Rugby: Netball With a Rugby Ball

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.

• Quickly tell the players that when you blow you whistle and shout Atom, you will also shout a number to let the players know the size of the groups/atoms they need to get into. For example - if you shout Atom six - you want the players to get into groups of six. They should bind on in the groups to create a small circle of players.
• In between atom calls the players run around the grid in different and random directions.
• Some players may be left out of some groups/atoms, depending on the size of the groups when you call Atom. If those plays are a little put out by being left out, give them the opportunity to make the next Atom call.
• Progression: Same as above, but in between Atom calls you play Simon Says e.g. let the players jog around but you call Simon Says put you hand on your head, Simon Says touch the ground with your right hand, Simon says jump up and clap your hands, ATOM 4! T
• his should be fun, joke a little with the players and have fun with this. You may decide on minor outcomes for players that don't get into groups quick enough e.g. 2 press-ups. You are the referee, so use your judgment.

Tell the players: The player in possession of the ball when the coach blows their whistle has to run around the cone at the end of the grid to try and run the full length of the grid to score a try. The player from the opposition in line with the player that is running can try to stop the player scoring by running around the cone and tagging the runner before they reach the line.

• For tag rugby players, provide all players with tags. In other variations decide on touch or contact, depending on how warm the players are - and your training goals.
• Provide coaching on the go with encouraging feedback.

• Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell the players the following laws for this exercise.....

1. Players must start the game behind the outer cone of their corner and only one of them can enter the grid at any one time.
2. This game works on a relay basis, one and only one player in the grid from each group at a time - and the next player must be touched before they may enter the playing area.
3. While balls are in the center of the grid, one relay robber from each team can enter the grid to steel a ball from the center of the grid and bring it back to their own box or bank.
4. If all the balls in the center of the grid have been stolen, teams can now steel each others balls - but the same relay rules apply.
5. The winning team is the team that can get 4 balls into their box. Adjust this to allow your players to experience success or to make the game harder.

• You can add or remove balls to make the game harder or easier.
• No cheating! Only one ball can be carried at a time, only one player from each team in the grid, and you cannot go until tagged.