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Can anyone give me an idea on how to coach competing?

Can anyone give me an idea on how to coach competing for the kick off to U16s?

We have a great drop kicker who really gets the ball to hang in the air. The loose forwards seem to have grasped the idea of getting to the area where the ball is landing but then seem to wait until the oppo's have claimed it and then make the tackle rather than compete while the ball is still in the air. Any ideas welcome. Cheers, James

Rugby CoachCoach

2 answers

ANSWERS

Rugby CoachCoach

Hi James In training try the backs chasing down the kick against the forwards who would be receiving it so the forwards can grasp the idea of chasing to the ball rather than wait for it to land.

I have a drill where we use the kicker to kick off and play 3 receivers with three attackers and who ever can receive the ball scores a point but if attackers get to landing area and compete then they score.

I have varied my forwards to know which are quicker and will arrive at landing area to compete with the receiving team.

Once they have grasped the idea then increase numbers on both sides.

Good luck.

Josh MacyCoach, United States of America

Great suggestions by Bert, but you could take this down to an individual level as well. Get 1v1 or 2v2 matches with a ball thrown into the air. Talk to your players about the angle of approach when they are attackers, and your receivers about supporting each other. Working on these jumping skills on an individual basis will likely give you what your after in team play.