Rugby: Alignment - Running as a group

Start with 2 players on the centre cone, each with a ball, and facing each other.

1. On the shout "GO", they both run backwards to the first cone
2. They then side step up the grid to the second cone
3. Next players run through the slalom cones back to the start where the ball is passed to the next players
4. Next players can only go when each player has received a ball (to ensure each race is fair).

The first player runs around the red cone and back down to the start of the slalom. There the player zig-zags up the slalom, then back down before running around the second red cone and down to the second group of players where the ball is passed to the next player

Important no more then a max of 3 players per slalom to make sure that there is lots of activity.

• Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners cone.
• You might wish to have two groups of five at each grid, and to have a quick demo before sending all the players to their own grids.
• Keep your player briefing, brief!
• The first five passers attack the runners line, passing the pass down the line as they go.
• The runner sets off as soon as the first ball carrier starts to move.
• The aim of attack is to score a try in the corner, beating the runner - so quick hands.
• Each player should realign following their pass, there will be two attacks for each group before they move the ball onto the next group.
• After the first attack the runner goes to their cones on the opposite side of the grid ready for the next attack. The attack begins when the first players picks the ball off the ground.
• Don't forget to change the runners.
• Move the runner cones in to progress the exercise and to put the attack under more pressure.

Players stand back to back and await the coach's call. Whichever colour the coach shouts out are the mice (in the animation the coach shouts 'Blue').

Upon hearing the call the mice must try and escape by running out the far end of the grid. At the same time the cats (the other players) must turn around and try to catch the mice before they escape with a tag/tackle.