to the coned area.
Coach shouts go and the front...

2 on 1 Attack and Defence Drill

Set a narrow grid to attack. Defenders and attackers begin on the touchline in the centre. Both leave at the same time and run around appointed con...

2 on 1 Attack and Defence Drill

Set a narrow grid to attack. Defenders and attackers begin on the touchline in the centre. Both leave at the same time and run around appointed con...

2 v 1 Drawing The Defender

One attacking team and one defending team.
Exercise focused on decision making when in a 2 v 1 situation.
Each team lines up e...

2 vs 1

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.

The player in the mid...

2 vs 2 colours attack and defence

The drill starts with 2 defenders and 2 attackers. The 2 attackers start one behind the other, about 3+ meters apart, the first players job is to e...

2v2 Tackle and Clear Out

2 on 2 tackling and clear out game.
Players line up in two lines, adjacent to the coned gameplay area.
The coach stands opposi...

2v2 Tackle and Clear Out

2 on 2 tackling and clear out game.
Players line up in two lines, adjacent to the coned gameplay area.
The coach stands opposi...

2v2 track and tackle

10m wide channel, 2 attackers start with the ball while 2 defenders atart at the other end.

when instructed the attackers attempt to score ag...

3 on 1 Attack and Defence Drill

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, bal...

3 on 1 Attack and Defence Drill

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, bal...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

3 person front row.

Building a 3 person front row.

Hooker forms 1st, standing with shoulders lowered and knees bent to about 3/4 height. Arms up in the air in a...

3 person front row.

Building a 3 person front row.

Hooker forms 1st, standing with shoulders lowered and knees bent to about 3/4 height. Arms up in the air in a...

3 Second Touch - Touch Rugby Variation

Split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of coloured bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your players the follow...

3 Times A Charm

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 playe...

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 co...

3 v 2 Reverse Drill

Drill to practice 3 v 2 attacking scenarios.

Set up a channel 20m long and 15m wide with cones every 10m along the length (red, yellow, green...

3 v 2 v 2

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...

3 v Tackle Bag and body Suit

3 attackers start at the beginning of the grid who will go up against the tackle bag first and then the person in the body suit second; these two s...

3 v Tackle Bag and body Suit

3 attackers start at the beginning of the grid who will go up against the tackle bag first and then the person in the body suit second; these two s...

3 v Tackle Bag and body Suit

3 attackers start at the beginning of the grid who will go up against the tackle bag first and then the person in the body suit second; these two s...

3 vs 2 - Sprint to support

15m x 35m Grid.

1 Attacker starts on the half way line of the grid, with the other two outside of the grid back to back with two defenders. ...

3-Kick Warmup

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.

...

3v2 Passing Channel

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'.

4 vs 1 vs 1

Players work in groups of six, with 1 ball per group and set up in the following way:

4 attackers vs 1 defender (between the first cones) an...

4 vs 3 team shapes/backs moves attacking drill

Drill to practice team shapes or backs moves against a defence with less numbers than the attack.

Set up a "ruck" with a scrum half...

5 person scrum (mini rugby)

Let the front row bind together first.

Second row binds together between their hips and shoulders, making sure that their hips are tight tog...

5 person scrum (mini rugby)

Let the front row bind together first.

Second row binds together between their hips and shoulders, making sure that their hips are tight tog...

5 vs 5 Touch Rugby

Touch Rugby in teams of 5

3 Touches and change possession.

When a player with the ball is touched, tackler stays in passive contact...

6 vs 6 Uncontested Scrums

Ensure that players:-

Bind correctly.

Keep the scrum square.

Keep correct body position.

Hooker to strike for the ball ...

7 v 3

Groups of ten

One ball per group

Defenders equidistant, can only move forwards and backwards

Attackers bunched to start

7's Colour Touch

Tell your players the following.....

The attack will remain in attack for 5 minutes, you'll then switch over.
Normal rules of...

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.
Th...

8 vs 3 Game

8 players are lined up just outside the 22 metre line, with 3 defenders starting under the posts with the ball.

One of the defenders kicks ...

Agility and Balance Race

Set out a course of cones in pairs, with two pairs of cones at the front and back of the course - two cones go in the middle of the front and back ...

Agility Slalom

The first player runs around the red cone and back down to the start of the slalom. There the player zig-zags up the slalom, then back down before ...

Agility test 2.

From the start position, run forwards out of the 1st set of cones, then side-step to the left to go around the far left cone.
From t...

Agility test 2.

From the start position, run forwards out of the 1st set of cones, then side-step to the left to go around the far left cone.

From the far ...

Alcatraz: Jail Break

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 pr...

All In Touch

The following are the laws for this game:

Equal number of defenders and attackers.
Use bibs to identify both teams.

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 ...

Attack hit floor and roll

On the coach's call players with the ball run into contact with the pad, next go to ground and finally roll over protecting the ball.

Attack/Defend Big Time

Tell your players the following......

Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area, about 25 meters in.
Tell...

Attack/Defend

Tell your players the following......

Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area.
Tell each team which dir...

Attacking footwork and tackling

Grid size is around 5x5m. You can keep changing the size of the grid.

The defender must shadow the attacker as they run towards a con...

Attacking Kick On The Move

Practice short kicks while attacking forward (not standing still).

The attackers are aiming to land their kick in the target area (yellow con...

Avoid the tackler in a line

5 players and 1 ball.

4 players in a staggered line in a coned area with 1 player in the middle as the tackler.

Avoid the Tackler

5 players and 1 ball.

2 players on each side of a coned area with 1 player in the middle as the tackler.

Player 1 runs with the ball ...

Back roll

Player sit on the ground, bring their knees towards their chest and put their arms around their legs.

Once in this position they should rock...

Ball around the hips.

Simple movement of handling the ball around the hips.

Ball around the hips.

Simple movement of handling the ball around the hips

Do 3 times clockwise and then revese and do 3 times anti-clockwise.

Ball around the hips.

Simple movement of handling the ball around the hips.

Ball presentation drill

The ball carrier and one support player runs towards the other group and, at the middle the ball carrier goes to ground and presents the ball. The...

Ball Presentation on Tackle

Ball Presentation on Tackle Pop

Ball Tag

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.

...

Baseball

Set up a pitch area (green cones) based on the age of the players (depending on how far they can kick) with fielders spread out around the pitch. (...

Beat The Runner

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Beat The Runner

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Beat The Runner

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Beating the ball and rucking

Decision-making in contact.
The aim is to get the ball carrier beyond the tackler and the support of players making decisions...

Beating the Opponent.

Player A (Blue) starts with the ball, and Player B (Red) defends.

Both players start at the corner of the 15 meter grid with their backs to...

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 thr...

Box Back

Tell your players the following.....

Pass the ball around, clockwise.
After each circuit of the ball, take one half step back...

Box Kicking Practice

Game for scrum halves to practice their box kicking skills.
Set out a coned, rectangular/square area between the 22 and the 10 metre l...

Breakdown Touch Game

Set up an area for a normal game of touch, with teams split evenly
Play goes as normal, but when there is a touch, the ball carrier go...

Breakdown Wrestling

Move 90 degrees round covering the ball and holding with one hand.
Outreach to present the ball with both hands.
Stay on your ...

Building The Pass Out of The Tackle

Tell your players the following......

One player will be a ball carrier.
The player directly opposite will make a half tackle...

Building the Ruck - One Step At A Time

Have 3 or more pad holders, this depends on how many rucking units you wish to have and how many players you have at training - but work hard to ke...

Bulldog on knees

Simple game for teaching tackling when on your knees.

Starting with initially two tacklers and the rest as attackers, players must try to go...

Capture and Escape - Evasion and Tackling Game

Set up a wide pitch, with cones on the half way line plus an extra box on two opposite corners. These corner boxes are the prisons for tackled/tagg...

Capture and Escape - Evasion and Tackling Game

Set up a wide pitch, with cones on the half way line plus an extra box on two opposite corners. These corner boxes are the prisons for tackled/tagg...

Cat and Mouse

Players stand back to back and await the coach's call. Whichever colour the coach shouts out are the mice (in the animation the coach shouts 'Blue'...

Catching and Kicking Tennis

Drill to practice kicking accuracy and contesting the ball in the air.

Split the players into two even teams with different coloured bibs (re...

Channel Ball

This game is designed to teach the players about retiring to an onside position when a tackle is made.

Set-up a field approximately 10...

Chasing The Pass

Keep your player briefing short, and get the ball moving around the circle as quickly as possible.

First have the players move the bal...

Choke Tackle Progression

5 stage progression session.
Bibs.
Balls
Cones.

1. Warm up - Wrestle

Choke Tackle Progression

5 stage progression session.
Bibs.
Balls
Cones.

1. Warm up - Wrestle

Clear out

1 player stands crouched down 1 foot either side of a tackle bag holding a ball at the end of the bag

2 players run around the wide cones to...

Conditioned Game - Breakdown Technique.

30 + players - Teams of 10/13
Bibs
Balls

1. Shoulders on - low intensity

Should...

Confidence in the tackle

Groups of 3.
Progression.

1. Wrestling

Players link up, one arm under & one arm over each...

Connaught

Carries the ball forward, inviting the defence to press up.
10 Passes to 12.
10 loops around 12 following their pass, 10 sh...

Connaught

Carries the ball forward, inviting the defence to press up.
10 Passes to 12.
10 loops around 12 following their pass, 10 sh...

Contact Pop Pass Contact

Ball carrier goes forward, hitting in on the shield, turning to pop the call to a support player who passes the ball across the grid into the...

Contact Pop Pass Contact

Ball carrier goes forward, hitting in on the shield, turning to pop the call to a support player who passes the ball across the grid into the...

Contact Relay

Break your players down into groups of 3.

In each area there should be 1 player with a tackle shield, 1 player with a tackle bag, and one wi...

Contact Skills Circuit

Groups of 2
Bags.
Balls
Contact conditioning

1. Body height clear out work...

Contact Skills Circuit

Groups of 2
Bags.
Balls
Contact conditioning

1. Body height clear out work...

Contact Skills Circuit

Groups of 2
Bags.
Balls
Contact conditioning

1. Body height clear out work...

Contest The Tackle

Groups of three, the aim of the exercise is for the second defender to contest the tackle.
One player starts with the ball, standing s...

Continuous Passing off the floor 1

Set up a square with cones, making one side of the square with two gates of cones.

Get the players to line up evenly behind the two ind...

Continuous Passing Off The Floor 2

Set up a rectangle of cones (10x5) with two gates of cones of a different colour 2m in front of cones on opposite sides of the rectangle (See diagr...

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...

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...

Correct Tackling Position

CORRECT tackling position.

Tacklers arms wrapped around the players waist that they are tackling.

Head tucked in behind the player.

Counter Attack

Tell your players to do the following.......

The two passing players keep passing the ball until the coach shouts GO.
On GO, ...

Counter Bag

Tell your players the following.....

One player will straddle the bag and compete for the ball on the ground.
The two remaini...

Counter Ruck

Condition the drill in favour of 1 team, in this case the blue team.

All players lay on their fronts behind the tackle bags. On the coaches...

cross over running

5 x 5m grid, size can vary according to ability.

Player at the front of each queue starts with a ball, runs diagonally across square and gives ...

Crouch Tackle

Players stand 5 metres apart, only the attacking player moves in this drill, the tackler remains still as their partner approaches.

As the ...

Decision Making Exercise

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 rig...

Decision Making

Tell the players the following.....

The players at the bottom of the triangle will pass the ball back and forward.
The passer...

Defence - Swimming past the defender

The player starts on the inside of the first tackle bag.

On the whistle he moves past the bag, pulling it back and toward the ground as he ru...

Defense vs attack drill

The aim is to the defensive situation to keep changing the defence gets used to drifting or pressing.
The aim of the attack i...

Denfence Down

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a contact game.

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 ...

Developing The Spin

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other, spinning the ball.
They should make 10 passes on one hand, and then 10 ...

Dizzy

There will be one ball carrier at any one time.
They will run around the circle, passing the ball.
The ball must be handled...

Do Not Enter

Tell the players the following......

The first attacking group lines up with enough depth to attack the edge of the grid, they pass th...

Dont get tagged

Teams of 3 against 1 Defender.

The team of 3 start running and have to try and get to the other side. If the defender tags them they have t...

Double Trouble

Tell your players the following.....

The first attacking until enters through the top of the first channel, the defender there can the...

Driving Maul

3 attackers against two defenders with contact pads.

Ball carrier takes ball into contact turning before hitting pads and presenting the ball...

Drop Kick

Can be practiced with all players but specifically for the kickers of the team for start off kicking and tactical point scoring.

1 ball, con...

Drop Out Touch.

2 Teams
Attackign and defensive focus.

Normal game of touch rugby, however whenever the defender touches an attacker...

Drop Out Touch.

2 Teams
Attackign and defensive focus.

Normal game of touch rugby, however whenever the defender touches an attacker...

Escape To Victory

Within each group of 10, there should be 4 attackers and 6 defenders.
The defenders should be in the outer grid and the attackers wi...

Fast Feet Drill

The ball carrier from each team runs out to the cone and runs backwards on the return before passing to the next player

First team to get all...

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 ...

Fast running and Fast hands

Mark out a channel about 10 meters in length, with a cone at either end and four diagonally placed other cones.

Divide your players into two...

Find The Gap Grubber

Drill to practice grubber kicking (a kick that bounces along the ground, bouncing no more than 1m away from the kicker) to a team mate to score.

Find the space

Players run in any direction in the grid trying to avoid contact by running into space. When the teacher calls stop, all players must be at least ...

Flick and Back Pass Insanity

Now split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of colored bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your playe...

Flip It

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to ge...

Floor/ Seal/ Clear/ Pick

In groups of 4 inside the grid with 1 ball per group.

Players should pass the ball around the group with small pops.

On the coach's w...

Footwork in the Drop Punt

The aim of the drill is to develop kickers feetwork into kick.

Four Handed Touch

The following are the laws for this game:

Equal number of defenders and attackers. Use bibs to identify both teams.
Normal l...

Fun Catching Reaction Game

This is a simple passing exercise that can be used as a warm up to improve players reaction time and catching skills
6 players and 1 c...

Go To Goal Touch

The following are the laws for this game:

Normal laws of rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over.
The attacking t...

Going to ground and rucking

Two players from the same side run with the ball towards a single defender. When the ball carrier is in front of the defender they should go to the...

Grids part 5 (Variation)

Player have to swerve round one cone and give a pass to a support player.

Only pass after both players have run around two cones. The receiver ...

Grids part 5

Put a number of cones in the grid.
Players have to swerve round them / sidestep them / go to left and right of them.

Put two more ball in w...

Handling around the corner 2

To vary the exercise, you can call out 1 and 2. This means that 2 players come from the ball carrier side and one from the other side.

Handling Skills Warm Up

Groups of four, players stand in a T shape with about two yards between each player.
The player in the middle is the focal point and e...

Handling Skills Warm Up

Groups of four, players stand in a T shape with about two yards between each player.
The player in the middle is the focal point and e...

Handling Warm Up Drill

1) Run outside cone with ball (either side) and on to other group.

2) First three people in each group with a ball - six people on the move....

Hit And Roll Ruck Clear Out

A tackling exercise to be completed in pairs.
One player stands over a tackle tube, while holding a tackle bag themself against their ...

Hula Slalom Relay

On the coach's call players run through the slalom.

As they pass each cone they have to pass the ball around their waists.

Individual Skills

Move the ball in a figure of 8 round your legs

Pass the ball round your back. Who can pass the ball around their back 5 times the fastest ...

Introduction to ruck

In small teams, play a modified game where if the ball carrier is touched on the shorts with both hands of a defender, the ball carrier must go to ...

It's All Rip and Roll To Me!

You may consider these two points when looking to challenge or build confidence.

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's best not to ha...

Jump Hurdle, Receive Pass, Sprint

Good for warm ups and handling the ball under fatigue.

4 or 5 hurdles, cones for variations.

Keep body square on when receiving ball ...

Jump Hurdle, Receive Pass, Sprint

Good for warm ups and handling the ball under fatigue.

4 or 5 hurdles, cones for variations.

Keep body square on when receiving ball ...

Jump Hurdle, Receive Pass, Sprint

Good for warm ups and handling the ball under fatigue.

4 or 5 hurdles, cones for variations.

Keep body square on when receiving ball ...

Kamikaze Passing

Passing drill under pressure.

Set up a grid roughly 20m x 15m, with lines of 4 players facing each other across the grid. Each line of 4 need...

Keep The Ball Game

Tell your players the following:

One group of two players will be defenders, you might want to give them bibs.
The attackers ...

Keep The Ball Game

Tell your players the following:

One group of two players will be defenders, you might want to give them bibs.
The attackers ...

kick and catch.

starting on the line, kick (from hands) the ball out 5 meters high into the air.

Run out, keeping eyes on the ball and catch the ball befor...

Kick Tennis

Two team of 4.

40m x 20m area.

The aim of the game is to kick / punt the ball into the oppositions half. If the ball bounces on th...

L With Defenders

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.
Lets get the ball and the player...

Ladder Pass

Have four players stand at the four cones, the other players, in their own running groups of four should, be behind them - ready to go when t...

Last 15 Defence Drill

A drill to practice defending in wide channels.

Set up a grid that is 40m wide and 20m long, with the 40m divided into a 25m channel (red to ...

Learning to tackle on hard ground

Groups of 6+ players.
3 tackle shields per group.
1 Tackle Sausage per group.

3 people with...

Left Out

The players behind start running around the circle in a clockwise direction.
When the coach shouts ATTACK, each player must get back...

Leinster

Use the diagram as a starting point for players.
10 advances carrying the ball, inviting the defence to press up on the attack.

Lineout Game

The coach calls out the number of people that required in the lineout, together with a team name to. The hooker throws the ball in for both teams t...

Lineout Progressions With Bag

1.

Two players stand either side of a tackle tube (tackle tube on the floor 'stood up').
The coach shouts go and the two players...

Lineout Race

This drill is a race across the pitch or whichever distance the coach deems appropriate.
Two teams of four: one thrower, three players...

Lineout: lift

Lineout: lift

Learning to lift and work as a a pod of three is the foundation of an effective line out.

Players must also learn to lift whilst moving...

Living On The Edge

Split the players into two teams, giving each team their own set of bibs. Two different colours that clearly define the teams.
Keep ...

Long Passing Accuracy

Players line up single fine in two lines.
Tw...

Loop (L1,L2,L3)

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.
Lets get the ball and the playe...

Loop

First attacker runs straight and passes to second attacker (in middle channel). First player runs around second to recieve the pass in the end chan...

LOOP MOVE (SIMPLE)

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 passes to 12.
10 loops around 12,
12 passes to 10, this pass ...

LOOP MOVE - M1

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 passes to 12.
12 moves forward.
10 loops around behind 12.

Lower back stretch

Players lie flat on their back and bend their knees together and press them against the floor.

Slowly move the knees left and then right on ...

M1 (13 MISSED, 14 POP INSIDE TO 15)

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 MISSED, 14 POP OUTSIDE TO 15)

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (LOOPER) Attacking Wide

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward carrying the ball.
12 loops around 13, and wide outside ...

Many hands

Tell your players the following......

Each group of two players should have their own ball.
While they have a partner, they c...

Many hands

Tell your players the following......

Each group of two players should have their own ball.
While they have a partner, they c...

Maul Rip in a circle

This is good for upper body strength.

5 or 6 defenders, 1 ball, 2 attackers

Defenders must stand in a circle about 2 metres a...

Maul Rip in a circle

This is good for upper body strength.

5 or 6 defenders, 1 ball, 2 attackers

Defenders must stand in a circle about 2 metres a...

Maul Touch

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a...

Mini-Goal Game

Game to practice controlling the ball.

Set up two goals (roughly 2m wide) opposite each other about 5m away (red cones - see digram).

E...

Mistakes Cost � Touch Variation

Split your players into two teams, giving one group o...

More Loop

Tell your players the following......

The ball carrier (A) runs straight in a line and makes a normal lateral pass to the supporting p...

Movement Warm Up

Passing warm up game
Two teams
No moving with the ball (similar to netball)
Aim is to complete 10 passes
If a ...

Movement Warm Up

Passing warm up game
Two teams
No moving with the ball (similar to netball)
Aim is to complete 10 passes
If a ...

Narrow - Wide Channel

Groups of 4

One ball per group

In the narrow channel stand one behind the other, once into the big space- fan out.

Netball With a Rugby Ball

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 th...

Netball with a rugby ball

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 th...

No Try and Try

1 player shows how not to score a try, and then demonstrates how to score a try.

Numbered Mismatch

Tell your players the following....

They each have a number, 1, 2, and 3.
They will jog up and down the grid, until the coach...

Offload central

Set Up

Small 10 x 10m grid - 1/3rd of group on knees - 1/3rd with ball - 1/3rd supporting

Players move around grid - take tackle and...

Offloading Around The Back

The aim of the exercise is to develop ball control and one hand offloading after the contact.

One on One Race

Tell the players: The player in possession of the ball when the coach blows their whistle has to run around the cone at the end of the grid to try ...

One on One Race

Tell the players: The player in possession of the ball when the coach blows their whistle has to run around the cone at the end of the grid to try ...

One on One Race

Tell the players: The player in possession of the ball when the coach blows their whistle has to run around the cone at the end of the grid to try ...

One Touch Off-Load

Keep your player briefing; brief, and get them working as soon as possible.I can't stress this enough, it's not a debating society - players ...

One Touch Ruck

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a contact game.

Open Channel

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Gi...

Overhead Catch

Tell your players to do the following......

The first ball carrier will throw the ball high into the air.
The runner will cat...

Overlap - 3 'v' 2

Tell your players the following......

The first attacking unit will go, at the same time 2 of the defenders will round the top of the ...

Pace Onto The Ball

Tell your players the following.....

Every receiver following the the ball carrier should lay on the ground, they can get up only when...

Pass and Control

Keep you player briefing, brief. Get the players moving and training as soon as possible.
If you feel it would help, have one group ...

Pass and Follow

They pass the ball around either clock wise or anti clock wise, you can decide to change the direction youself at any point during the exerci...

Pass as many ways as possible

One ball between two.

Pupils must move around a marked grid - passing the ball in as many different ways as possible :.

Overhead.

Pass Left and Right From Ground

Great for scrum halves to practice placement of foot and following through with hands.

2 balls, 3 support players, 1 passer

Ted on th...

Passing Ballrush

This game is designed to introduce passing at moving targets on the run.

Set up a field approximately 15m long x 10m wide. (relative t...

Passing Behind

In partners get your players to move round each other, passing with 1 hand round the "back of their hand".

Passing Central

Keep your player briefing, brief - and get the players moving as quickly as you can. You may consider having a demo group.
On your g...

Passing circle

Tell your players the following.....

There will be 4 players on the outside of the circle, starting at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'...

Passing Grid Progressions

Start out with a grid of 10 x 10
Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders - ensure the exerci...

Passing Grid Progressions

Start out with a grid of 10 x 10
Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders - ensure the exerci...

Passing Lines of 5

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 th...

Passing to Support

Tell your players the following......

One the call of the scrum half, the 3 attackers turn, round the cone and attack.

Passing Under Pressure

Set out a square grid, at one end of the grid, separate four cones evenly - red, blue, blue, red.
One defender stands on each of these...

Pick and Place

Players form a single file, pick up a ball, run a few meters and then places the ball down before heading towards the next ball.

The balls a...

Piggy in the middle

Two teams with one team in the middle.

Each player has to kick the ball over the the middle team for a member of the other team to catch. ...

Ping Pong

Make sure that your players are holding their tackle shields correctly!

Have your players work in groups of 10, adjust depending on yo...

Piston Jumping

The ball starts with one pod. As they are lifted the jumper is held in the air until the next pod is lifted. When the next pod reaches the top of t...

Pop and Pass

Tell the players the following....

The player on the cone passes the ball forward to the player just in front of th...

Pop Box

Tell your players the following.....

Ball carrier on the lower right cone advances to the center of the grid, drops and pop the ball t...

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 player...

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 player...

Presenting The Ball In A Circle

A circle must be set up for player/coach to walk around. The players must be in pairs with one been the attacker and the other the defender. Both p...

Presenting the Ball Using Tackle Bags

Good for younger rugby players to learn how to go into contact and set up the ball at pace, you can use it as a competition between the team with a...

Press Up Position

Tell the players the following......

They should advance in 2's.
Hit in on the bag with their shoulder, driving forward and p...

Pressure Ball

Make sure your warm-up area is marked out before the players arrive.

Depending on the number of players you have at training, mark out...

PRO 2

10 moves forward carrying the ball.
12 moves forward and in.
11 loops around the back of 12.
10 passes to 12.

Progression Drift Defence

groups of 8 +.
Cones
Balls.
Bibs

1. 1v1 in 5mx5m Grid.

Play...

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...

Quick Ball/ Offload Touch

Once an attacker is touched they must offload within one second.

You can start the game so that players have to pass the ball in front of de...

Quick Ball/ Offload Touch

Once an attacker is touched they must offload within one second.

You can start the game so that players have to pass the ball in front of de...

Quick Hands - Warm Up

Within a group there are two groups of 4 attackers and one chaser/scrum half.
At the middle point, marked by a cones, the scrum half...

Quick Hands - Warm Up

Within a group there are two groups of 4 attackers and one chaser/scrum half.
At the middle point, marked by a cones, the scrum half...

Quick Hands Drills

Hold the ball between your legs, one hand behind, one hand in fornt.

Gently throw the ball up and swap your hands, from back to front and fr...

Quick Hands Race

Tell your players the following......

The two bottom players will be the feeders, they will be positioned by the cones with the balls....

Quick Removal - Beyond the Ruck

Have a line of two or more ruck shields, a safe distance apart, five meters from the players that will make the hits. Make sure that the pad holder...

Quick Removal - Beyond the Ruck

Have a line of two or more ruck shields, a safe distance apart, five meters from the players that will make the hits. Make sure that the pad holder...

Race to cone - 3 v 2

One ball and 6 cones.

15m x 15m.

Setup the practice as shown. The first two players run up to the half way line of the grid and ...

Rapid Rucking

In this exercise position 3 pad holding units, or 1 or 2 players, five meters in front of 3 rucking units, 1 unit facing each pad. Two players on e...

React and Defend

Drill to test defenders reactions to situations.

Set up a 15m x 15m grid with 3 defenders (blue) and 4 attackers (red).

All start on th...

React, run and defend

Defenders and attackers line up outside the coned area in lines of five.

The coach will call out two numbers, the first refers to how many a...

Realignment and Passing

Out in 4s - simple hands - When players reach the end they should turn left.

Group realigns around the cone and then use simple hands to fin...

Regain possession

The player with the ball rolls the ball out for a player to run onto and collect whilst moving.

They then pass the ball back before replacin...

Relays continued

1) Run out to a cone - round cone back to the team

2) Run out to a different cone but back to your own team.

3) Dribble ball with you...

Relays continued

1) Run out to a cone - round cone back to the team

2) Run out to a different cone but back to your own team.

3) Dribble ball with you...

Relays

Groups of 5

1 Ball per group

Players race to a line 10m away and back to their own group to hand over to the next playe...

Reload Rucking

Set up two defenders holding hit shields opposite two even lines of players.

The ball starts with the first man in one of the lines, he runs ...

Rip and Ruck

Players stand in a circle, about 5 meters apart.

Two player, one with a ball, positioned in the centre of the circle.

The ball carrier (play...

Rolling the ball along the ground.

Starting on the line, roill the ball out along the ground about 5 meters.

Run out, keeping eyes on the ball, step over the ball in a good s...

Round and Realign

Tell your players the following......

There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier.
...

Round The World

Tell your players the following.....

The first player picks the ball up at the cone passes the ball to the next player, t...

Ruck - Coming through the gate 1.

4 blue players must try and defend with shields two gates from the attacking red team.

The ball carrying player must meet the defending play...

Ruck - Full

Ruck - PRESS UP - PART 2

Tell the players the following......

The first group of 3 go first.
The first player hits in on the bag with their shoulder, ...

Ruck 5

Ruck Clear Out Between Two Tackle Bags

2 people are on the tackle shields or 2 on each side about 5 metres apart facing each other, there is a ball carrier standing in the middle of the ...

Ruck Clear Out Between Two Tackle Bags

2 people are on the tackle shields or 2 on each side about 5 metres apart facing each other, there is a ball carrier standing in the middle of the ...

Ruck Clearing Exercises

Progressive exercises to improve clearing out at the ruck
Lay a tackle tube on the floor with another tube on top, angled into the air...

Ruck n Roller

Tell the players the following......

The first group of 3 go first.
The first player, the ball carrier, hits in on the pad an...

Ruck Organisation and press

5-7 players run around in a rectangle shaped grid. They must move very fast within it awaiting the whistle, but they are not allowed to touch the...

Ruck Organisation and press

5-7 players run around in a rectangle shaped grid. They must move very fast within it awaiting the whistle, but they are not allowed to touch the...

Ruck Over, Pickup

Ruck, Hold

Ruck, Setup

Contact

Go to ground

Present ball

Ruck, Setup, Steal

Player 1 runs out with ball but player 2 has stepped up to meet them halfway.

Player 1 drives into player 2 - goes two steps before then go...

Rucking grid, no pass

Grid size is 10 m x 10 m.
3 pads
3 attackers.
No passing allowed.
Attackers tr...

Rucking Rectangle

Set up a rectangle (roughly 5m x 2m) with three attackers (blue) and three defenders (red) on opposite sides.

The attacker in the middle has ...

Rucking

Groups of 4 and two groups of defenders with contact pads. 1 ball per group.

The ball carrier drives into the contact pads and presen...

Rucking with 4 corners

Excellent way to involve large numbers and fitness.
Develops understanding of working hard when on the floor, communication a...

Rugby Baseball

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...

Rugby Baseball

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...

Rugby Gaelic Football

Tell the players the following laws.......

One team will be attacking, the ball carrying team. The other will be a defending team.

Rugby League - Touch Rugby Variation

Split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of coloured bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your players ...

Rugby Netball

Drill to practice skills and creating space.

Set up a pitch (roughly 25m x 20m depending on age and number of players) with two scoring zones...

Rugby Pinball

This game is designed to teach the players about body height in tackling and ruck clean out.

Set up a field about 15m long by 10m wide. Keep...

Rugby Rounders

Split group into 2 - Batters and fielders.

Setup as shown above.

Each batsman will either pass or throw the ball into the fielding ...

Rugby Tennis

Tell you players the following......

There will be two players on one side of the middle line of cones, and another group...

Running side tackle

Starting with their backs to one another, two players stand 5 metres apart and run off in opposite directions along one side of the 20 metre grid.<...

Running Warm Up

Tell players the following....

Each Player will work individually, unless told otherwise.
Players can run in any direction: m...

Scattered defence - 6 vs 4

Groups of ten work with one ball per group

Defenders scattered around the grid, static and can only operate sideways

If touched, the ...

Scoring Zones

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a contact game.

Scrum Half - Shotgun Alley

Explain to thescrum halfs that they are to attempt to pass the ball at the attackers and attempt to hit them below the shoulders.
It...

Scrum Half - Shotgun Alley

Explain to thescrum halfs that they are to attempt to pass the ball at the attackers and attempt to hit them below the shoulders.
It...

Scrum Hit

The aim of the drill is to develop front row scrum set up and engagement with good positive profiling.

Scrum Pass

Scrum Profile Stage 1

The aim of the drill is to develop strong positive profiling with resistance from coach to check for stability and strength.

Scrum Profile Stage 2

The aim of the drill is to develop strong positive profiling and to develop core-stability.

Second man ruck clear out

Repetitive drill aimed at improving the clear out of a defender at the ruck
Players are split into groups of three, two attackers and ...

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...

Seven v Three

Tell the players the following.......

The 7 attackers, will always be in attack.
The 3 defenders will always be in defence.

SH Passing Circles

One of your players will be the passer, and the other the catcher.
The passer goes to one of the circles that has ball and the catch...

SH Passing Reps

The sequence of passing on this exercise is as following......

P2 passes to P1, who passes to P4 using a pass from the ground.

SH Passing Skills

The passer passes the first ball, from the ground, to the catcher, who sets the ball down.
the passer then run around the first cone...

SHORT - LONG

The first group of 4 starts at the top of the grid, moving forward. The ball should be with the outside player, who makes a short pass in to ...

Shoulder Flex with Ball

Involve a ball in your warm-up.

Get players to pass the ball around their head to flex the neck and shoulders.

Shoulder Flex with Ball

Involve a ball in your warm-up.

Get players to pass the ball around their head to flex the neck and shoulders.

Shuttle run.

Start lying on the ground (in a down press-up position) run out to the 1st set of cones and then run backwards to the start and do one press-up.

Side Kicks

The aim of the drill is to develop kickers side on round the corner kick.

Side-stepping the opponent - Progression

Players line up and approach the pole which the coach is now moving side to side.

Once the player gets reasonably close, drop the pole to o...

Simple Passing Grid

Brief your players one what you would like them to do.
Start the activity by having all players pass the ball around the grid in any...

Simple Passing Warm Up

Passing and receiving exercise to warm the players up and get the handling skills ready for training.
Minimum 9 players.
Group...

Slalom Running

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.

Slalo...

Slalom Running

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.

Slalo...

Snap, Crackle, and POP - Touch Variation

Split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of coloured bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your players the followin...

Soft Hands

The aim of the drill is to develop players awareness and passing.

Speed passing, scoring wide and realigning

Any number of players can be used. Make the distance between each pass shorter for lower ability groups.
Excellent develop a...

Speed, timing of run and talking in defence

Split your players into two teams and line them up behind four cones.

The side with the ball sends out two players in a 2v1. The opposite si...

Split Drill with Trailer 3

Equipment Required: Bump Pads, Balls, Cones.

On GO, players A, B & C start running but A & C switch sides behind player C and run around the...

Standing and Passing - Variation

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

Standing and Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........

Players should be 5m apart.
...

Star Wars

The rest of the players are told to stand at one end of the field (they are the Space Pirates). The space police want to try and blow up the ...

Static tackling on knees

Basic tackling skills.

Tackle to start in a low position.

Tackler to position their head behind the player, squeeze their arms aroun...

Static tackling on knees.

Basic tackling skills.

Tackler to start in a low position.

Tackler to position their head behind the player, squeeze their arms ...

Static tackling on knees.

Basic tackling skills.

Tackler to start in a low position.

Tackler to position their head behind the player, squeeze their arms ...

Staying Alive

Tell your players the following...

The first player runs into the grid, the ball carrier.
They attack the inner square.

Staying Square and Fixing Defenders

Exercise aimed at attackers staying square when running towards a defender in order to fix them to the spot and then spin a pass out to the si...

Step Back

Players start at the cones, pass the ball one circuit clockwise and one circuit anticlockwise.
Following the two circuits, they take...

Step Up

The attacker goes when ready, and must round either the top or bottom cone.
The defender must mirror the movements of the attacker o...

Straight line drop

Two lines (1 line working, 1 line resting).

The first line moves up 10 meters (2 cones). Upon reaching that cone they drop to the floor and qui...

Striking the ball

Introducing the skill of 'striking' for the ball.

Hooker against a tackle pad, with the scrum half punting in the ball from the left hand si...

Support Gauntlet

Drill to practice decision making.

Set up a grid 10m wide and 35m long with cones at the start (yellow), 5m (orange), 15m (blue), 30m (red) a...

Support play down channel

5 players start in a 5x5m grid, and pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with speed d...

Support play down channel

5 players start in a 5x5m grid and can pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with spe...

Support play down channel

5 players start in a 5x5m grid, and pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with speed d...

Support play down channel

5 players start in a 5x5m grid and can pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with spe...

Supporting the outside shoulder

Players work in groups of 3 around the cone in a single file and must quickly realign to receive a pass each on the outside shoulder.

Once a...

Surfs Up

Tell the players the following.......

Lay flat on the ground.
In a moment but not yet, I want you to get to your feet, but yo...

Swerve

Setup as shown in diagram

Groups of 2 in a 10m x 10m grid.

1 ball per group.

Tabata Touch

You can play any version of touch you like, I'm going to suggest One Touch Off-Load - but you can change this to suit your training goals for the s...

Tackle and ruck clearing

Players work in groups of four against two defenders (holding tackle bags) who are stood inside the channel.

The attackers run around the fu...

Tackle Approach

Players 3m apart – slightly crouched

One of pair nominated as tackler

On balls of feet, with feet shoulder width apart the coach call...

Tackle

Tackle Challenge

The exercise stand clockwise, with the first player going from the bottom left cone. The defender must tackle that player to the ground.

Tackle Conditioning

This is a simply set up game designed to test players' ability to continuously make tackles, especially when fatigued.
Each area shoul...

Tackle Contact

Players 3m apart – slightly crouched

One of pair nominated as tackler

On balls of feet, with feet shoulder width apart the coach call...

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 maki...

Tackle from behind

Drill to practice chasing and tackling someone.

Roughly 5m x 10m channel. Players lined up in two lines behind red cones.

First two pla...

TACKLE HEAD SAFETY TECHNIQUE

Groups of 2
Tackle Bags
Cones

1. Warm up light contact

Players line up opposite...

Tackle Progression 1v1

1. Tracking

Create a V shaoped conned area.

Defender at one end, attacker at the other end.

At...

Tackle

Start with this simple tackling drill with no resistance to the tackle to get your players warmed up and used to contact.

Tackle

Tackle technique 4/5 -boxer hands

Groups of 2
Ball

Hands and arms are introduced.

The attacker holds hands behind his back with the ...

Tackle Technique 5/5- Grip

Groups 2
ball

More use of thre hands

After the Arms have wrapped around the attacker.

Grab onto shorts, shirt ...

Tackle Tube Clear Out

Each station has two tackle tubes perpendicular to each other in a T shape.
The tackler tackles the bottom of the T, while there is a ...

Tackling in grid (game).

Working in a grid.

Start both players half way in between the cones of one side of the grid.

When commanded, each player is to run a...

Tackling on knees (with direction).

Player with ball walking on knees and the tackler coming in form the side.

Shows correct way of the player to present the ball.

Play...

Tackling on knees (with direction).

Player with ball walking on knees and the tackler coming in form the side.

Shows correct way of the player to present the ball.

Play...

Tackling on knees on the move

2 players and 1 ball.

Player A kneels down with the ball in their hands.

Player B also knee...

Tackling on knees

2 players and 1 ball.

Player A kneels down with the ball in their hands.

Player B kneels with one leg on the ground in the set positi...

Tackling practice

Balls and cones
In a 10m grid, two teams on two adjacent cones. On GO, the player with the ball walks diagonally towards the opposite cone whi...

Tackling Technique Reaction

The aim of the drill is to develop good tackle technique from both sides, Left and Right under pressure

Taking the ball into contact and support play

Drill to improve players taking the ball into contact and ruck clear out.

Set up a square roughly 5m x 5m. Get two lines of players behind tw...

Team of 5 v 1 v 1 v 1 v 1 v 1

2 x 20m x 10m Channels

5 Defenders in each channel, spaced 5m apar

The attacking team of 5 players must beat each defender in tur...

Team of 5 v 1 v 3 v 1

Change the shape of the defenders. Instead of a single line, one behind the other, try 1 then 3 then 1 or 1 2 2.

Ten passes then...

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

Ten passes then...

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

The Atom Game

Quickly tell the players that when you blow you whistle and shout Atom, you will also shout a number to let the players know the size of the ...

The Berlin Wall

Tell the players that when you touch the shoulder of a player, they: have to go into the center of the circle, pick up the ball, and try to b...

The Dropkick

Players dropkick the ball, aiming to land the ball inside the area and then follow their kick. They then pick up the ball, run around the cone and ...

The Saddle Roll Technique

This clearing technique is used to remove defenders who have latched onto the ball and are in a low body position.
One player is bridg...

The Trinity

The exercise starts with the first attacking unit running around the bottom of the grid, as they do the first defending unit run around the t...

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 Fa...

T...

Track and Tackle 1v1

In a grid an attacker is positioned on one end and a defender at the other end.

Defender passes to the attacker who attempts to score a...

Tracking hit

Tracking hit (2 x 10 minutes in split groups)

Set up

3 different colour cones on the gain line. 2m spacing (set up 3-4 are...

Traffic Lights Game

Brief your players one what you would like the to do by telling them the following....

One of the players will stand outs...

Traffic Passing

This passing exercise will keep large groups of players busy passing, running onto, and moving the ball in traffic without the need to spend large ...