space Rugby Drills, Videos and Coaching Plans -

Space Invaders

category: Warm-Up

Rugby Space Invaders Warm Up Keep your playing briefing, brief and tell the players the following laws. Both teams are in attack and both teams are i...

React To Space And Attack

category: Backs-Moves

Rugby React to space and attack Backs Moves 5 players start on a straight line of cones about 5m apart. 10m away there are 5 more cones. Two of the 5...

Mid-Space Attack

category: Decision-making

Rugby Mid-Space attack Decision making There are 4 cones in a rectangle , 2 red and 2 blue. The 2 defenders stand within the square, and on the coach...

Attack The Space

category: Tag-rugby

Rugby League Attack The Space Tag rugby The pitch is divided into two halves The defenders must start at opposite corners of the pitch The attacker m...

Find The Space

category: Tag-Rugby

Rugby Find The Space Tag Rugby Make one large 20m x 20m grid. Players work individually and must run in any direction in the grid, trying to avoid co...

Find The Space

category: Handling

Rugby Find the space Handling Players run in any direction in the grid trying to avoid contact by running into space. When the teacher calls stop, al...

Running Into Space From Support - Stretch Defence

category: Match-Related

Rugby Running into space from support - stretch defence Match Related 2 groups of 2 players start on set cones about 15m apart. The 2 players are si...

Attack The Space

category: Tag-Rugby

Rugby Attack The Space Tag Rugby The pitch is divided into two halves The defenders must start at opposite corners of the pitch The attacker must hav...

Quick Passing To Space

category: Passing

Rugby Quick Passing To Space Passing Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following...... One of the attacking lines takes the b...

Pass To Space

category: zPassing

Rugby Pass to Space zPassing UPDATE. ... search our library of 650+ rugby drills; create your own professional coaching plans; or access our tried an...

1 Vs 1 Colour Cones

category: Agility-Running-Skills

1 Vs 1 Get To Feet

category: Contact-Skills

Pass gets given to the attacker who has to run down the grid. When the tackle comes in the player with the ball has to present the ball.

Tac...

10 Pass Game

category: Warm-Up

2 teams
Bibs
Balls

One team must try and complete 10 passes in a small grid.

When the player has t...

1V1 Clap Tackle - Warm Up

category: Tackling

Groups of 2.

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

1V1 Clap Tackle - Warm Up

category: 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

category: zTackling

Groups of 2.

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

2 V 1 Around The Corner

category: Decision-making

• The aim of the drill is to develop handling in a short space.

2 V 1 Drawing The Defender

category: Decision-making

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 V 1 Into 3 V 2

category: Decision-making

Drill to improve short space and wide space overlap play.

Set up a grid 15m wide, split into a 5m channel and a 10m channel, and 10m long (se...

2 V 1

category: Passing

This is a simple 2 v 1.
The two players have to get past the one defender without being touched, that's it.
The defender wi...

2 V 2 (Switch)

category: Decision-making

This is a basic 2 v 2 drill to allow players to progress from a simple 2 v 1. In a channel no wider than 10m, 2 attackers have 5 attempts to score ...

2 V 2 Box

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

Whichever group of 2 is given the ball becomes the attack, and should attack upon receiving the ...

2 Vs 1 - Decision Making

category: Decision-making

Four players per group inside a 10m x 30m Channel. Requires 10 cones and 1 ball.

Two players start outside of the grid with two players insi...

2 Vs 1 - With Running Support

category: Off-Loads

The lead attacker runs straight at the defender, attacking either the space on the left or the right before taking the tackle and off loading to th...

2 Vs 1 - With Running Support

category: Off-Loads

The lead attacker runs at straight at defender.

Attacks runs into space, either on the left or the right, takes the tackle and then off-load...

2 Vs 2 (In - Out Line)

category: Decision-making

In a channel no wider than 10m, two attackers have 5 attempts to score a try on the red cones.

The attackers try to create space and beat th...

2 Vs 2 (Loop And Step Inside)

category: Decision-making

This is a basic 2 vs 2 drill to allow players to progress from a simple 2 v 1.

In a channel no wider than 10m, 2 attackers have 5 attempts t...

2 Vs 2 (Out - In Support Line)

category: Decision-making

This is a basic 2 v 2 drill to allow players to progress from a simple 2 v 1.

In a channel no wider than 10m, 2 attackers have 5 attempts t...

2 Vs 2 Colours Attack And Defence

category: Agility-Running-Skills

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...

2 Vs 2 Linebreak Scenario

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Here we are re-creating a 2 vs 2 scenario which we might find on the field. The aim is to put players under the same conditions which they would po...

2V1 Around The Coach

category: Decision-making

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 midd...

2V1 Around The Coach

category: Handling

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 midd...

3 'V' 2

category: Passing

This is a simple 3 v 2.
The three attackers have to get past the two defenders without being touched, that's it.
The defend...

3 Second 3 Player Touch

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

This game is about support and ensuring that support is close to the ball carrier.
This ...

3 Second Touch - Touch Rugby Variation

category: Warm-Up

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

category: Sevens

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 Touch Kick

category: Warm-Up

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...

3 V 2 Fixing Defenders

category: Passing

This is a backs moves passing exercise, aimed at drawing and fixing up a defender, to give a supporting teammate more space and take the defen...

3 V 2 Into 2 V 1

category: Passing

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 Positioning

category: Decision-making

The aim of the drill is to develop handling in a short space.

3 V 2 Positioning

category: Decision-making

The aim of the drill is to develop handling in a short space.

3 V 2 Reverse Drill

category: Passing

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 Vs 2 - Sprint To Support

category: Decision-making

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 Vs 2 - Support Running

category: Decision-making

3 vs 2 in a grid.

Defenders must stay in position to start.

Once skills progress defenders can move to try and stop attackers either ...

3 Vs 2 - Support Running

category: Match-Related

3 vs 2 in a grid.

Defenders must stay in position to start.

Once skills progress defenders can move to try and stop attackers either ...

360 Roll

category: Ball-Presentation

The aim of the drill is to develop positive work after the tackle and when would you use a 360’ roll. often a loose tackle or let go.
...

3D Touch Rugby

category: School

Players can run with the ball and pass in all directions. If a player is touched while in possession of the ball, it is an immediate turnover (ball...

3V2 Multiple Channel

category: Handling

Cones
Ball

3 channels of different widths are lined up next to eachother
3 attackers and 2 defender run...

4 Vs 1

category: Tag-Rugby

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...

4 Vs 1 Vs 1

category: Decision-making

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...

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...

4V1V1 Down The Line

category: Decision-making

Attackers (red players) work down the channel in 4s, working the runners left and right to create space.

Defenders are only allowed to defen...

4V3 Passing Channel

category: Passing

This is a 4 v 3 overload drill in favour of the attackers
The area is set out, with four attackers spread out across the back line, th...

5 Attacks 3

category: Sevens

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...

5 Vs 5 Touch Rugby

category: Match-Related

Touch Rugby in teams of 5

3 Touches and change possession.

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

7 V 3

category: Decision-making

Groups of ten

One ball per group

Defenders equidistant, can only move forwards and backwards

Attackers bunched to start

7'S Colour Touch

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

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

7V7 Touch

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following...

We are playing 7's, normal rules apply - except this is touch.
Upon getting touched a play...

Alcatraz: Jail Break

category: 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 pr...

Alignment - Running As A Group

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Working in groups of up to 4, players spaced approximately 4-5 metres apart.

Players jog to the 1st cone then jog backwards to the start line...

All In Touch

category: Warm-Up

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

category: Warm-Up

Normal laws of rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over.
The attacking team gets unlimited touches.
A player is ...

Attack Until Youre Tackled

category: Off-Loads

Playing area of 25m in length - adjust width to suit numbers- equal numbers in both teams

Full LEG tackles ONLY - ball carrier when tackled ...

Attack, Turnover Ball And Decision Making In Attack

category: School

Turnover wall, decision-making, contact skills and gameplay.
Can change size of grid and number of defenders. Smaller grid = ...

Tell your players the following......

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

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 2

category: School

Defender should try and keep shoulders square, close down space and focus on the attackers hips.
Attacker tries to stop and s...

Attacking Footwork And Tackling

category: School

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 Lines: Unders And Overs

category: Passing

Attackers react to the defensive line in a 3 v 2 situation
If defence is compressed - overs - an outside line should be exploited. Can...

Attacking Skills Version 1

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

Players will attack in teams of 2, each attacking unit will have their own ball.
At the...

Ball Tag

category: Warm-Up

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

category: Kicking

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. (...

Battle Of Heads

category: Contact-Skills

The aim of the drill is to develop good techniques to remove a threat.

Behind The Posts

category: Sevens

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

One team of 7 will be in attack, the attack should start behind the 22 meter line and they will...

Blitz Defence

category: Defensive-Patterns

WHY?

Put pressure on attacking side.

Force ball back inside.

More numbers in defence than attackers....

Building The Contact 2

category: Contact-Skills

Setup:

Set up with 4 players with pads, and four players facing them about five metres away. There should be enough space between the...

Building The Contact

category: Contact-Skills

Setup:

Set up with 4 players with pads, and four players facing them about five metres away. There should be enough space between the...

Building The Defence 1

category: Sevens

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

The coach will call a number e.g. 1.
That attacking group must attack, aiming to sco...

Building The Defence 2 - Turnover The Ball

category: Sevens

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

The coach will call a number e.g. 1.
That attacking group must attack, aiming to sco...

Building The Loop

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....

One group of 4 players will be in defence.
The other two groups of 4 will be in attack, ...

Bull Dog

category: Tag-Rugby

Large Grid 30m x 30m. Start with 5 defenders in the middle, everybody else stands at one end of the grid wearing tags.

On the coach's call a...

Bunch

category: Decision-making

Groups of 6

1 ball per group

4 attackers v 2 defenders holding a tag belt and working laterally.

Centering

category: Contact-Skills

The aim of the drill is to develop a strong profile, protecting the ball

Chain Reaction - Progression

category: Tag-Rugby

2 x Adjacent 20m x 10m channels

In the first channel, players pass the ball across the line in a chain. After the first pass, the player t...

Change Of Pace (Speed)

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Individually

Random cones of different colours

Each colour represents a different running speed:walk, jog, sprint.

Channel Ball

category: Tackling

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...

Choose The Hole

category: Backs-Moves

9 10 miss 12 straight to 13 with 15 running a support line. 15 needs to run into the hole wherever it is. Needs to 'check / scan'!

Choose The Hole

category: yBacks-Moves

9 10 miss 12 straight to 13 with 15 running a support line. 15 needs to run into the hole wherever it is. Needs to 'check / scan'!

Colour Cone Attack

category: Decision-making

Drill to practice attacking from different positions.

Set up a grid roughly 20m wide and 15m long with three defenders (yellow) and four atta...

Colour Defend

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following.....

The coach will call a colour.
At that point the players from those cones should run to th...

Contest Line Outs

category: Lineout

One player throws the ball in to 5 players standing side by side. One player to stand in the scrum half position so as to be ready to receive a pas...

Continuous Attacking

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Groups of four, 1 attacker and three defenders

Coach calls out the number of a defender as the attacker retreats to allow that defender an...

Croc Roll

The aim of the drill is to develop good techniques to remove a low threat over the ball.

D1 - Dummy Loop

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram in order to think about the starting position of your players, I suggest that they are not too deep for this one.
10...

D1 - Dummy Loop

category: yBacks-Moves

Use the diagram in order to think about the starting position of your players, I suggest that they are not too deep for this one.
10...

Defender - Round And Realign

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

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

Defending in Threes

Set up 4 grids of about 8-10m by 5m.

3 players start on the first grid, working from one end to the other, covering the 5m distance.

Defending In Threes

category: Defensive-Patterns

Set up 4 grids of about 8-10m by 5m.

3 players start on the first grid, working from one end to the other, covering the 5m distance.

Defending in Threes

Set up 4 grids of about 8-10m by 5m.

3 players start on the first grid, working from one end to the other, covering the 5m distance.

Defense Vs Attack Drill

category: School

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

Defense, Drift And Blitz

category: School

Excellent drill to put defenders in game situations and having to make decisions.
Defenders go from defending one side into t...

Defensive Systems - Structure Progression.

category: Defensive-Patterns

1. Defensive Organisation

4 Defenders line up on the the cones.

When coach goes to pass the ball, when han...

Defensive Touch

category: Defensive-Patterns

2 Teams.
Half Pitch.

Touch Game with conditions;

Attacker once touched must go down, bounce b...

Defensive Touch

category: Match-Related

2 Teams.
Half Pitch.

Touch Game with conditions;

Attacker once touched must go down, bounce b...

Defensive Touch

category: Warm-Up

2 Teams.
Half Pitch.

Touch Game with conditions;

Attacker once touched must go down, bounce b...

Denfence Down

category: Warm-Up

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.

Diamond Geezer

category: Agility-Running-Skills

In fours players are moving up a channel. The support runner (blue player in the animation) calls themselves into the line, receives a pass, offloa...

Diamond Geezer

category: Warm-Up

In fours players are moving up a channel. The support runner (blue player in the animation) calls themselves into the line, receives a pass, offloa...

Dont Get Tagged

category: Tackling

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 Gauntlet

category: Decision-making

Mark an area 15m wide and 20m long.

3 Attackers vs 2 Defence vs 2 Defence

Have the 2 lines of 2 Defenders 5-7m apart

Double Trouble

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

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

Drift, Cover Or Blitz Touch

category: Match-Related

During a game of touch in a grid sized 30 x 30 metres the coach can choose to call blitz, drift or cover at any breakdow...

Driving Maul

category: Maul

3 attackers against two defenders with contact pads.

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

Drop Out Touch.

category: Match-Related

2 Teams
Attackign and defensive focus.

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

Drop Out Touch.

category: Warm-Up

2 Teams
Attackign and defensive focus.

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

Escape To Victory

category: Warm-Up

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...

Evasion Skills

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following.....

The player on the top of the grid is the defender.
The player on the bottom is the attack...

Everyone Gets A Second Chance ? Touch Variation

category: Warm-Up

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...

Fan Out And Pass

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! You may decide to have a demonstration grid.

On your call, all players fan out to receive a pass.

Fast And Pressured

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

There will be one runner.
1 player, static, on each cone. 4 players on the cones in tot...

Fast And Pressured

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

There will be one runner.
1 player, static, on each cone. 4 players on the cones in tot...

Fast Up - Play

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

This game is to be played at pace.
It is contact and normal rules of 7's apply, only di...

Fend Off The Challenge

category: Off-Loads

Set Up

Line of defenders - 5m apart in staggered formation tackle shield.

Individual players move down the line fend off each ta...

Fending Off - Strong Hands

category: Off-Loads

Line of defenders - 5m apart in staggered formation tackle shield.
Individual players move down the line, fend off each tackle in turn - righ...

Find The Gap Grubber

category: Kicking

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.

Five In, Two Out Touch

category: Sevens

Give the ball to the attacking team and tell your players the following.......

This is touch 7's, other than that - normal rules of 7'...

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Decision-making

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Handling

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Passing

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Flick And Back Pass Insanity

category: Passing

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

category: Warm-Up

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

Follow The Leader

category: Tag-Rugby

Large Grid 20m x 20m. Players in groups of 5 with one ball per group

The leader with the ball can run in any direction. The rest of the g...

Follow The Leader

category: Tag-Rugby

Large Grid 20m x 20 m

Players in groups of 5

1 Ball per Group

Leader of the group can run in any direction, the rest must f...

Four Handed Touch

category: Warm-Up

The following are the laws for this game:

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

Four In, Three Out Touch

category: Sevens

Give the ball to the attacking team and tell your players the following.......

This is touch 7's, other than that - normal rules of 7'...

Full Back'S Drill

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Alternate between players starting with a standing start, with the ball in hand, or from catching a high ball.

After this the player should j...

Game To Coach Depth

category: Match-Related

Four attackers, two defenders in quite a small playing area - trying to find space.
The aim is for each team of four to try to score a...

Game To Coach Depth

category: Sevens

Four attackers, two defenders in quite a small playing area - trying to find space.
The aim is for each team of four to try to score a...

Go To Goal Touch

category: Warm-Up

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...

Grids

category: Handling

1) Run out (2 steps) turn and pop ball to a support player.

2) Run out (2 steps) turn and let support player take it out of your hands.

...

Hit The Gap Drill

category: Decision-making

A drill to practice decision making and finding space between defenders.

Set up a line of three defenders with tackle shields (roughly 2m apa...

Hold, Press, Push

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

The first should of 3 will PUSH, drifting across and HIT the pads together.
They will th...

It'S All Rip And Roll To Me!

category: Warm-Up

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

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

Jackal Progression Drill

category: Contact-Skills

1. Bounce

Race to get off the floor. CHest to bag then bag to feet.

2. Bounce with sausage

Jackal Race And Clearout

category: Contact-Skills

Sausage
3+
Ball

Players stand 3m away from ball and sausage.
Players line up ...

Jackle Race

category: Contact-Skills

The aim of the drill is to develop speed off the floor into a positive Jackle Position.The Jacklers emphasis is to win the ball back by getting into a...

Keep Ball

category: Tag-Rugby

Players work in groups of 5 in a grid 10m x 10m, with 1 Ball per group.

4 Players work as a team to make 10 passes.

The defender trie...

Tell your players the following...

The attackers will start at the base of the grid and attack the first box.
The 2 defenders...

Keep The Ball Game

category: Passing

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

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following:

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

Last 15 Defence Drill

category: Defensive-Patterns

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 ...

Lateral Pass

category: Passing

Look at the ball carrier Get hands up to make a target Call and catch the ball with both hands and bring it in front of the body Look ahead for gaps o...

Leinster

category: Backs-Moves

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

Line Out Only Restart

category: Lineout

Groups of ten

One ball per group

Always start with a line out i.e. Trower two catchers and four backs.

Lineout: Lift

category: Lineout

Jumper Move dynamically into a position from which you can easily be supported. Maintain a long body shape (brace by squeezing butt cheeks) to ensur...

Living On The Edge

category: Warm-Up

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

Loaded Sevens: Touch

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

The team with 7 players will be in attack for the first half.
Normal 7 rules apply.

Loop Move (Simple)

category: Backs-Moves

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

M1 (13 Missed)

category: Backs-Moves

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

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Over)

category: Backs-Moves

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 Inside To 15)

category: Backs-Moves

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)

category: Backs-Moves

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

M1 Simple

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the starting positions.
10 passes to 13.
13 comes forward either straight, or cutting in to close the s...

Man To Man

category: Defensive-Patterns

3 attackers and 2 defenders.

The scrum half passes to the first receiver of group of 3 attackers.

The 3 attacking players must then p...

Many Hands

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

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

Many Hands

category: Scrum

Tell your players the following......

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

Maul Full

category: Maul

If contact cannot be avoided take on own termsTurn and present the ballSupport player rips ball outDrives on if space or passes to scrum half who pass...

Maul Touch

category: Warm-Up

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

Mini Maul Technique

category: Maul

Groups of 8 split into four groups of 2

Players pass and, chase the space, until coach shouts - Maul, at which time the second player join...

Mini-Goal Game

category: Kicking

Game to practice controlling the ball.

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

E...

Miss 2 - Fast Wing Ball

category: Backs-Moves

9 10 miss 12 straight to 13 -overline- with 15 running an underline straight to 14. 14 needs to run into the hole in front of them wherever it is. ...

Miss 2 - Fast Wing Ball

category: yBacks-Moves

9 10 miss 12 straight to 13 -overline- with 15 running an underline straight to 14. 14 needs to run into the hole in front of them wherever it is. ...

Miss 2 And Overlap

category: Backs-Moves

Working on basic hands this play sees your line passing the ball, missing out 11 and passing to 15 as they join to support the line.

So pass...

Miss 2 And Overlap

category: yBacks-Moves

Working on basic hands this play sees your line passing the ball, missing out 11 and passing to 15 as they join to support the line.

So pass...

Miss Me Baby, One More Time!

category: Passing

We will begin with laterial passing down the line, just to get going.
On your call we will start to miss the player in the middle, a...

Miss One/ Dummy Run

category: Backs-Moves

9 10 miss 12 straight to 13 -overline- with 15 also running an overline straight to 11 looping behind. 11 needs to run into the hole in front of ...

Miss One/ Dummy Run

category: yBacks-Moves

9 10 miss 12 straight to 13 -overline- with 15 also running an overline straight to 11 looping behind. 11 needs to run into the hole in front of ...

Mistakes Cost – Touch Variation

category: Warm-Up

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

Modified Game - 12 Vs 12

category: Match-Related

Pupils are put into teams of 12 (with larger groups reserves maybe used). Play a full game incorporating :-

6 vs 6 Scrums.
6 vs 6 line...

More Loop

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

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

Munster

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 advances with the ball.
12, 13, 14 advancing, closing the space be...

Narrow - Wide Channel

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Groups of 4

One ball per group

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

Narrow Channel Passing

category: Passing

Drill to practice attacking in a small channel.

Set up a channel roughly 20m wide and 5m long. Position three defenders on the try-line and f...

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

category: Warm-Up

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...

Non-Stop Rugby

category: Tag-Rugby

Play 5 v 3.

The aim of the game is for teams with unequal number of players to defend and attack. Possesion is changed if one of the follo...

Nsw - Warratahs Tackle Technique

category: Contact-Skills

Groups 6+
Cones.
Balls

1. Warm up - Non Contact.

Players start on the corner of a squ...

Nsw - Warratahs Tackle Technique

category: Tackling

Groups 6+
Cones.
Balls

1. Warm up - Non Contact.

Players start on the corner of a squ...

Off-Loading Pass

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

There will be two static players, passers, on the mid sections cones. One on each side. One of w...

Offloading Touch Game.

category: School

Develops lines of support, vision, footwork and offloading.
If a player is touched, he must go to the floor and off load.&nbs...

On Your Back - Rolling Pass

category: Off-Loads

Set Up

Between 3 to 15 players - 1 to 4 ration of ball to players - players spaced no more than 5m apart

Players catches ball - fal...

One Touch Off-Load

category: Warm-Up

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

category: Warm-Up

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.

One V One

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Coach calls out a number/colour and that pair of players reacts, have the players decide who is the defender and who is the attack - this sho...

One V One

category: Sevens

Coach calls out a number/colour and that pair of players reacts, have the players decide who is the defender and who is the attack - this sho...

One V One

category: Warm-Up

Coach calls out a number/colour and that pair of players reacts, have the players decide who is the defender and who is the attack - this sho...

Organisation

category: Decision-making

Groups of three

1 ball per group

Defender can choose any line as a start point.

On the word GO, 2 attackers attempt to sco...

Overline With 2 Dummy Runners

category: Backs-Moves

9 10 miss 12 straight to 13 -over line- with 15 also running an over line straight to 14. 14 needs to run into the hole in front of them wherever i...

Overline With 2 Dummy Runners

category: yBacks-Moves

9 10 miss 12 straight to 13 -over line- with 15 also running an over line straight to 14. 14 needs to run into the hole in front of them wherever i...

Pass And Control

category: Passing

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 As Many Ways As Possible

category: Handling

One ball between two.

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

Overhead.

Pass Invaders

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....
In groups of 2 they will attack, passing the ball before they reach each unique cone, so when t...

Passing Box

category: Passing

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

There should be one group of 4 players between each cone on the four sides of the grid.

Passing Central

category: Passing

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 Compass

category: Warm-Up

Have a quick demo using one group - keep your player briefing, brief.
Each pair face one another and stand side by side, about 1 met...

Passing Grid-Under Pressure

category: Handling

Groups of 12+
Balls
Cones

4 defenders lineup in a passing grid, that has laid out 2 red cones and 2 bl...

Passing Lines Of 5

category: Passing

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

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

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

Passing Under Pressure

category: Passing

4 players line up next to each other about 5 meters apart. A defender with a shield is standing 10 meters from the 1st man (ball carrier).

Th...

Passing Under Pressure

category: Passing

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...

Path Of Least Resistance

category: Warm-Up

In this example we will play one touch offload, but remember you can change the version of touch to suit your training goals, applying the same mis...

Ping Pong

category: Warm-Up

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

category: Lineout

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

category: Passing

Tell the players the following....

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

Positioning, Passing And Supporting During Turnovers

category: Agility-Running-Skills

5 players in a group line up within touching distance of one another, and stand facing the coach who has a ball in his hand.

The coach then ...

Positioning, Passing And Supporting During Turnovers

category: Passing

5 players in a group line up within touching distance of one another, and stand facing the coach who has a ball in his hand.

The coach then ...

Pressure Ball

category: Warm-Up

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...

Pressure Cooker

category: Passing

4 players stand on the middle cones in the grid, avoiding the corner cones. The 2 players at the top and the bottom of the grid will have a b...

Progression Drift Defence

category: Defensive-Patterns

groups of 8 +.
Cones
Balls.
Bibs

1. 1v1 in 5mx5m Grid.

Play...

Quick Ball From Slow Ball

category: Contact-Skills

Bags
Balls

2 attackers line up opposite 2 defenders with bosh bags.

The coach delivers a ball into the a...

Quick Ball From Slow Ball

category: Contact-Skills

Bags
Balls

2 attackers line up opposite 2 defenders with bosh bags.

The coach delivers a ball into the a...

Quick Ball From Slow Ball

category: Match-Related

Bags
Balls

2 attackers line up opposite 2 defenders with bosh bags.

The coach delivers a ball into the a...

Quick Hands

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....
The first player runs out with the ball to the first set of cones and passes the ball to the se...

Quick Passing To Space

category: Sevens

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

One of the attacking lines takes the ball.
They sim...

Race To Cone - 3 V 2

category: Decision-making

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 ...

React To Situation - 3 Vs 2

category: Decision-making

Players should pass in a line on the whistle.

The 2 players closest to the ball go out to the line and as soon as they turn the 3 remaining ...

React, Run And Defend

category: Decision-making

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 Handling

category: School

Excellent drill to get players working off the ball to create depth while not turning their backs.
Groups of 3 or 4.&nbs...

Realignment And Passing

category: Match-Related

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...

Releasing The Overlap

category: Decision-making

The scrum half starts with the ball. They pass to the first red player who then passes to the second red player who then passes to red player thr...

Rucking Body Position

category: Ruck

Players split into pairs and line up in as many lines as you require

Rucking Body Position

category: Ruck-Clear-Out

Players split into pairs and line up in as many lines as you require

Rugby Ball Overhead

category: Catching

The aim of the drill is to develop a high ball over head catch

Rugby Ball Underarm

category: Catching

The aim of the drill is to develop basic high ball catching skills.

Rugby Baseball

category: Passing

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

category: Sevens

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

category: Sevens

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

category: Warm-Up

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

category: Agility-Running-Skills

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 Netball

category: Warm-Up

Break your players into two teams.

One team goes to attack, and one to defence.
There is no kicking in this game.
No...

Rugby Rounders

category: Tag-Rugby

Split group into 2 - Batters and fielders.

Setup as shown above.

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

Running Side Tackle

category: Tackling

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

category: Warm-Up

Tell players the following....

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

Scarecrow Tag

category: Tag-Rugby

Groups of 5

Grids 5 m x 5 m

All players wear Tags

Nominated player attempts to tag other players.

T...

Scattered Defence - 6 Vs 4

category: Decision-making

Groups of ten work with one ball per group

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

If touched, the ...

Score A Try

category: Tag-Rugby

Grids 10m x 10m. 1 Ball per group. Groups of 5

Players take it in turns to be the defender in the middle (4 tackles then change). The atta...

Scoring Zones

category: Warm-Up

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'S Drill

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Player, with the ball, should make a fake pass.

After the dummy pass their objective should be to change pace and direction as quickly as pos...

Seated Start - 6 Vs 4

category: Decision-making

Groups of ten with one ball per group

Defenders start bunched sat on the floor

Start attackers spread out (width)

On the word ...

Serious Fun

category: Passing

Tell your players the following, keeping your player briefing, brief! It's vital to get the players moving as quickly as possible.

...

Seven In Touch

category: Sevens

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

category: Sevens

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

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

Side On Pendulum Pass

category: Passing

Here the player needs to have slightly bent knees, and ensure that he is leaning slightly forward with a straight back, giving him space to swing...

Simple Drift Defence

category: Defensive-Patterns

3 attacks - 2 defenders

Scrum half passes to first receiver of group of 3

3 attack 2 passing ball down line

Simple Passing Exercise

category: Passing

Tell your players the follow.....

The first two players at each coach will advance, attacking the cone to their left, in ...

Simple Passing Grid

category: Passing

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...

Single File Running

category: 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, ...

Smash Through And Pass!

category: Off-Loads

Set Up

3 sets of 2 defenders each with 2 tackle bags placed 10m apart down 15m x 30m channel - 3 attackers

Attacker with ball in cen...

Snap, Crackle, And Pop - Touch Variation

category: Warm-Up

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...

Speed Pass

category: Agility-Running-Skills

8 in each group.

6 in the playing area and 2 outside it.

The six in the playing area play a 4 v 2 against each other trying to pass...

Speed Pass

category: Tag-Rugby

8 in each group.

6 in the playing area and 2 outside it.

The six in the playing area play a 4 v 2 against each other trying to pass...

Split Drill With Trailer 3

category: Agility-Running-Skills

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...

Split With Trailer

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

Player A passes to D and cuts - not getting ball back , but holding up - B cuts and...

Standing And Passing - Variation

category: Passing

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

Star Wars

category: Passing

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 ...

Straight Running And Passing

category: Agility-Running-Skills

3 players line up in a straight line, approximately 10m apart, each standing opposite an agility pole.

The ball is passed by a scrumha...

Stuck In The Mud

category: Warm-Up

Groups of 6+
Balls
Bibs
Cones

One player with a ball must run around trying to tou...

Support

category: Catching

The aim of the drill is to develop a high ball over head catch with a support player behind to catch anything over head.

Switch Drill

category: Passing

Drill to practice inside running lines (switches) in attack.

Set up a 10m x 10m square (green cones) with two attackers (blue) on one side of...

Switch Into Space

category: Match-Related

Set your players up so they are in groups of 6, with 3 forwards and 3 backs.

Line up the 3 backs to protect 2 try lines (marked by red cones)...

Switch Over Attack

category: Passing

Drill to practice attacking organisational skills

Set up a grid roughly 20m wide and 20m long, with different coloured cones at one end and 5...

Tackle And Bounce Conditioning

category: Contact-Skills

Groups of 3/4
1 Tackle Sausage.
1 Tackle bag.

1. Tackle Bag conditioning.

<...

Tackle And Bounce Conditioning

category: Tackling

Groups of 3/4
1 Tackle Sausage.
1 Tackle bag.

1. Tackle Bag conditioning.

<...

Tackle Box

category: Sevens

The exercise is simple, the attacker has 2 minutes to score as many tries as they can.
They do this by attacking the space between 2...

Tackle Into 3V2 Handling

category: Decision-making

5 tackle bags
Ball

3 bags are lined upon side of the grid, 2 bags the otherside.

Tackle Into 3V2 Handling

category: Handling

5 tackle bags
Ball

3 bags are lined upon side of the grid, 2 bags the otherside.

Tackle Plus One Space

category: Contact-Skills

The aim of the drill is to encouragement the tackler and a supporting player (+1) challenge for the space on the tackle.

Tackle Practice - 1V1

category: Tackling

Close down the space quickly, make yourself big.

Keep moving forward with short steps, stay balanced, take contact, grip tight.

Tackle Space

category: Contact-Skills

Contact Defence

The aim of the drill is to encourage the tackler to challenge for the space over the ball after the tackle....

Tackling 2

category: Tackling

Close down space quickly, make yourself big, keep moving forward with short steps, stay balanced, take contact, grip tight.

Tag: Hounds And Hairs

category: Warm-Up

The attackers need to get from one end of the grid, a safe zone, to the other end of the grid, another safe zone, without getting touched.

Team Of 5 V 1 V 1 V 1 V 1 V 1

category: Tag-Rugby

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...

Ten Passes Then...

category: Handling

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

Ten Passes Then...

category: Passing

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

Tennis Kicking Game

category: Kicking

The aim of the drill is to develop reactive scanning kicking game.

The Berlin Wall

category: Warm-Up

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 Next Pass

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell the players the following or have a demonstration group.....

We have 8 static pass...

The Three S Drill (Speed, Swerve And Sidestep)

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Coach calls a number, that player acts as a defender. Attacker tries to score without being tagged using one of the three S (Speed, Swerve, and Sid...

The Trinity

category: Sevens

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...

They Just Keep Coming

category: Passing

We have 8 static passers and two runners.
There should be a static passer on each cone, eight in total.
The 9th player will...

They Just Keep Coming

category: Sevens

We have 8 static passers and two runners.
There should be a static passer on each cone, eight in total.
The 9th player will...

Three Blind Mice - Tag Warm-Up

category: 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...

Tight & Wide

category: Passing

Tell the players the following:

On your whistle the ball ...

Tight & Wide

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following:

On your whistle the ball ...

Touch The Runner

category: Sevens

Put a group of 7 inside inside one of your grids. Tell them the following laws: The player not wearing a bib (the runner) is trying stay away...

Touch The Runner

category: Warm-Up

Put a group of 7 inside inside one of your grids. Tell them the following laws: The player not wearing a bib (the runner) is trying stay away...

Truck And Trailer

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Groups of two

one ball per group

First player attacks space, the second player supports

Play in any direction but pass bac...

Turn-Over Game

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following......

We are going to play a game, the 7 defenders will stay in defence throughout, and the 5 attacking...

Turnover Ball - Creating Depth And Getting Width

category: Passing

5 players in a group, line up within touching distance of one another, facing the coach who has a ball in his hand.

The coach then calls &quo...

Two Man Piggy In The Middle

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

Two players will be defenders, it's their job to try and intercept the ball.

Union Jack

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Divide the players so that they are spread equally between 8 points (4 corners of a square, and 4 more at the midpoints. Each ball carrier runs acr...