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5 vs 5

Pitch 20m x 20m. All players wearing tag belts Start the game with a free pass, defenders must be 7m back at the start Attacking players must try to run past the defenders to score a try. If tagged, the attacker must pass the ball backwards to a team-mate. After a tackle, the defenders must give the tag belt back, stay on their own side of the ball and NOT intercept or obstruct the pass.

Tag Rugby

7 v 3

Groups of ten One ball per group Defenders equidistant, can only move forwards and backwards Attackers bunched to start Once at the end turn straight around and repeat

Decision making

Channels

1) Run down channels 1/2 / 3/4 pace. 2) No forward passes.3) Use 6 balls / 6 runners at the same time.Variation1) Speed it up.2) Sidestep within the channel.3) Sidestep into another channel.

Agility & Running Skills

Hands up / Hands Down

Lets just get the ball moving clockwise for a while, just to get the ball moving through the hands. After a minute or two, lets switch the direction of the ball. After another minute, tell them the ball can go in any direction, but...... The receiver must have their hands in the air. The passer cannot pass to a player directly beside them. The passer can dummy, if a player takes their hand down they are out. The reciever can take their hands down to catch a ball if it is coming their way. You can also play this game using a word like RUGBY. Each time a play makes a mistake they get a letter. The loser is the first player to get all the letters that spell RUGBY. Some teams and coaches have more interesting and colorful words to spell - I'll leave this to you. You can make this game a little harder by reducing the size of the circle or by asking the players to touch their toes before catching the ball. You can also increase the number of balls in the circle. Have fun with this!

Passing

Lineout: Hit 2

7-man line; throw to 2; lift, catch drive.

Lineout

Passing Race

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other. The pass should come from on, or behind the hip. They should make 10 passes on one hand, and then 10 passes on the opposite hand. That's it, lets get going - it's a race.  Any dropped balls - and your group has to start again. That's it, get working.

Handling

Simple Passing Exercise

Tell your players the follow..... The first two players at each coach will advance, attacking the cone to their left, in the middle of the training area. The players should split as they run, increasing the distance between them. When they get as far as the middle cone, they should then pass. The reciever then passes to the first reciever on the cone they are approaching.

Passing

Up and Down

Tell them the following...... Each attack will be up and down, up the left and down the right side of the cones. Eack attack will see the ball move down the line once. Run out to far cone and back - 1/2 pace - no forward passes. Run out to third cone and back - jog - 3/4 pace back. Run out to second cone and back - fast out - fast back. Off-load the ball to the next attacking line - they do the same. That's it, get working. Refer to the coaching points in order to help your players improve.

Passing

7v7 Touch Sevens - Rugby Drill...

Tell your players the following... We are playing 7's, normal rules apply - except this is touch. Upon getting touched a player must off-load the ball right away to a supporting attack player. They must stop running. If they do not off-load right away - the ball is turned over to the defence. If they keep running the ball is turned over. Touch is one handed. There are unlimited touches, but in the even of the law being broken e.g. a knock on - the ball will be turned over. The game is to be played at pace. We will have 4 quarters of 4 minutes for this game. Bring you players together for no more than a minute at the end of each quarter to highlight what is going well, what could be better and to agree targets for the next quarter. Ask players, don't just tell.

General

Wide Attack Sevens - Rugby Dri...

Start with the left most attacking unit taking on the 2 defenders in front of them. When they get past, they pass the ball to the link, who then passes to the opposite attacking unit, who then take on the first 2 defenders. When they get past, they pass the ball out to the link, who passes the ball to the opposite attacking unit, who should now be ready to take on the next two defenders. And so the exercise continues up the pitch. Don't forget to change the attackers and defenders after each completed run up the pitch. The attack should finish by scoring a try!

General

Seven v Three Sevens - Rugby D...

Tell the players the following....... The 7 attackers, will always be in attack. The 3 defenders will always be in defence. Normal rules of 7's apply. Play! Don't forget to change the defenders around.

General

7's Colour Touch Sevens - Rugb...

Tell your players the following..... The attack will remain in attack for 5 minutes, you'll then switch over. Normal rules of sevens apply, but this game will be touch to start with. When the ball carrier is touched, they must set the ball down, another player can then move it from the ground. The touch is considered a ruck. When the coach calls a defenders colour e.g. RED - the two players in defence wearing red drop to the ground and complete 3 press-ups, they can then return to their feet and are back in the game. That's it, play. Keep your player chats brief, but through questioning highlight that the downed players in defence open up space, what do we attack - SPACE!

General

Seven In Touch Sevens - Rugby ...

The following are the laws for this game: Equal number of defenders and attackers. Normal laws of sevens rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over. The attacking team gets 8 touches before the ball has to be turned over. Change this to suit your training goals. When an attacker is touched they: stop running, turn and present the ball to a support player who waits for the entire defence to gather in around the defender that made the touch. Following a touch all defenders must gather in and be connected by touching another defender. Only when the support player passes the ball out can the defence restart the game. If the defence goes offside or operates illegally, the attack gains 10 meters. If the defence does not get in quickly, the attack can gain 10 meters. Judge this depending on your player's fitness. There is no kicking.

General

SHORT - LONG Sevens - Rugby Dr...

The first group of 4 starts at the top of the grid, moving forward. The ball should be with the outside player, who makes a short pass in to his supporting runner, who then makes a long pass to the next receiver in the other short passing box, they will then make a short pass to the last receiver. The players realign and do the same again in the opposite direction. When they get to the end of the grid, they go around the cones to their starting position, while the next group goes. They should change position in the line, and when ready, they start again.

General

Tackle Box Sevens - Rugby Dril...

The exercise is simple, the attacker has 2 minutes to score as many tries as they can. They do this by attacking the space between 2 sets of cones, but there is a defender they need to avoid. When it is clear which area the attacking is going to attack, that defender can advance. This is a full contact exercise. If the attackers scores, they return to the center of the grid to attack again. They cannot attack the same defender twice. If the attack fails, they reset and have another go. After 1/2 minutes, switch the attacker. This is a competition, so keep score.

General

Tackle Challenge Sevens - Rugb...

The exercise stand clockwise, with the first player going from the bottom left cone. The defender must tackle that player to the ground. As soon as that tackle is complete, the attacker quickly clears the area, and the defenders gets to their feet. The next attack goes right away. This pattern repeats, with each new attacker coming forward from a new cone, and then rejoining the back of the line on the opposite side. The idea is for the defender to be tested time after time, in quick succession. The ball carrier can try to evade contact. After 1 minute, change the defender.

General

The Team Run Sevens - Rugby Dr...

Use half or a full pitch for this exercise. A full team of 7 will run unopposed. Players should use this as a rehearsal of everything that might happen in the game, and therefore should execute all of the following..... Line-outs, and what happen after them. Scrums, and what happens next. All moves. The full attacking patterns. Any kicking strategies, including restarts. When you feel the players are ready, bring in opposition with pads, and then without in full contact.

General

2 v 2 Box Sevens - Rugby Drill...

Tell your players the following...... Whichever group of 2 is given the ball becomes the attack, and should attack upon receiving the ball. The opposite group of 2 becomes the defence, and should defend right away. The object of the exercise is for the defence to turn the ball, and for the attack to score a try by cross the defences line and touching the ball down. Dropped balls, knocked on, forward passes etc. are illegal and will be consider a point for the defence. Illegal actions by the defence will be consider a point for the attack. Each group of two should keep their own score. When the attack is over, the ball should be returned to the coach for the next phase. Have more than one training area in order to keep your players as active as possible.

General

Decision Making Sevens - Rugby...

Tell the players the following..... The players at the bottom of the triangle will pass the ball back and forward. The passer in the middle must not only complete the pass, but should keep their head up and call out the colour of the cone that is being held up for their attention. Don't forget to change the players around to allow everyone a chance to do everything.

General

3 Times A Charm Sevens - Rugby...

Tell your players the following...... On the 4 players side, they will go 2 at a time in attack - the balls should be with these players. They will advance around the lower part of the training area. On the 6 players side, they will go 3 at a time in order to provide 3 defenders, one will advance to the 7 meter marker, the second will go to the 14 meter marker, and the last will stay at the back of the grid. They will advance around the top part of the training area. The attacking players will now face three 2 v 1 situations. Once the attack finishes the two attacking players return to their starting position, the next two attackers go. At the same time the next three defenders go, while the last three defenders return to their starting position. Don't forget to give every player a chance in attack and defence.

General

Off-Loading Box Sevens - Rugby...

Tell your players the following...... The defender must make a tackle. The primary ball carrier must take the ball into contact and try to off-load the ball. The support player should take the ball and score a try. The players rotate rolls following each contact.

General

SH Passing Reps Sevens - Rugby...

The sequence of passing on this exercise is as following...... P2 passes to P1, who passes to P4 using a pass from the ground. As the same time P3 passes to P2 who passes to P1, who passes to P3, from the ground. and so the exercise continues. There should be no delay in passes.

General

Behind The Posts Sevens - Rugb...

Tell your players the following....... One team of 7 will be in attack, the attack should start behind the 22 meter line and they will have the ball. The defenders will have 4 defenders behind the posts, the other defenders will be in goal (give them a passing exercise to do). On the whistle the attack begins, it will be 7 v 4, full contact. If the attack score a try, the defence will then go to 5 players - and will again start from behind the posts while the attack will start from behind the 22. Each time the attack score, the defence increases by 1. Count how many attacks are needed to get to a 7 v 7 situation. The teams will then switch. The winning team is the team that can get to a 7 v 7 situation in the fewest attacks.

General

Evasion Skills Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell the players the following..... The player on the top of the grid is the defender. The player on the bottom is the attacker. When the defender passes the ball to the attacker, the attack begins. Using footwork and other evasion skills the attacker should score a try. That's it, play. Give the players a number of chances each - changing the attacker and defender. When you feel they are doing well, decrease the width of the grid by 1 meter. Keep decreasing until the players are at the limit of their ability to evade contact.

General

Turn-Over Game Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell the players the following...... We are going to play a game, the 7 defenders will stay in defence throughout, and the 5 attacking players will remain the attack. If for any reason the ball is lost, it is given back to the attack. The attack scores by scoring a try in the normal way. The defence scores by turning the ball over. That's it, play. As the game develops, increase the size of the playing area. Switch the attackers and defenders.

General

Double Trouble Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell your players the following..... The first attacking until enters through the top of the first channel, the defender there can then move forward and challenge them. They should complete the 2 v 1 and proceed down the channel, entering the second channel, completing a second 2 v 1. They will then return to their starting position for the next opportunity to attack. The second attacking group should go whenever they feel there is enough distance between the attacking units. There should be very little standing around. This exercise can be touch or contact. You should change the defenders after a set period of time.

General

Box Back Sevens - Rugby Drills...

Tell your players the following..... Pass the ball around, clockwise. After each circuit of the ball, take one half step back and complete another circuit. Keep stepping back until players start to reach their limits in terms of passing distance. Start to work your way back in towards the box. Change the direction of the ball when you get to the box, and do the same working back out again.

General

The Trinity Sevens - Rugby Dri...

The exercise starts with the first attacking unit running around the bottom of the grid, as they do the first defending unit run around the top of the grid. The first defender run up to defend in line with the first cone, the second defender in line with the middle cone, and the last defender is at the end of the grid. Therefore the attack will aim to beat the 3 defenders, in three 3 v 1 situations. When the attack finishes, they pass the ball to the next attacking unit, and the exercise starts again with the new attacking and defending unit. The last two attacking and defending units, switch sides returning to starting positions, ready to go again.

General

Attack/Defend Sevens - Rugby D...

Tell your players the following...... Players will standing at the midway point of the playing area. Tell each team which direction they are playing. Set the ball on the ground in front of the players. If you call 1 then team one is in attack and they should pick the ball up, if you should 2 then team 2 is in attack and they should pick the ball up. The non attacking team is in defence. Normal rules of sevens apply. However, before each team can start their attack/defence, they must all run to their own try line and back. When the attack is over, all players return to the midway point to start again. That's it, lets play! Make sure that you give both teams a chance to attack and defend.

General

Hit & Defend Sevens - Rugby Dr...

Tell your players the following..... The defence will first turn and hit the pads. When the attack hears the hit - they can attack. The defenders must turn and defend. When the attack is complete, the attackers become the players on the pads, the players on the pads become the defence, and the defenders will be the new attack. The attack should try to score a try at the other end of the grid.

General

Pop Box Sevens - Rugby Drills,...

Tell your players the following..... Ball carrier on the lower right cone advances to the center of the grid, drops and pop the ball to a player coming from the opposite cone. That player then pops the ball to the player waiting at the cone they are running towards. The player on the ground must clear the area right away. The waiting ball carrier at the upper right cone then advances and does the same as above. The sequence repeats.

General

Surfs Up Sevens - Rugby Drills...

Tell the players the following....... Lay flat on the ground. In a moment but not yet, I want you to get to your feet, but you cannot use your knees. You will get up like a surfer, pushing up with your hands and jumping to your feet. It's a race, lets see who can get up first? On your call the place get to their feet and then back down again. When they have got the idea, have some fun with it e.g. last one up sings two lines from their favorite song. But whatever you do has to be fun and not humiliating.

General

Keep Going 3/2 Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell the players the following..... The attackers will start at the base of the grid and attack the first box. The 2 defenders in that box, should defend within their box only. The attack should keep going, entering the second box, and beat the 2 defenders in that box. The attack will then turn and make their way down the grid, and repeat - until stopped by the coach.

General

Touch The Runner Sevens - Rugb...

Put a group of 7 inside inside one of your grids. Tell them the following laws: The player not wearing a bib (the runner) is trying stay away from the ball - because if you touch that player with the ball they have to do 10 press-ups etc. (amend depending of players age etc.). Give one of the 3 man teams the ball; the hunters, it's their job to pass the ball to each other hunting the runner, trying to touch the runner with the ball. The other team of three is there to try and intercept the ball as it is passed between the hunters (they are interceptors). Ball carriers can run with the ball. The ball cannot be thrown at the runner. Passes can be in any direction. If the ball is intercepted by the other team, they now hunt the runner and the opposing team has to try and intercept the ball to get it back. Don't forget to change the runner by swapping them with a member of of the two teams in the grid. If a team has been good at keeping the ball, swap the ball over when you feel the time is right. If the ball is dropped or a pass goes outside the grid, it's turned over to the other team who then become the hunters. The team trying to intercept cannot push or have any contact with the hunters (ball carriers). <em>Law Change:</em> After a little time you can change the law to: the ball carrier cannot move with the ball or the ball carrier only take 2/3 steps upon catching the ball.

General

Broken Defence Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell your players the following..... The attacking group will wait at the top of the training area until the coach calls the number of defenders. On the call of 1, 2 or 3 - they should attack - aiming to score a try at the opposite end of the grid. The defenders will go in the numbers called. If the coach calls 1, then defender 1 goes - the rest do not. If the coach calls 2, then defenders 1 and 2 go, and if the coach calls 3 - then all 3 defenders go. Defenders who are called can move forward and back, left and right. That's it, lets go. You will need to decide if this is a contact exercise or not. Don't forget to change the defenders.

General

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7 DRILL CATEGORIES
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Sevens Drills
Sevens Drills
7 SESSIONS
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Quick Ruck for Quick Ball

Quick rucking that produces quick ball is the first step towards a dangerous attacking side. Use this session to get your team rucking quickly, efficiently and effectively!

Jackal at the Tackle - Technique and Confidence Session

Can your players tackle and jackal? Use this session to introduce your players to the jackal and improve their technique in 1v1 and game situations

The breakdown: Turning the Ball Over - Part Two

Teach your players to make the right decisions in the breakdown - don't lose possession when your players go to ground.

The breakdown: Turning the Ball Over - Part one

Hard work doesn't stop! Teach your players to get back to their feet quickly and compete to win the turnover

Sevens - Options in the Attack

3 simple options to improve your players' decision-making in the attack and get them past opponents gain line!

Sevens Rugby: Attacking the Space - Pass, Follow and Support

Get your players to use the width of the pitch and play intelligently, offering wide support options in this sevens rugby session.

Continuity Play - Passing your way out of the tackle

Help your side avoid the breakdown by focusing on their continuity skills - keeping the ball moving and starting to work on contact!

Mismatch Gold - Making the most of the numbers

Create space by shifting the focus of your attack and practice exploiting the mismatch with this Sevens Session

Sevens Rugby: Options in the Attack - Greater Pace

Give your players three simple options to improve their decision-making in the attack and get them past the opposition's gain line!
7 ANSWERS
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Please supply me with the positional play for a No8 at the maul,defence,and attack

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Buddy Walker Coach, New Zealand

What are the best drills to use for training for sevens??

What are the best drills to use for training for sevens?

Archived User Coach

A way to develop a great physical performance on rugby?

A way to develop a great physical performance on rugby 7's. The best trainning program to reach a good condition?

Mauricio F Coelho Coach, Brazil

Are there specific drills to enhance the specific skills?

Are there specific drills to enhance the specific skills set for Rugby 7's? Ideas?

Archived User Coach

With the huge succes of rugby 7s in the last years?

With the huge succes of rugby 7s in the last years I start to wonder if there are special rugby 7s coaching courses? Thank you.

Archived User Coach

Flanker protecting the Scrum Half?How can a Flanker?

Flanker protecting the Scrum Half? How can a Flanker protect the Scrum-Half at a scrum without holding on to the oppositions Scrum Half? Also any advice for an Openside flanker on tackling the fly-half from scrums?

Archived User Coach

what are the rules of tag rugby?

what are the rules of tag rugby?

Chris Mason Coach, England

RFU - proposed Mini's rule changes

RFU - proposed Mini's rule changes%3A All - just a quick straw poll%3A Have any CLUBS that you are aware of officially come out in SUPPORT of these changes? If not, have they come out officially rejecting the proposed changes, or are they adopting a "wait and see" attitude? Regards Stephe

Archived User Coach

Hello, i am after some help with planning a half hour?

Hello, i am after some help with planning a half hour session in off loading out of the tackle

Archived User Coach

Position discipline!

I am a coach with an under 10 rugby side. Last season the team found it hard to stay in their positions (acting like a swarm of bees). Can anyone suggest how i can get them to stay in positions, particulary our backs.

Lindsay james Coach, England

First time coaching the U13s next season - any tips greatly appreciated!

I have just started helping our head coach with under12's team. He wants to retire and has put me forward to be head coach next season. I am a little worried on how i should aproach training with the boys, going to a full 15 a side team on a full pitch. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Archived User Coach

Shortened lineup. Where should my forwards position themselves...?

Any advice as to where rest of forwards should line up without getting in way of fly half and other backs for example in a 3 man lineout?

Archived User Coach

Can you put 5 players into a scrum in a 7 a side game?

Can you put 5 players into a scrum in a 7 a side game?

Archived User Coach

Inclusive rugby - Any tips and advice from coaches who have experience coaching kids between 2-7 years and children with special needs

Hi folks, I have been coaching children from 7 to 16 years for along time. I now have a new challenge. We are opening rugby up for children from 2 years to 7 years. We will also be holding classes for children with special needs and would appreciate any tips or dialogue with coaches who have any experience. I look forward to exchanging views and results with any coaches willing to share. We will hold a few test sessions in the near future and will stay in touch. Many thanks. Kieron .Hong Kong. ( rugby for all)

Kieron Combes Coach, Hong Kong

In 7's rugby, what is the best...

In 7's rugby, what is the best way to bind in the scrum? Is it the same at 15's, I've seen props bind onto one another then the hooker sits in the middle but slightly back from the props. What is the advantage of doing this?

Archived User Coach

Please can someone help me coa...

Please can someone help me coaching rugby 7 vith DVD or books. That help me and my colegges to coach children U18.

Archived User Coach
7 COMMUNITY DRILLS
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Skill 3 : 7s passes

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