click here to download section

Pairs Tag

Principles of play:

• Provide support 
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 8 cones

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 20 meters x 20 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play:                 

• Three groups of 10 players
• Each group is made up of 5
• One pair are the defenders and they have the ball
• They have to tag the attackers by touching them with the ball
• A defender cannot run with the ball but can pass the ball to his/her partner who can run to get near an attacker
• Pass in any direction
• When tagged, that pair then become the defenders

Coaching points

For the attackers:

•  Run into space
•  Keep the head up to keep away from other
  players

For the defenders:

• Run to where the attackers will be
• Keep the head up
• Call to each other
• Keep the hands up to catch the pas

Difficulty

Harder (for the defenders):

• Make the channels bigger

Easier (for the defenders):

• Attackers can only walk or jog

 Scarecrow Tag

Principles of play:

• Apply pressure

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 5 meters x 5 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 5 minutes

How to play:       

•  Each channel has 5 players – one is the defender and has the ball – the others are attackers
• The nominated defender must attempt to tackle the attacking players by touching them with the ball.
  When touched, the attacking player must stand still with both hands outstretched horizontally. To make a tackled player free, another attacking player must run under the outstretched arms
• Work for 1 minute, then change the nominated defender

Coaching points

• Head up
• Eyes open
• Look for space
• Defender to focus on making two handed touch (not a push) on attacker’s waist

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Make the channels smaller

Easier (for the attackers):

• Make the channel bigger

Find the Space

Principles of play:

• Apply pressure

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 5 meters x 5 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play:            

• Each channel has 5 players – one is the defender and has the ball – the others are attackers
• The player with the ball attempts to touch as many players as possible with the ball. The other players work individually, running in any direction in the channel, trying to avoid being touched by running into space
• When the teacher or coach calls “Stop!”, each player must be at least one meter from the nearest player
• The ball carrier keeps count of the number of players touched
• Work for 1 minute and then give the ball to a different player

Coaching points

• Ball carrier must keep both hands on ball
• Look for space
• Dodge other players

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

•  Make the channels smaller

Easier (for the defenders):

•  Make the channels bigger

Keep Ball

Principles of play:

• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 5 meters x 5 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 5 minutes

How to play:    

• Each channel has 5 players – one is the defender– the others are attackers
• Four of the five players work as a team with the target of successfully completing 10 passes
• The remaining player is the nominated defender, and he/she tries to tackle the player who is holding the ball by touching them with two hands on the waist
• The coach can either rotate the defenders every few minutes or, alternatively, the tackled player can become the defender with the successful tackler joining the other three, starting again to work towards 10 passes

Coaching points

For the team of four:

• Head up, eyes open
• Look for space
• Hands up, ready to receive pass
• No overhead passes

For the defenders:

• No interceptions of passes
• Focus on the tackling of the ball carrier by touching their waist with two hands

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Play two defenders and three attackers
• Play over a smaller area

Easier (for the attackers):

• Defenders are allowed only to walk, not run
• Play over a larger area

Relay Races

Principles of play:

• Go forwards
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones

Space needed:

• Using 12 cones, make a start and finish point 10 meters apart for each group

Suggested time allocation:

• 12 minutes

How to play:                  

• 5 players to each start cone
• The groups should line up in single file, with the groups parallel to each other, ready to run across the width of the pitch
• Players race to a line 10 meters away and back to their group, performing skills along the way, and then hand the ball over to the next player in the relay
• The skills to be performed can be built up in terms of complexity:

1. Run to the line and score a try, then run back with the ball in two hands
2. Pass the ball around the body twice while running
3. Throw the ball in the air and clap before catching the ball and returning to the group

There are many more possibilities depending on the capabilities of the players.

Keep team sizes small to maximise activity.

Coaching points

• Perform the skills accurately - no cutting corners just to get back to the group
• Get teams to cheer and encourage their team members (if you get teams to cheer for other teams as well, then you avoid the last team member of one group running in silence - everyone is cheering so they feel okay about being last)
• Carry the ball in two hands so a good pass is easy to make

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Speed up the running

Easier (for the attackers):

• Slow down the running

Score a Try

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Apply pressure
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 10 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play:               

• Groups of five with one ball per group
•  One player is nominated as the defender and takes up position in the centre of the channel
• One by one, the attackerstry to pass the defender and score a try at the far side of the channel, without being tackled along the way
• One point is given to the defender if he/she successfully tackles a player by
  pulling off a tag; similarly, the attacker gains a point if he/she successfully scores a try
• Work for four tag tackles, and then change the nominated defender

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Run into space
• Dodge the defender
• Two hands on the ball at all times

For the defender:

• Keep head and shoulder above the waist
  when going for the two hand touch tackle 
• Focus on the waist of the ball carrier

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Reduce the dimensions of the channel

Easier (for the attackers):

• Start the defender from the corner of the channel rather than the center

Follow the Leader

Principles of play:

• Provide support

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 5 meters x 5 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play:       

• Each channel has 5 players
• The leader - the ball carrier - can run in any direction
• The rest of the group must follow in snake formation
• When the teacher or coach calls “Pass!”, the leader must stop and hold the ball out to one side so that the next player can take the ball from his /her hand and continue running, becoming the new leader
• The dispossessed leader then joins the back of the group

Coaching points

• Run into space
• Follow the ball carrier
• Don’t follow too closely
• Try to take the ball without slowing down

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Speed up the running

Easier (for the attackers):

• Slow down the running

Pass and Support- Follow the Leader

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 20 meters x 20 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play:        

•  The leader - the ball carrier - can run in any direction
• The rest of the group must follow in snake formation 
• When the teacher or coach calls "Pass!", the leader must stop, and then either hold the ball to one side, pass, or place the ball on the floor
• The next player must react, collect the ball and continue running, becoming the new leader
• The dispossessed leader then joins the back of the group

Coaching points

• Run into space
• Follow the ball carrier
• Don't follow too close -support from depth, from about 5 metres back, and try to take the ball without slowing down
• When picking the ball up from the ground, bend the knees. Put one foot over the ball and pick up from between the feet. Keep the head up.

Difficulty

Harder:

• The players decide for themselves when to pass (thus, the support players can run into space)
• Use more balls if you have them and work in groups of 2 or 3

Easier:

• Slow the pace to a walk or a jog

Relays with Passing

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 8 cones

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 20 meters x 20 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play: 

•  Three teams of 5 players in each channel
• Two teams(including one with the ball) should position themselves on one side of the channel and the other team on the opposite side of the channel
• Teams stand in a line
• The team with the ball (ball starts at one end of the line) run slowly across the channel passing the ball along the line
• By each receiver staying slightly behind the ball carrier, the ball should be passed backwards
• Once the ball reaches the player at the end of the line, he/she passes it forwards to the next team waiting on the opposite side
• That team then repeats the exercise

Coaching points

• Run forward with the ball
• Carry the ball in two hands
• Swing the arms across the body to release the ball towards the receiver
• Support players must stay behind the ball
• Call for the ball
• Receivers should run with their hands out towards the ball carrier and so give a target for the pass

Difficulty

Harder:

• Speed up the running

Easier:

• Slow down the running

Pass and Support

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones

Space needed:

• Using 12 cones, make a start and finish point 25 meters apart for each group

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play: 

• 5 players to each start cone
• The groups should line up in single file, with the groups parallel to each other, ready to run across the full 25 meter width
• The player at the front of each group runs 5 meters with the ball, then stops and holds out the ball for player 2
• Player 2 runs, takes the ball, carries it a further 5 meters and then stops and hold sit for player 3, and so on
• When player 5 has taken the ball and run 5 meters with it, a try is scored
• The group will have carried the ball 25 meters in a straight line. They will be standing 5 meters apart across the 25 meter span
• Reset and return in the opposite direction                                            

Coaching points

• Try and take the ball without slowing down
• Run on 5 meters and stop
• End up with the players evenly spaced
• Score a try when the other side is reached
• Race against the other teams

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

•  Speed up the running

Easier (for the attackers):

•  Slow down the running

Pass and Support- Formation

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 10 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play: 

• Groups of five with one ball per group
• Groups line up in single file
• Player 1 runs 2 meters and passes the ball to his/her right. Player 2 catches the ball, runs another 2 meters and passes the ball to the right
• When player 5 completes the exercise, the ball will have travelled 10 meters forwards and 10 meters to the right
• Then repeat the drill, this time passing to the left                                          

Coaching points

• Two hands on the ball at all times
• Run straight before passing (it may help to give an analogy - imagine they line up single file in lane 1 of an athletics track. When player 2 receives the ball, he/she will be running straight along lane 2 before passing into lane 3, etc.)
• Gentle passes

Difficulty

Harder:

• Reduce the width of the channel
• Increase the number of player

Easier:

• Increase the width of the channel
• Decrease the number of players
• Slow the pace to a walk or a jog

 

Pass and Support- Chain Reaction

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 6 cones

Space needed:

• 2 channels
• 20 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play: 

• Three groups of 5 work in each channel
• One ball per group of 5
• The groups take it in turns to practice lateral passing (i.e. in each channel, the three groups take it in turns):
   - Player 1 starts in a standing position with the ball
   - Player 2 is on one knee
   - Player 3 is on both knees
   - Player 4 lies on his/her front
   - Player 5 sits cross-legged
• On the call of the teacher or coach, all players 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
• When the drill is finished, repeat it, this time with the players passing to the left
• Players should change position after each run through                                      

Coaching points

• Two hands on the ball at all times
• Run straight before passing 
• Gentle passes

Difficulty

Harder:

• Reduce the width of the channel
• Increase the number of player

Easier:

• Increase the width of the channel
• Decrease the number of players
• Slow the pace to a walk or a jog

Passing - 5 v 1 x 5

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 6 cones

Space needed:

• 2 channels
• 30 meters x 20 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 10 minutes

How to play: 

• 15 players to each channel - two groups of 5 attackers and one group of 5 defenders- with one ball per group
• The defenders stand one behind the other, 5 meters apart
• One group of attackers to each end of the channel, taking it in turns to attack
• The attacking players must try to run past the defenders by passing the ball to score a try
• The defenders attempt to tackle the attackers as they pass by touching them with two hands on the waist
• The defenders are only allowed to move sideways
• Any attacker who is tackled can play no further part in the move
• Change the defenders after each of the attacking teams has had a go                                   

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Try to run around the defender but pass if a team mate is in a better position
• Support players stay behind the ball

For the defenders:

• Keep the head up - focus on the waist of the ball carrier

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Allow defenders to move forwards and backwards as well as sideways
• Defenders can make contact tackles – if proficient

Easier (for the attackers):

•  Place the defenders further apart (every 10 meters rather than every 5 meters)

Passing - 5 v 2 v 1 v 2

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 6 cones

Space needed:

• 2 channels
• 30 meters x 20 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 10 minutes

How to play: 

• 15 players to each channel - two groups of 5 attackers and one group of 5 defenders- with one ball per group
• The defenders stand in a line - two beside each other, then one and then two, 5 meters apart
• One group of attackers to each end of the channel, taking it in turns to attack
• The attacking players must try to run past the defenders by passing the ball to score a try
• The defenders attempt to tackle the attackers as they pass by touching them with two hands on the waist
• The defenders are only allowed to move sideways
• Any attacker who is tackled can play no further part in the move
• Change the defenders after each of the attacking teams has had a go                                 

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Try to run around the defender but pass if a team mate is in a better position
• Support players stay behind the ball

For the defenders:

• Keep the head up - focus on the waist of the ball carrier

Defenders can make contact tackles but ONLY if players are proficient

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Allow defenders to move forwards and backwards as well as sideways
• Allow defenders to choose their own defensive pattern, so that the attackers cannot predict it

Easier (for the attackers):

• Place the defenders further apart (every 10 meters rather than every 5 meters)
• Only allow defenders to walk or hop

Bulldog

Principles of play:

• Go forward

Equipment needed:

• 8 cones

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 30 meters x 20 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 5 minutes

How to play: 

• 10 players per channel, starting with 3 nominated defenders in a line in the middle of the channel
• The other 7 players line up along one edge of the channel as attackers
• On the coach’s call, the attackers try to run past the defenders to reach the opposite edge of the channel
• The defenders attempt to tackle the attackers as they pass by touching them with two hands on the waist
• Those attackers who are tackled join the defenders and, on the call of the coach or
  teacher, the remaining attackers try to run back to where they started
• Continue until there are only a few, or no, attackers left                                

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Look for space
• Dodge the defenders

For the defenders:

• Keep the head up - focus on the waist of the ball carrier
• Try to defend as one line - defend as a team

Difficulty

Harder (for the defenders):

• Defenders have to run and touch the sideline when they have made a tackle

Easier (for the defenders):

• Attackers must hop on one leg

Pass, Defend, Attack

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 6 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 2 channels
• 20 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play: 

• Three groups of 5 work in each channel
• One ball per group of 5
• A group of 5 players, including a ball carrier, runs through the channel
• The ball carrier passes the ball and sprints ahead of the group past halfway, turns back towards the group, and becomes a defender
• The rest of the group continue through the channel, attempting to beat the defender by passing
• The defender tries to tag tackle the ball carrier by pulling off a tag
• Each group takes turns to play across                                    

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Run forward
• Dodge the defender
• Pass if tackled, or pass early if a team mate is
  in a better position
• Support players must stay behind the ball
• Communicate between players

For the defender:

• Keep the head up - focus on the waist of the ball carrier

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Players 1 and 2 become defenders rather than just player 1

Harder (for the defenders):

• Limit the defender's movement (for example, he/she can only move sideways)

2 v 1

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Apply pressure

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 10 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 10 minutes

How to play: 

• Groups of five with one ball per group
• In pairs, the attackers try to pass the defender and score a try at the far side of the channel, without being tag tackled along the way
• One point is given to the defender if he/she successfully tackles a player by pulling off a tag; similarly, the attackers gain a point if they successfully score a try. Attackers should pass the ball without dropping it or the try does not count. To start with, attackers can pass the ball in any direction
• Work for four tag tackles, and then change the nominated defender                                    

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Run into space
• Dodge the defender
• Two hands on the ball at all times
• Pass at waist height so team mate can easily catch the ball

For the defender:

• Keep head and shoulder above the waist when going for the tag tackle
• Focus on the tags of the ball carrier

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Reduce the dimensions of the channel
• Attackers have to pass the ball backwards

Easier (for the attackers):

• Start the defender from the corner of the channel rather than the center

3 v 1

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Apply pressure
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 10 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 10 minutes

How to play: 

• Groups of five with one ball per group
•  In threes, the attackers try to pass the defender and score a try at the far side of the channel, without being tackled along the way
• One point is given to the defender if he/she successfully tackles a player by pulling off a tag; similarly, the attackers gain a point if they successfully score a try. Attackers should pass the ball without dropping it or the try does not count. To start with, attackers can pass the ball in any direction
• One player is resting each time and should swap with the defender each go                                   

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Run into space
• Dodge the defender
• Two hands on the ball at all times
• Pass at waist height so team mate can easily catch the ball

For the defender:

• Keep head and shoulder above the waist when going for the tag tackle
• Focus on the tags of the ball carrier

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Reduce the dimensions of the channel
• Attackers have to pass the ball backwards

Easier (for the attackers):

• Start the defender from the corner of the channel rather than the center

3 v 2

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 6 channels
• 10 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 12 minutes

How to play: 

• 5 players to each channel
• One ball per each group of five
• Three attackers with the ball have to get past two defenders to score a try on the opposite line to where they start
• Attackers should only pass the ball backwards to a team mate
• Defenders tackle the ball carrier by pulling off a tag
• Attackers should try to pass the ball before they are tag tackled
• One attacker swaps with a defender each time                                  

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Run into space
• Dodge the defender
• Pass if tackled, or pass early if a team mate is in a better position
• Support players must stay behind the ball
• Communicate between players

For the defender:

• Keep the head up - focus on the waist of the ball carrier
• Communicate with team mate

Difficulty

Easier (for the attackers):

• Limit the defender's movement (for example, he/she can only move sideways)

Decision Making - 4 v 1

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 6 Rugby balls
• 12 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 2 channels
• 30 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 6 minutes

How to play: 

• Groups of five – one player is a defender
• Three groups to each channel, groups taking turns to work
• One ball per group
• The ball carrier runs and passes the ball to another player. Having passed the ball, he/she becomes a defender and the first defender becomes an attacker
• The ball carrier tries to score a try by running past the defender
• The other three support players flank the ball carrier on either side. If tag tackled, the ball carrier must pass backwards to one of his/her support players                          

Coaching points

For the ball carrier:

• Run into space
• Dodge the defender
• Pass if tackled, or pass early if a team mate is in a position to score a try more easily
• Ball carrier must try to pass before he/she is tackled

For the support players:

• Stay on your own side of the ball to be in a position to receive a pass

For the defender:

• Keep head and shoulder above the waist when going for the tag tackle
• Focus on the tags of the ball carrier

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• Attackers must (backwards) pass the ball at least twice before they can score a try)

Easier (for the attackers):

• Increase the width of the channel

Drift, Cover or Blitz Touch Rugby

This game is for players who need to practice their attacking skills. Itis excellent for improving visual awareness and learning how to attack different defensive alignments.

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 8 cones

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 30 meters x 30 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 20 minutes

How to play: 

• 10 players to each channel -split players into 2 teams of 5
• Play 5 v 5 touch rugby. The sides of the channels have names: ‘Blitz’, ‘Drift’ and ‘Cover’
• During the game, the coach/teacher or an attacking player can choose to call “Blitz”, “Drift” or “Cover” at any breakdown
• Upon hearing the call, the defenders must run and touch the relevant line before running back to rejoin the game
• When the defenders are running to touch their line, the attackers must turn their back on the defenders and give the ball to the coach/teacher. (If without a coach/teacher, the attacking players should leave the ball on the ground.) When the defenders are almost back in position, the coach/teacher should roll the ball back to the attackers to restart the game (or the attacking players pick up the ball and attack)
• The coach/teacher can later develop the game by introducing a visual cue to the defenders, instead of an audio cue, thus forcing the attackers to react to an unknown type of defence                  

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Identify space left by defenders
• Communicate effectively with team mates
• Good handling skills
• ‘Look-Think-Do’ process

For the defenders:

• Communicate – man-on-man defence
• Maintain same space between defenders –no gaps

For the coach/teacher:

• Allow players to self-correct before intervention

Difficulty

Easier (for the defenders):

• Attackers must lie down and only move when defenders are halfway back from the
  line

Easier (for the attackers):

• Coach/teacher gives individual players numbers to make more attackers versus fewer defenders(especially relevant for cover defence)

Parramatta Touch

This game is for players who need to practice their supporting skills. It works on players' spatial awareness, communication, decision making, attacking skills into space and overall fitness conditioning

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 16 cones

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 40 meters x 30 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 20 minutes

How to play: 

• 6 attackers play touch rugby against 2 defenders and then turn and play against another 2 defenders. As players get tired, the game becomes more real
• The attackers start from the center and attack one of the defensive zones
• If a touch is made on the attacking team or the ball is dropped or a forward pass
  is played, the attack must turn around and immediately attack the opposite defensive zone
• This continues for a set time dictated by the coach/teacher
• If the attack scores, the defence must run around the center cones and get
  back to their defensive zone before the attack starts attacking them again
• The defenders cannot defend outside of their zones
• Each team gets 5 attacks. Add up the scores                 

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Lines of running must be effective in order to
  score
• Attacking a drift and blitz defence needs good communication and quick thinking
• Realignment is essential in order to be effective continuously

For the defenders:

• Communicate – man-on-man defence
• Maintain same space between defenders – no gaps
• Defence cover each other and do not give in

Difficulty

Easier (for the defenders):

•  Add one defender from the attacking team

Easier (for the attackers):

• Defenders start at the dead ball line

Quick Ball/Offload

This game is for players who need to practise their attacking skills. It highlights the importance of getting behind the defenders to make more ground in the attack and to keep possession alive.

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 8 cones

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 30 meters x 30 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 20 minutes

How to play: 

• 10 players to each channel -split players into 2 teams of 5
• Play 5 v 5 touch rugby
• Once an attacker is touched they must offload within one second
• Start the game so that players have to pass the ball in front of defenders and then later progress the drill and ask them to pass from behind the defence, by taking two steps past the defender, before offloading              

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• With the touched player having to pass within 1 second, support is the key for keeping possession alive
• Change of speed and direction needed to beat the defender
• Support runner attacking the ball

For the defenders:

• Maintain same space between defenders – no gaps

Difficulty

Easier (for the defenders):

•  Add one defender from the attacking team (6v4)

Easier (for the attackers):

• Add one attacker from the defenders (6 v 4)

5 v 5

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 8 cones 

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 30 meters x 20 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 15 minutes

How to play: 

• 10 players to each channel -split players into two teams of 5
• Start the drill with a free pass at the center, ensuring that the defending team retreats 7 meters
• The attacking players must try to run past the defenders to score a try
•  If tackled, the attacker must pass the ball backwards to a team mate
• After a successful tackle, the defender must stay on his/her own side of the ball (stay onside) and must not attempt to intercept or obstruct the pass
• Play three games, then change teams so all play each other                 

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Run forward
• Dodge the defenders
• Only pass if tackled, or if a team mate is in a better position
• Support players must stay behind the ball
• Communicate between players

For the defenders:

• Keep the head up - focus on the waist of the ball carrier

Difficulty

Harder (for the defenders):

• Defenders can make contact tackles – if players are sufficiently proficient
• Make the channel wider

Easier (for the defender):

•  Make the channel narrower

Decision Making - 6 v 4

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 8 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 20 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 12 minutes

How to play: 

• 10 players to each channel - four defenders and six attackers
• Start the drill with a free pass at the center, ensuring that the defending team retreats 7 meters
• The attacking players must try to run past the defenders to score a try
• Defenders tackle by pulling off a tag
• If tag tackled, the attacker must pass the ball backwards to a team mate within three
  strides or three seconds
• After a successful tag tackle, the defender must stay on his/her own side of the ball (stay onside) and must not attempt to intercept or obstruct the pass                     

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Run forward
• Dodge the defenders
• Only pass if tackled, or if a team mate is in a better position
• Support players must stay behind the ball
• Communicate between players

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

• If the team in possession has not scored a try after seven tackles, possession is awarded to the other team with a free pass

Easier (for the attackers):

• No pass interceptions allowed

Multi-support Touch Rugby

This game is for players who need to practice their supporting skills

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 8 cones

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 30 meters x 30 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 20 minutes

How to play: 

• 10 players to each channel -split players into 2 teams of 5
• The players play a normal game of 5 v 5 touch rugby
• The only difference is with the scoring:
  • 1 point for a try, plus 1 x bonus point for an offload within 10 meters and 2 x bonus points for offload within 5 meters of the try line
  • If no passes within 15 meters of the try line, then the score does not count        

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Support runners should try to get behind the defence
  • Support the ball carrier closely

For the defenders:

• Communicate
• Maintain same space between defenders – no gaps
• Defence covering each other and not giving in

Difficulty

Easier (for the defenders):

•   Make the channel narrower

Easier (for the attackers):

• Make the channel wider

Backline Attack

This game is for players who need to practice their attacking skills

Equipment needed:

• 1 Rugby balls
• 8 cones

Space needed:

• 1 channels
• 50 meters x 40 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 20 minutes

How to play: 

• Divide the players into 4 teams – 2 attacking teams of 8 and 2 defending teams of 7
• One team attacks against another defensive team. Two teams rest. Then swap over
• Use this drill, between the try line and 10 meter line, to promote clinical decision-making, execution, passing and running skills
• The objective of this game is to score from first phase. The defence start on the try line and can only advance to the 5 meter line (gain line)
• The attack must start from the 5 meter line, as if simulating a scrum, and vary the starting points, e.g. center, left side, right side
• If simulating a lineout start, use the 10 meter line to halfway
• If the attack can score from the set piece, they are awarded 5 points
• If they score after one phase, they are awarded four points
• If they score after two phases, they get awarded three points, and so on
• If the attack fails to score after four phases, they turn around and defend
• Kicking options may be introduced

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Decision-making skills are key (strike move, defensive alignment)
• Look for appropriate passing (short, long, flat, deep, etc)
• Make good running lines (decoys/options/creating space)
• Accelerate into space

For the defenders:

• Communicate – man-on-man defence
• Maintain same space between defenders – no gaps

For the coach/teacher:

•  Allow players to self-correct before intervention

Difficulty

Easier (for the defenders):

•    Attackers start 10 meters out

Easier (for the attackers):

•  Defenders start 5 meters behind the try line

Try Rugby game

Principles of play:

• Go forward
• Provide support
• Create continuity
• Apply pressure
• Score points

Equipment needed:

• 3 Rugby balls
• 8 cones
• 12 sets Tags with tag belts (optional)

Space needed:

• 3 channels
• 20 meters x 10 meters

Suggested time allocation:

• 12 minutes

How to play: 

• 2 teams of 5 to each channel - one team will defend, one team will attack
• Start the game with a free pass at the center, ensuring that the defending team retreats 7 meters
• The attacking players must try to run past the defenders to score a try
• If tackled by a defender taking off a tag, the ball carrier must pass the ball backwards to a team mate within three strides or three seconds
• After a successful tag tackle, the defender must retreat 5 meters and must not attempt to intercept or obstruct the pass
• Playing 6 v 4 gives the advantage of making it easier to score and this is rewarding for players. Every time a team scores, two attackers (perhaps the player who
  gave the scoring pass and the scorer) swap over to the defending team that then becomes the six attackers                  

Coaching points

For the attackers:

• Run forward
• Dodge the defenders
• Only pass if tackled, or if a team mate is in a better position
• Support players must stay behind the ball

For the defenders:

• Keep the head up - focus on the waist of the ball carrier

Initially there may be chaos, but perseverance will ensure that players are given a taste of the game

Difficulty

Harder (for the attackers):

•  After 3 tackles, change possession

Easier (for the attackers):

• Increase the width of the channel