Defence communication game. Fun activity to build teamwork and communication for younger players. Set up a circle of hoops (or spots) equal to the number of players (works well with 10-12). Players take it in turns in the centre being the attacker and trying to score a try in the empty hoop. The defensive team have to move between hoops to fill the gaps. They are only aloud move to the hoop next to them and only one person is allowed per hoop.
Often they will all move in different directions and end up stuck between hoops, leaving more spaces for the attacker to score. Consider: - what type of communication is helpful? (introduce directions/names/purpose for commindication. Not just noise) - how could prevent people stuck between hoops? - all moving in the same direction (link to drifting defence)
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_rugby
Tacklers are aiming lower, so carriers who dip late put heads at risk. Teach footwork, a strong early body height and leg drive to win the collision safely.
The hooker's brake foot moved from trial into full law in July 2026. Here is how to coach it so your front row stays stable, legal and safe.
Your players can pass beautifully in a warm-up grid. Then a defender closes, their lungs are burning, and the ball goes to ground. Here is how to build catch-pass skills that hold up when it matters.
