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Rugby Rugby Trends Women's Rugby 2025: A Record Year for Coaching

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Rugby Rugby Trends Game Management: Decision Making Under Pressure

Game Management: Decision Making Under Pressure

Matches are won by the team that makes better decisions under pressure. Learn how to develop game intelligence and manage critical moments.

November 2025

DRILLS (32)DRILL CATEGORIES (2)SESSIONS (6) ANSWERS (17)

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carry DRILLS

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Box agility running

Players line up in two groups on the first cone. On GO, the first players side step to the second cone, go around it and run backwards to cone three where they side step the opposite direction to cone four where they turn and sprint back to the start and pass the ball to the next player. When both players have received a ball they repeat the drill Its a good idea to have groups next to each other so they can compete against each other.

Agility & Running Skills

Defender - Round and Realign

Tell your players the following...... There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier. Each group will have one defender, the defenfer will not have to go around the cone. On GO, the group moves towards the closest cone.At the cone, the players spread out and attack the line at pace and with width. They should realign following the attack left, to attack again right. When the second groups sees the first group complete their first set of passes, they should begin without waiting. The defender should swap with another player in their group. Variations: Make the training area small to force quick hands. Make the training area wider to increase the length of the pass. Allow players to be creative in attack.

Passing

Fast Footwork

Setup as shown. 2 groups with one ball per group. The first players in each group sprint to the second blue cone then quickly back step to the first. Then they sprint to the third, back step to the second,, then sprint to the fourth where they side step to the next cone. At that cone, they sprint forwards to the next cone then side step to the last cone which they turn around and sprint back to the start and pass the ball to the next player.

Agility & Running Skills

Heads up Passing

Tell the players the following: Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Give the player at the start of one of the lines a ball, tell the line to advance using lateral passing - with the last player in each line passing the ball to the first player in the opposite line. Players should change positions in the line following each attack. Focus on the coaching points - the drill is only a means to an end. No spin passing. When you feel that the players are executing the short pass to your satisfaction - add in more pressure by have two opposite lines run at once. Once the teams have master that - lets get all four units running at one. The firt two groups go, when they each the mid-way point - the second two groups go. This will mean that all four gourps will be working at one. The groups keep moving unit you tell them to stop. Devlop this by alowing players to attack and be creative in their attack e.g. loop, M1, etc. There will be lots of traffic, they need to stay on their toes and work hard to keep the attack and the ball alive.

Passing

Mini Game - Skills Game

In this game players try to keep possession and carry the ball over their opponent's line to score a try.

Handling

Relay Passing Race

With each new instruction to players you'll be having a race, lets see which group is the fastest - no cheating! Don't spend too much time talking, get the players into their groups quickly and tell them to do the following: Pass the ball between your legs to the person behind you - keep going until the ball reaches the end of the line. Same thing as above, but this time when the ball reaches the end of the line, the player at the end runs the ball back and the ball starts the same journey again. This is repeating until the every player has run from the back to the front of the line. Same idea but this time under legs then next person passes over head, next under legs (under/over/under etc.) Same idea but twist hips to pass to person behind first to the left then to the right - back person runs to front. As above but just over the head. Progress this with your own ideas e.g. pass to the person behind you with one hand etc. This warm-up should be full of fun.

Warm Up

Side step

Set up as shown in diagram Groups of 3 in 10 x 10m grid. 1 Ball per group. Coach to call Left or Right to ensure no collisions.

Agility & Running Skills

The Three S Drill (Speed, Swerve and Sidestep)

Coach calls a number, that player acts as a defender. Attacker tries to score without being tagged using one of the three S (Speed, Swerve, and Sidestep)

Agility & Running Skills

Individual ball carrying 1. Pa...

Carry the ball in a high position and try to engage the defender. Make sure there is lots of foot work and active ball movement all the time up until when the ball is passed from either the left or right hip.

General

Individual ball carrying 3. Pa...

Carry the ball in a high position and try to engage the defender. When players reach the cones at the end they will have to pass to the coach on their right before the defender near the cones can get to the ball.

General

Grip Games Handling - Rugby Dr...

Here are two games to improve your players grip on the ball:1. Simple grip battle (0.00-0.14)<li dir="ltr">Two players have one ball between them.<li dir="ltr">This is a grip battle where the players are trying to take the ball from each other. <li dir="ltr">Tell your players to focus on how they are gripping the ball and using grip strength rather than by moving their feet or hips.2. Competitive grip game (0.14-1.04)<li dir="ltr">Set up an area with cones and give half of the players a ball.<li dir="ltr">The players without the ball are trying to knock the ball out of their hands.<li dir="ltr">The players with the balls are trying to stop that happening.<li dir="ltr">Either play that when all the balls go down the defence wins.<li dir="ltr">Or play when a ball goes down those two players swap roles.<li dir="ltr">(1.04) Have players work on the hand off and ball transfer in pairs and then play again and see the difference.

General

Ball Tag Warm Up - Rugby Drill...

Make sure that you have your warm-up area marked out before your players arrive, it's important that you get them working right away. You can decide to play this game in smaller grids, or a larger playing area with the entire team. If using small grids, they can be 10 meters x 10 meters - and mark out as many as you need depending on the size of your team. If playing in a large area with the entire team, have two players working as taggers. The rest will be attackers - running around the playing area trying to avoid the taggers/defenders. If playing in a smaller area, have 2 defenders/taggers and 6 attackers. Give the taggers/defenders a ball each. Keep your law briefing, brief! It's important to get the players working as soon as possible. Tell the players that the two players with the balls will be chasing and looking to tag the rest of the players. If you get tagged, you join the taggers team. Play the game until all players are tagged. The last two players tagged, become the first two taggers for the next game. The ball cannot be thrown.

General

Passing Along The Line Passing...

Simple hand drill that can be progressed onto many simple backline movements. 1 ball, 4 players, area of 20-30m by 20m 1st player starts with the ball who commences the sequence by running, 2nd player run from depth and receive the ball then pass to 3rd player who will do the same to the 4th. From this point the order will reverse to get another repetition through everyone's hands so you can score at the end of the grid.

General

Stuck In The Mud - Rugby Style...

The 'Hunters' run after the 'Runners', trying to touch them with the rugby ball. If a 'Runner' is touched, then they are 'Stuck in the mud!' and can only be released when one of their team-mates, who is not stuck, crawls between their legs without themselves getting touched with the rugby ball.

General

Touch Ruck Game 4 v 4 Ruck Cle...

Defenders must use two hands to tag the ball carrier and have the body position as if performing a tackle Once tagged the ball carrier goes to ground in a strong position and places the ball long. The defender holds a position over the ball carrier. The next closest defender performs a push up along side the tackle. One player from the attacking team must ‘win’ the ball by positioning themselves strongly over the ball carrier and in a position to clean out. A halfback can clear the ball to continue the attack.

General

Simple Hands 2 V 1 Match Relat...

Coach or feeder standing on the touchline. Player A start five metres away and player B on the five metre channel. Once the coach has fed the ball in the players must complete a simple 2 on 1. If the feeder drifts across the player dummies and runs through.

General

Mini Game - Skills Game Match ...

In this game players try to keep possession and carry the ball over their opponent's line to score a try.

General

Clear out Ruck Clear Out - Rug...

1 player stands crouched down 1 foot either side of a tackle bag holding a ball at the end of the bag 2 players run around the wide cones to then come in towards the player with the ball and clear out the ball . Repeat the practice going the other way.

General

Pre-Contact Circuit Contact Sk...

Brief your players, but keep it brief! In each grid there will not be two channels. In each of the two channels there are two players with a tackle bag and two players binding with their back to the runner. The players binding will be leaning/driving against a tackle shield (similar to how they would be during a maul). The shield will provide support and resistance just before and during the runners hit. The first player starts and runs to the player with the tackle bag and makes a tackle before moving on. After the 2nd tackle they runs to bind with the 2 players and drives them across the line, their bind should result in their head between the hips of the two players in front of him and his shoulders in contact with the from two players backsides. The players driving position should be low and the hit proportionate. When the 3 players cross the line, one of the 2 binding players takes over and continues to run up the other channel, with the first running player now binding with the other remaining player and taking up a driving position against the shield. Change players around to ensure that every player has an opportunity to play different roles.

General

Tackle and ruck clearing Ruck ...

Players work in groups of four against two defenders (holding tackle bags) who are stood inside the channel. The attackers run around the furthest cone into the channel and ruck to push back the first defender stood over the ball. Once the ball has been gathered the attackers run towards the second defender and form another ruck (ball carrier should turn before contact is made). Once the bag holder has been forced back players carry the ball over the line.

General

Mini Game - Skills Game Ball h...

In this game players try to keep possession and carry the ball over their opponent's line to score a try.

General

Building The Pass Out of The T...

Tell your players the following...... One player will be a ball carrier. The player directly opposite will make a half tackle, lifting the ball carrier onto their shoulder. The ball carrier will look for an off-load to a supporting player on the left or right. The support players will be the first player on the other two cones, to the right and left of the ball carrier. The ball is off-loaded and the catching player becomes the new ball carrier, while the remaining support player becomes the new defender. The other two players clear the traffic and the above happens again - with the new support players coming from the other two cones. This can take a minute or two to get going, but stay with it.

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

Bank Robbers Warm Up - Rugby D...

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

General

Passing to Support Passing - R...

Tell your players the following...... One the call of the scrum half, the 3 attackers turn, round the cone and attack. The scrum half feeds the ball to the first reciever, players will need to decide who the first reciever is. The other two players fall in at depth, providing support left and support right. The support players can expand the space between them and the ball carrier. As the attack approaches the end of the grid, the coach will point left or right, and the ball must be (without delay) passed to the support player on the side the coach has pointed to. The attacking unit return to join the line in preperation for the next attacking opportunity, they should pass the ball back to the scrum half.

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

Winger's Drill 1 Agility & Run...

Run to the first cone at 3/4 pace.Upon reaching the first cone perform a slight side step and change direction.Continue to accelerate to the 2nd cone, once again using a slight side step/ change of direction before finishing with a 100% sprint.

General

Round The World Passing - Rugb...

Tell your players the following..... The first player picks the ball up at the cone passes the ball to the next player, they then run around the back to receive the ball from the last player who puts the ball down by the cone and picks it up and stars the passing again. Each player runs around the back to the next side of the grid to receive and pass the ball on. The players attack all the sides of the grid. Players loop around the back, not in front of the attack.

General

Passing Box Passing - Rugby Dr...

Tell your players the following....... There should be one group of 4 players between each cone on the four sides of the grid. The ball carrying group will advance - passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver in the attacking line, they will pass the ball to the first receiver in the next attacking line. Simple as that - they should keep going. All four groups must go, in any one cycle of attacks - a cycle is 4 attacks. Progression: Add in one or two defenders, have them work from side to side - rather than closing down space and - don't forget to change the defenders into attack after some time in defence.

General

Passing in Contact Passing - R...

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell you players the following...... Players will attack in groups of 2, so we have 2 v 1's. That's it - get them moving for a while - and remind the defenders that they can only move from side to side. After a while - tell the attackers that the ball carrier must take contact - and pass the ball out of contact. That's it - get the players moving again and let them discover how it's done. Don't forget to change the defenders.

General

Rugby: Second man ruck clear o...

Repetitive drill aimed at improving the clear out of a defender at the ruckPlayers are split into groups of three, two attackers and a defender. The defender wears a padded bib/vestThe ball carrying attacker moves towards the defender who makes a passive tackle causing the attacker to go to ground and present the ball as if in a ruck in a matchThe defender then attempts to ruck over and jackal the ballThe second attacker then comes in and attempts to clear out the defender.

General

One on One Race Warm Up - Rugb...

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.

General

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carry DRILL CATEGORIES

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Handling Drills

carry SESSIONS

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carry ANSWERS

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How to coach - The Switch? Including Drills? Thanks.

IS there any way i can learn the rugby side step??

senushka Coach, Sri Lanka

Rules on hand offs

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and IRB Educators.

3 answers

I am currently coaching under8's rugby in England which?

I am currently coaching under8's rugby in England which is 7 a side tag. Next year we are going into 9 a side contact and we wanted to start coaching our players the techniques of tackling and carrying the ball into contact towards the end of this season to prepare them for next season. We didnt carry this out as we were unsure what the RFU directive was regarding preparing for the step up. Some people say they were training their players and some people were not. Does anyone know the official line from the RFU whether or not you can train in contact or not

what are the rules of tag rugby?

Chris Mason Coach, England

U10 contested line-outs - can the jumpers move?

We've just started U10 contested line-outs - can the jumpers move before the ball is thrown (between 2 and 7m obviously)? Continuum doesn't mention not moving but one of our coaches insists they should be static.

i coach collegiate womens rugby...any suggestions for?

i coach collegiate womens rugby...any suggestions for tackling sessions in practice - my girls are very hesitant to "hurt" each other. we have tackle dummies, but that just isn't the same...

7 answers

Forward penalty moves

I coach a girls high school team and I am looking for a few penalty moves my forwards can do

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

3 answers

attaxing and defence drills that helped you

i am wondering i want some drill for defence and attacking

jayvyn iris Coach, Bermuda

cancel membership

I like to cancel my membership and refund my new payment i never agreed to carry on this membership,i have asked questions about the app not working with no response

Michael Allard Coach, Australia

sevens fitness

What the method for sevens fitness for amateur teams

Oscar Coach, Fiji

Do U9's have to have both hand...

In relation U9's, I've read about the two hands on the ball ruling in U7 tag, Is there a similar requirement in U9's to have both hands on the ball when running etc (this was flagged up by a learned touchline parent?). Can anyone close the loop on this one for me?

P Naylor Coach, England

6 answers

What is the rule in Mini Festi...

What is the rule in Mini Festivals or games for U7s carrying the ball in one hand. Should they be penalised?

Andy Kershaw Coach, England

6 answers

Taking the ball into contact |...

Several of my players are taking the ball a yard too far into contact and losing possession as a result.Do you have any suggestions or drills that would help to address this? Dave Knights. Hong Kong

U14's girls teamwork | Sportpl...

I am having trouble getting my girls to work as a team. Any advice?

3 answers

(U11 Rugby) - How to referee t...

I'm coaching and reffing U11 rugby and one of my players is the definitive 'big lad'. His 'strength' is his size and his power, but last weekend he didn't seem to get reffed fairly. The opposition couldn't tackle him down, one on one and when another two joined in to make a mini maul, that didn't slow him down much either. The ref then let other people join in the (one sided) struggle to tackle him down, which seemed very unfair as A) it's outside the laws of U11 rugby,, B) it makes it nigh on impossible for him to offload, C) when he is brought to ground, he has 4-5 players all over him and he got pinged for 'holding on'. He is a recent arrival to rugby and it was our first game for a couple of months, so the situation hadn't reared his head before. We are keen that he learns all of the core skills of rugby and doesn't get used as a battering ram, but after seeing a pack of hyenas trying to pull down the big fella, something just didn't seem right to me.I'd be grateful for any thoughts and opinions.

5 answers

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