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starting DRILLS
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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 from one side to the other with a ball in their hands without being tackled. If a player is tackled they must throw their ball out of the area and become a tackler in the next round of the game.

Tackling

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

Pass within a channel

Tell the players the following..... This is simple, just attack from the bottom and top of the grid at pace. There can be two groups in the grid at any one time. Anyone in the line can start with the ball, and the attack should vary between lateral and creative. The ball and attack will be considered alive within the grid, so respond at all times. Players should change places within the attacking line after each attack. The starting position of the ball should change on each attack. Players should avoid contact within the grid.

Passing

Passing Box

Tell your players the following....... There should be one group of 4 players between each cone on the four sides of the grid. The ball carrying group will advance - passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver in the attacking line, they will pass the ball to the first receiver in the next attacking line. Simple as that - they should keep going. All four groups must go, in any one cycle of attacks - a cycle is 4 attacks. Progression: Add in one or two defenders, have them work from side to side - rather than closing down space and - don't forget to change the defenders into attack after some time in defence.

Passing

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'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.

Passing

Passing Race

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other. The pass should come from on, or behind the hip. They should make 10 passes on one hand, and then 10 passes on the opposite hand. That's it, lets get going - it's a race.  Any dropped balls - and your group has to start again. That's it, get working.

Handling

Red Arrows

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

Tag Rugby

Tackling on knees game.

2 Players to a grid. Player with ball starting at one side of the grid and their aim is to reach to other side of the grid to win.Tackler starting at the side of the grid and their aim is to prevent the other player to reach the other side of the grid by tackling them.

Tackling

Throw and catch.

Starting on the line, throw the ball out 5 meters high into the air.Run out, keeping eyes on the ball and catch the ball before it reaches the ground.Once caught, quickly turn around and run back to starting position.

Agility & Running Skills

Zig Zag Relay

Tell the players to do the following...... The player with the ball passes to the next player and follows the direction of the ball. The chasing or support player must touch the cone of the player they passed to. The player who receives the ball does the same and so on to the last player who receives the ball and runs around the group to the first cone and restarts the drill. The player returning to their cone, must backstep their way to their starting location.

Passing

3 Times A Charm Sevens - Rugby...

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 players. They will advance around the lower part of the training area. On the 6 players side, they will go 3 at a time in order to provide 3 defenders, one will advance to the 7 meter marker, the second will go to the 14 meter marker, and the last will stay at the back of the grid. They will advance around the top part of the training area. The attacking players will now face three 2 v 1 situations. Once the attack finishes the two attacking players return to their starting position, the next two attackers go. At the same time the next three defenders go, while the last three defenders return to their starting position. Don't forget to give every player a chance in attack and defence.

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

Seated start - 6 vs 4 Decision...

Groups of ten with one ball per group Defenders start bunched sat on the floor Start attackers spread out (width) On the word GO! the the defenders get up and and defend. The attackers try to score. The coach varies the start point of the ball. It touched, the ball carrier must pass the ball immediately.

General

Short Passing Passing - Rugby ...

Give each training area one ball to start with and tell the players the following...... Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Give the player at the start of one of the lines a ball, tell the line to advance using lateral passing - with the last player in each line passing the ball to the first player in the opposite line. Players should change positions in the line following each attack. Focus on the coaching points - the drill is only a means to an end. No spin passing. When you feel that the players are executing the short pass to your satisfaction - add in more pressure by have two opposite lines run at once.

General

Fast Hands Passing - Rugby Dri...

Drill to practice fast, accurate passing.Set up a T shape with 3 cones roughly 5m away from the central cone (see diagram)One player stands on each cone, the player in the middle of the T is the player who works (yellow).The players on the outside (blue) take it in turns to pass to the working player (yellow), who must catch the ball and pass it to the free player on the edge (see video.PROGRESSIONS:Start slowly and increase the pace at which the players pass to the working player, giving them less time to catch and pass the ballIncrease the distance that the working player must pass the ball.

General

Drop Kick Kicking - Rugby Dril...

Can be practiced with all players but specifically for the kickers of the team for start off kicking and tactical point scoring. 1 ball, cones to set up target zones etc.

General

Rugby Baseball Sevens - Rugby ...

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

General

Move it wide Tag Rugby - Rugby...

Groups of 5The pitch is divided into 2 halvesBoth defenders must start at one corner of the pitch. The attackers must have at least one player in each half of the pitch

General

TACKLE HEAD SAFETY TECHNIQUE T...

Groups of 2 Tackle Bags Cones1. Warm up light contactPlayers line up opposite eachother and run to meet each other in the middle. When the coach says so, the coach will leave it late to hold an arm out for the attackers to step too. The Defenders will make a late decision to tackle on either left or right shoulder. 2. Progress to adding bags & defenders turning.This minimalises the time for defenders to make decision and increaces the intensity. 3. Progress on to full live tackle. Increace the intensity and make sure the players back track back to starting point before starting next set.

General

L-Shaped Passing Sevens - Rugb...

Lets get the ball and the players moving with lateral passing through the hands. Each training area only needs one ball, and that ball should start with the any of the two players at the very ends of the L. Tell players to move forward, passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver, that player will pass it to the first receiver in the next line that is waiting to go. They should advance right away. Allow the players to simply move the ball down the line.

General

Leinster Backs Moves - Rugby D...

Use the diagram as a starting point for players. 10 advances carrying the ball, inviting the defence to press up on the attack. Optional, 11 could provide a decoy option. 10 passes to 12, who advances onto the ball. 10 loops around 12, decoy. 12 carries the ball forward. 13 runs a supporting line on 12, closing the space between the players. 12 miss-passes the ball behind 13 to 14. 14 advances with the ball, supported by 15.

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

Full Back's Drill Agility & Ru...

Alternate between players starting with a standing start, with the ball in hand, or from catching a high ball.After this the player should jog for about 5-10m looking for the space,After that they should then look to make a very quick change of direction and accelerate towards the cone for 5-10m.Upon reaching the cone they once again perform a sidestep/ change of direction and finish with a final 20m sprint, either to the left or to the right.

General

7's Colour Touch Sevens - Rugb...

Tell your players the following..... The attack will remain in attack for 5 minutes, you'll then switch over. Normal rules of sevens apply, but this game will be touch to start with. When the ball carrier is touched, they must set the ball down, another player can then move it from the ground. The touch is considered a ruck. When the coach calls a defenders colour e.g. RED - the two players in defence wearing red drop to the ground and complete 3 press-ups, they can then return to their feet and are back in the game. That's it, play. Keep your player chats brief, but through questioning highlight that the downed players in defence open up space, what do we attack - SPACE!

General

Backs move - Rangi Backs Moves...

Use the diagram to highlight suggested starting positions.10 is the ball carrier, advancing forward, before cutting in as shown in the diagram.12 advances, and cut in on the same line as 10.13 advances and cuts across 12, taking a switch pass from 10.15 and 14 press up.

General

Hold, Press, Push Sevens - Rug...

Tell your players the following..... The first should of 3 will PUSH, drifting across and HIT the pads together. They will then advance and do the same at the next 2 sets of pads before returning to their start position to go again. The second group of defenders can go when they feel there is enough space between them and the first group. That's it - lets get to work. Don't forget to change the defenders and bag holders.

General

starting DRILL CATEGORIES
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Scrum Drills
Scrum Drills
starting SESSIONS
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Contact Skills in the Tackle

Instil confidence and tackle toughness into your players with this tackling from the front, side and back session! Build their knowledge of the benefits of tackling and how different type of tackle can determine the way the phase plays out.

Phase Play and Continuity

Continue to build the phases in your play and get your team working as an unit to offer support with this session!

Introduction to Handling and Unit Plays

Set out the targets for the season and develop your players handling skills after an intense physical pre-season. Put the final touches to your game with this session.

Tackling Success - 1 to 1 and Double Tackling

Focus on technique to ensure your players tackle safely and powerfully, as well as looking at the progression from a 1-to-1 'fit' tackle to a positive double tackle

Fitness Testing Session

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

Lineout Logistics

Don't get pipped to the pass - teach your players to jump and lift safely to help them become masters of the lineout!

Contact: Rucking technical session

Master the ?Smash? and the ?Roll? rucking technique so that when the pressure is on and a clear decision needs to be made, clearing the ruck becomes second nature to your players.

Developing Invasive Attacking Skills

Think quickly and get past the opposition, with this attacking skills session!

Defensive Principal: Competing Jackal!

Develop some tactical awareness and get your players recognising the value of slowing down the game with a jackal.

Backline Scanning - Reacting to the unknown!

Don't let your team succumb to static rugby - instead teach them to look up and play against what's in front of them

Tackling Technique - Tackle with confidence

Refresh your junior players' tackling technique before the season starts to help them grow in confidence and prevent injuries in your team!

Colours for quick decision making & reactions

Get your players' thinking up to speed with a series of drills designed to improve reaction and decision making

Scanning Session - Scanning in the Tackle

Use this plan to Improve your players' pass selection and completion - helping them to pick the right pass

Decision Making and Recognising Space

Find and exploit the space! Teach your players to look up, make the right decisions to find the space and avoid the contact!
starting ANSWERS
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what are simple drills for touch rugby...to get ready?

what are simple drills for touch rugby...to get ready for the season?

Archived User Coach

Any tips for a drill in starting competitive lineout’s?

Any tips for a drill in starting competitive lineout’s without lifting for U10’s

Stewart Rea Coach, England

Does anyone have a really good drill to encourage backs to stay steep?

Does anyone have a really good drill to encourage backs to hold their steepness when attacking - my team of dreams are Under 11's

Archived User Coach

Dennis%3A The boys will be starting at under 11 next?

Dennis%3A The boys will be starting at under 11 next season this will become the first season they are able to actively kick during games. By kicking I mean all types of kicking. all advice, literature, web sites etc... welcome

iain Coach, England

Im starting coaching Under 6s what drills and games?

Im starting coaching Under 6s what drills and games work best?

Nick Begy Coach, England

What's a good methord when starting training a Scrum?

What's a good methord when starting training a Scrum?

Christopher Bower Coach, England

i am just starting to play scrumhalf could you give?

i am just starting to play scrumhalf could you give me some tips on how to be a quality scrumhalf

Archived User Coach

I'm starting coaching under 14 what are best drills?

I'm starting coaching under 14 what are best drills to start ?

mario smedile Coach, Italy

coaching under 9s next year, where do I start?

Hi, I’m coaching under 9s next year which involves tackling, mauls, rucks etc. I’m after advise on what to coach first and the amount of time spent on each area. Added to this I’ve somehow become the lead coach after a couple of coaches stepped down (feeling a little under pressure!) Would anybody be willing to share any sessions so I can plan the first month or so. Cheers

Archived User Coach

Can I and should I coach basic tackle skills to U8s?

Does anyone have a definitive answer to this question%3A can I coach basic tackling skills to U8s now, in preparation for next season, without falling foul of any RFU rules or regulations? Hugo

Hugo Norton-Taylor Coach, England

My son will not run with the ball

My sons plays for the U9 team, his position is number ten, he was put there due to his kicking power, drop kicking accuracy, etc - I have been teaching him over time to tackle this has helped him build his confidence - what I have been noticing is the fact that when he gets the ball, he wont run - he just refuses to do anything with it...I need to find a way to encourage him the move forward with it, but nothing ever happens, now his own team mates are starting to look down at him, since he has giving the game away far to many time. Help!

john mcqueen Coach, New Zealand

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

Is there a week by week coaching plan for the U7s? It’s my first time coaching and need some advice and plans. Where do I start? What do I do every week to get them ready for the season Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Liz Coach, Australia

Match Day clipboard organizer

I'm looking for a pre printed match day organizer for my clipboard. Starting lineup and subs, keeping score, strategy, etc.

Mark Dixon Coach, United States of America

Error Message for editing sketch

Hello, I have a sketch that I want to continue animating. But when I try to access the file in my folder, I get an error message and it won't let me edit the file. I have attached a screenshot of the issue. Hope it can be addressed, I spent a good amount of time on the press and would like to avoid starting over and having the same issue arise. Thank you!

Shanna Vitale Coach, United States of America

what are good beginner backline moves

what are good beginner backline moves

Oliver hughan Coach, New Zealand

Starting contact

I would just like to enquire about something with regards to contact. My u/14 team is playing their first match in 4 weeks time. I was told not to start with contact as it may cause some injuries. I was told to wait at till 2 weeks left before I start with contact sessions. However I don't feel that 4 weeks needless to say 2 weeks, is enough time to prepare my players for the physical demands of a game. Now my question is: How long before the first match should I start contact sessions?

Juan-Andre Joubert Coach, South Africa

When can I start teaching tack...

I coach under 8's and next season they will start contact. When am I allowed to start teaching them tackling skills? I sit january during their under 8 season or at the start of the under 9 season ?

brian mills Coach, England

My team takes 15min to really ...

My team takes 15min to really start playing... what should I do? These are high school boys that have never played the sport before. After a few games, they play really well in the 2nd half but by that time we are down 2 or 3 tries. Is it a warmup issue? Nerves? Any ideas?

Mike McD Coach, Canada

How to begin coaching when the...

How to begin coaching when the sport is not popular and many of player candidates are not familiar with rugby ? What is key of initiation ? How to start from white paper ?

Narek Sargsyan Coach, Armenia

Is there a U7s rugby union coa...

Is there a week by week coaching plan for the U7s? It’s my first time coaching and need some advice and plans. Where do I start? What do I do every week to get them ready for the season Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Liz Coach, Australia
starting COMMUNITY DRILLS
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Starting Lineup

1 on 1 tackle

Looping

Copy of Dummy half run

Autosave 84617917

EVASIVE RUNNING CIRCUIT - SIDE STEP

Hour Glass

Impact

8 Vs 3 Game

Tag Rugby U8 (starting position)

Autosave 1223398

Copy of Dummy half run

Standard Pos

Punch and Judy

starting WEB VIDEOS
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