How can I improve my team's line speed in defence?

Sportplan TeamAdministrator, United Kingdom

Hi Michael,

Thanks for posting your first question on site. While you're waiting for answers from other coaches I thought I'd quickly let you know that we recently added a new plan on site. It's called Running lines and fixing defenders, and could help improve your team's line speed (and also their depth and width). This plan is viewable to full members.

I've included a sample drill from the plan below for you to watch. It's just one of the videos from our library of +650 rugby drills and games.

Hope this helps,
The Sportplan Team

Quick hand and quick positioning

DESCRIPTION

4 players work together in a 6x6m grid. Players attack each line of the square, from the inside. Once they get to the 4th man they move onto the next closest line to the ball carrier. All the players in support must get into a good position to receive the ball deep and work onto the ball straight towards the line. Players keep going until they finish the last line of the grid.

Quick hand and quick positioning

DESCRIPTION

4 players work together in a 6x6m grid. Players attack each line of the square, from the inside. Once they get to the 4th man they move onto the next closest line to the ball carrier. All the players in support must get into a good position to receive the ball deep and work onto the ball straight towards the line. Players keep going until they finish the last line of the grid.

Rugby CoachCoach

I presume this coach is referring to `Line speed` in defence. Not his teams attacking line. I may be wrong though.

michael klieveCoach, England

yes it was meant to read how can i improve my teams line speed in defence

Sportplan TeamAdministrator, United Kingdom

Hi Michael, thanks for clearing this up. We`ve now updated your question`s title to help you get more relevant answers.

Tama KeaneCoach, England

Do you wok off a "post and guard" type defence?

michael klieveCoach, England

yes we use post and guard

Rugby CoachCoach

fitness is the main ingredient, the fitter they are the faster they can move, and you must get them working together they cannot move as a splintered line. We like to use an upfield running drill where they only run as fast as the slowest man and arespread out across the field, 20 metres then stop do 10 pressups then another 20 metres stop do 10 sit ups and so on and conditioning training to increasethe slower players fitness levels.

allen yorkCoach, England

I do similar as Matt G, what age group are you?

Rugby CoachCoach

under 11`s

allen yorkCoach, England

mine are under 8!