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Rugby: starting positions

starting positions DRILLS
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5 Attacks 3

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

Sevens

Chain Reaction

Divide the 20m x 20m grid in half. 1 Ball per group Players 1 starts standing with the ball. Player 2 starts on one knee. Player 3 starts on both knees. Player 4 lies on their front. Player 5 lies on their back. On the teachers call, all players try to start running forward as quickly as possible, and pass the ball along the line. The starting positions should mean that every pass is made to a player supporting from behind.

Tag Rugby

Colour Defend

Tell the players the following..... The coach will call a colour. At that point the players from those cones should run to the bottom of the grid and turn and face the attack, they will be the defenders. When the defence gets to the bottom of the grid, the remaining players can pick up the ball and attack, it should be 4 v 2. The attack aims to score a try at the bottom of the grid, and the defence aims to oppose the attack. When the attack is finished all the players return to their starting positions. The pace of the exercise should be quick. Decide if the exercise is contact or touch.

Sevens

Line Speed

Tell the players the following.... Players will advance as a line, and as one hit the pads. The pads can also advance as a line. If the pads do advance, they should return to their starting positions. The players hitting the pads just the end of the lines, ready to go again. The nest line should go when the players on the pads area ready. Don't forget to change the players on the pads.

Sevens

M1 (OVER)

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10 passes to 13, missing 12. 12 overruns the ball. 13 runs an over before taking the ball. 15/14 run supporting lines.

Backs Moves

M1 (POP INSIDE 15)

See the diagram for starting positions. 10 moves forward carrying the ball. 12 moves forward, over-running the ball, cutting the drift. 10 miss-passes to 13. 15 runs a line inside 13. 13 pops to 15. 14 cuts in to support 15.

Backs Moves

M1 (POP OUSIDE 15)

See the diagram for starting positions. 10 moves forward carrying the ball. 12 moves forward, over-running the ball, cutting the drift. 10 miss-passes to 13. 15 runs a line outside 13. 13 pops to 15. 14 cuts in to support 15.

Backs Moves

M1 (UNDER)

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10 passes to 13, missing 12. 12 overruns the ball. 13 runs an under before taking the ball. 15/14 run supporting lines.

Backs Moves

M1 Simple

See the diagram for the starting positions. 10 passes to 13. 13 comes forward either straight, or cutting in to close the space between them and the 10. 12 could provide a decoy runner. 15/14 could support 13.

Backs Moves

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 top of the grid. The first defender run up to defend in line with the first cone, the second defender in line with the middle cone, and the last defender is at the end of the grid. Therefore the attack will aim to beat the 3 defenders, in three 3 v 1 situations. When the attack finishes, they pass the ball to the next attacking unit, and the exercise starts again with the new attacking and defending unit. The last two attacking and defending units, switch sides returning to starting positions, ready to go again.

Sevens

Passing Grid Passing - Rugby D...

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

General

Passing Grid-Under pressure Ha...

Groups of 12+ Balls Cones4 defenders lineup in a passing grid, that has laid out 2 red cones and 2 blue cones as shown in diagram. 4 attackers line up opposite passing the ball up and down there line of 4.When the coach shouts blue or red, the attackers set off, and the defenders on the coloured cone the coach shouts out. The Attckers must react fix the defenders, identify the space and score.

General

MAX 3 Backs Moves - Rugby Dril...

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions. 10 moves forward carrying the ball. 11 could provide a decoy run. 12 and 13 switch. 13 takes a pass from 10. both 12 and 13 advance, 12 in support of the ball carrier.

General

Rugby: M1 (UNDER) - Backs Move...

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10 passes to 13, missing 12. 12 overruns the ball. 13 runs an under before taking the ball. 15/14 run supporting lines.

General

Pole Position Sevens - Rugby D...

Tell the players the following..... Each player has four tackle bags and six balls, the winner is the player that knocks down the most bags - you cannot leave their cone and must knock the bags down by passing. If you find that the bags are too heavy - you can amend the game by placing balls on the top of the bags, the passers must knock them off.

General

M1 Simple Backs Moves - Rugby ...

See the diagram for the starting positions. 10 passes to 13. 13 comes forward either straight, or cutting in to close the space between them and the 10. 12 could provide a decoy runner. 15/14 could support 13.

General

PRO 1 Backs Moves - Rugby Dril...

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions. 10 advances with the ball. 12 advances, 13 provides support with 14. 11 cuts a line inside 12. 10 passes to 12. 12 passes inside to 11, 11 is running an angle tight to 12.

General

STATIC 1 Backs Moves - Rugby D...

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10 and 12 remain static, the other players are in motion, offering options. 10 and 12 invite the defence to press up at speed. 10 passes to 12. 11 cuts in on 12's shoulder. 12 passes to 11. 15 and 13 provide alternative options.

General

Counter Attack Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell your players to do the following....... The two passing players keep passing the ball until the coach shouts GO. On GO, the player holding the ball is an attacker, the other two attackers will go with that players. The remaining passer becomes a defender, and will join the defence with the two defenders at the bottom of the grid. On GO - the attack begins, and the defence should try and stop them. The attack aims to score a try at the bottom of the grid. Following each attack the players should return to their positions, but should swap around. You might decide to start this as a touch exercise, then go to contact.

General

5 Attacks 3 Sevens - Rugby Dri...

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

General

MAX 1 Backs Moves - Rugby Dril...

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions. 10 moves forward carrying the ball. 12 moves forward, cuts in. 10 cuts in, and 10/12 run a dummy switch. 15 runs a line behind 13, 13 cuts out. 15 cuts in on an angle. 10 passes to 15. 13/14 provide support and passing options.

General

3 Man Tackle Grid Tackling - R...

Get all players into teams of 3 One group of 3 with bibs start as defenders  In a 10mx10m grid - the other groups line up either side of the grid as attackers. Split evenly. The defenders work together to stop the attacking side scoring and getting through  After a tackle is made or a try is scored, the attacking team pop the ball off to a team on the other side of the grid who attack straight away Defending side need to react and realign quickly to stop the next team from scoring Start as shoulder on and then can progress to full contact Defence works for 1 minute and then change Competition - Team with the least tries scored against them wins

General

M1 12 UNDER Backs Moves - Rugb...

Note the starting positions of players for this move, it's just a suggestion. However, I suggest your players start that bit flatter, and that 13 starts just ahead of 12. 10 carries the ball forward, inviting the defence to press. 13 cuts in to cut the distance between them and 10. 10 makes a miss pass out to 13. 12 runs am under, runner first towards the 13 channel in order to pull their defender out of position. They then, at speed, cut out. However, if their defender does not follow them, they should maintain their line taking the ball as close to the 13 as possible. 13 makes a pass to 12, this pass should be as close to the opposition defensive line as possible.

General

Line Speed Sevens - Rugby Dril...

Tell the players the following.... Players will advance as a line, and as one hit the pads. The pads can also advance as a line. If the pads do advance, they should return to their starting positions. The players hitting the pads just the end of the lines, ready to go again. The nest line should go when the players on the pads area ready. Don't forget to change the players on the pads.

General

STATIC 2 Backs Moves - Rugby D...

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10, 12, 13, will be starting very flat with minimal movement. 11 will provide a decoy or cancel option. 15 will hit in and up on 13's shoulder. 14 will provide support to 15, 10 passes to 12. 12 passes to 13. 15 takes an inside pop at speed.

General

SWITCH 2 Backs Moves - Rugby D...

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10 carries the ball up. 12 advances. 10 passes to 12. 12 cuts in. 13 advances and cuts in towards the 12. 13 takes from 12 on a switch. 15, and 14 provide support. 13 straightens after taking the ball on an angle.

General

Pass and run Passing - Rugby D...

Tell the players the following.... Player 1 starts with the ball. Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 and then quickly moves off their cone and runs to the cone where player 2 is and back to their cone. Player 2 then passes to player 3, follows the pass to the position of player 3 and back to their starting position. Change your passing hand each time The aim is to for the players to be back in their starting position before the ball returns back, but main thing is that they provide a good pass to the receiving player.

General

Rugby: Scrum Half Pole Positio...

Tell the players the following..... Each player has four poles and six balls, the winner is the player that hits the most poles - you cannot leave your cone and must hit the poles by passing. You can only hit each pole once. You can make this game a little harder by moving the cones further back from the poles.

General

Rugby League: Pass and follow ...

The first player runs into the grid and then passes square to a player either on their left or right before following their pass. The receiving player then runs into the grid and passes square before following their pass once again.

General

MUNSTER Backs Moves - Rugby Dr...

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions. 10 advances with the ball. 12, 13, 14 advancing, closing the space between them and 10. 10 has three passing options, 10 to 12, 10 to 13, or 10 to 14. 11 and 15 provide support depending on the option used.

General

STATIC 3 Backs Moves - Rugby D...

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10, 12, 13, will be starting very flat with minimal movement. 11 will provide a decoy or cancel option. 15 will hit in and up on 13's outside shoulder. 14 will provide support to 15, cutting in and then up. 10 passes to 12. 12 passes to 13. 15 takes an outside pop at speed.

General

Passing circle Passing - Rugby...

Tell your players the following..... There will be 4 players on the outside of the circle, starting at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. There will be one player in the middle. The players on the outside of the circle jog around the circle. The player in the middle will have a ball, and will pass the ball to one of the runners - for them to run onto it. The new ball carrier will pass the ball back to the static player in the middle of the circle. And the same happens again, but the passer cannot bass to the same player twice. Players will have to respond to the calls: SLOW JOG, FAST JOG, FASTER, CHANGE DIRECTION, TOUCH THE GROUD WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND, TOUCH THE GROUND WITH YOUR LEFT HAND, etc. Don't forget to change the static player.

General

Grid Island Practices for Juni...

Fun game to practice passes/kicks not being intercepted.Divide players into two equal teams and set up two grids (one small and one big - see diagram).The blue team are divided in half with half in the small grid, and half outside the big grid. They are trying to pass/kick the ball between themselves to score points - one for every pass/kick which is caught on the full.The red team are trying to intercept the passes/kicks or distract the blue team players. They cannot leave big grid or enter the small grid.Players in the small grid cannot leave the small gridProgressions - Players can only hold the ball for 5 secondsIf a ball is dropped/intercepted it is taken out of the game

General

Chain Reaction Tag rugby - Rug...

Divide the 20m x 20m grid in half. 1 Ball per groupPlayers 1 starts standing with the ball. Player 2 starts on one knee. Player 3 starts on both knees. Player 4 lies on their front. Player 5 lies on their back.On the teachers call, all players try to start running forward as quickly as possible, and pass the ball along the line. The starting positions should mean that every pass is made to a player supporting from behind.

General

Bull Dog Tag Rugby - Rugby Dri...

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 all attackers try to run past the 5 defenders and get to the opposite side of the grid. Attackers that are tagged join the defenders in the middle, the game keeps going until there are no attackers left.

General

Colour Defend Sevens - Rugby D...

Tell the players the following..... The coach will call a colour. At that point the players from those cones should run to the bottom of the grid and turn and face the attack, they will be the defenders. When the defence gets to the bottom of the grid, the remaining players can pick up the ball and attack, it should be 4 v 2. The attack aims to score a try at the bottom of the grid, and the defence aims to oppose the attack. When the attack is finished all the players return to their starting positions. The pace of the exercise should be quick. Decide if the exercise is contact or touch.

General

Double Trouble Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell your players the following..... The first attacking until enters through the top of the first channel, the defender there can then move forward and challenge them. They should complete the 2 v 1 and proceed down the channel, entering the second channel, completing a second 2 v 1. They will then return to their starting position for the next opportunity to attack. The second attacking group should go whenever they feel there is enough distance between the attacking units. There should be very little standing around. This exercise can be touch or contact. You should change the defenders after a set period of time.

General

Game - 6 vs 4 Tag Rugby - Rugb...

Pitch is 20m x 20m. All players wearing Tag BeltsStart the game with a free pass, defenders must start behind the half way lineAttacking players must try to run past defenders to score a try. If tagged, the attacker must pass the ball to a team mate. After a tackle, the defenders must give the tag back, stay on their own side of the ball and NOT intercept or obstruct the pass.

General

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starting positions ANSWERS
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Rugby warm-Ups for Mini Rugby Aged 8

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Is there a U7s rugby union coaching plan for week by week

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Liz Coach, Australia

Positional rotation at U9 leve...

Positional rotation at U9 level... I originally posted this as answer to a question about squad rotation, but thought I might get a better response if I posted it as a question in its own right... I have an 8 year old at the age level you are talking about - he isn't the best player at the club by any means, but has his good moments. He loves watching the game, he has a good understanding of the way it is played (to the extent that he has often shouted at the telly over recent weeks at some of our illustrious stars when they're out of position) and he has good handling skills - to be honest he's just not brave enough in the tackle yet, but I know it'll come so I'm not making a big thing of it. However, he and a couple of others are constantly stuck on the wing, and are getting fed up with the fact that they don't get the opportunity to get involved much. The coaches seem to have their "big names" and as you say seem more interested in the short term aims of winning each game rather than trying to keep the lads interested and challenged each week. I know my son's aware that I think they should move them all around, although I have made a point of not criticising the coaches at all - I think he heard me talking about it to someone else. The coaches have talked about moving players to different positions, but haven't done it, and aren't really receptive when they are asked about it. There are two coaches, and the one that seems to have the "casting vote" is pretty autocratic and doesn't seem to accept criticism or suggestions. My son has mentioned about moving to another club, where he may or may not get more of a chance to shine, but I am not sure this is the right move as it may teach him to give up rather than sticking with something. Any thoughts please?

Archived User Coach

First time coaching the U13s n...

I have just started helping our head coach with under12's team. He wants to retire and has put me forward to be head coach next season. I am a little worried on how i should aproach training with the boys, going to a full 15 a side team on a full pitch. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Archived User Coach

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