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Rugby: cross the line

cross the line DRILLS
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Beat the defence

Offensive players (blue), line out in one deep line while the defence (red) line up opposite in a straight line, slightly inside player from the player that they are marking. The offence will attempt to pass the ball across the line at speed. Defenders will move up to stop them but do not tackle, simply press. This teachers the attackers to pass under pressure, as they try to pass across the line without making any mistakes.

Handling

Building The Loop

Tell your players the following..... One group of 4 players will be in defence. The other two groups of 4 will be in attack, they will attack one group at a time. There will be two attackerss and two defenders in the first two channels, the third channel will be open and free of attackers and defenders. The fourth channel will have an attacker and defender, the fifth channel will be free of attackers and defenders, the sixth channel will have an attacker and defender, and the last channel will be free of attackers or defenders. Defenders can move forward and side to side within their own channel, but they cannot leave their channel. Attackers attack their own channels, but can call a loop (L1,L2,L3 etc.) in order to attack the open channels. Allow players to discover solutions, question - try not to tell. Change the defenders.

Passing

Chain Reaction - Progression

2 x Adjacent 20m x 10m channels In the first channel, players pass the ball across the line in a chain. After the first pass, the player that started the chain remains in the middle to become a defender

Tag Rugby

Corner line Tag

The aim is that when the coach signals the start the defending players will spread across to the other side of the field quickly and defend the entire field width. Explain to the players the importance of spreading out and defending in a line. Game Organisation and Rules The aim of this game is to get the defending team to understand the importance of spreading out in defence. This game is aprogression of Line Tag. Set up a narrow rectangle approximately 10m wide x 5m long. Split the players into 2 even teams and get them to face each other on opposite 10 meter lines. Explain to the players that 1 team will be attacking and their task is to get across the opposition line without being tagged (2 handed tag). The defending team are told to line up at one corner of the field and when signalled by the coach they are to attempt to tag the attacking players before they get across the line. As the game develops the attackers will naturally start on the side furthest away to the defenders, to stop this place the fastest runners on the side closest to the defenders. Explain to the attackers about the idea of changing running gale to step the defenders. R1

Tag Rugby

Evasion Drill

Drill to practice/teach evasion skills. Set up two lines of cones (green and red) with two lines of players (blue and red) of equal numbers opposite each other, roughly 5m away. The attackers (blue) are trying to cross the defensive line without being touched by a defender (red). The defenders can only move laterally. Every time the attacker crosses the line, or gets touched by a defender they have to return to the line 5m away before trying to attack again. The attackers are trying to cross the line as many times as possible in 30seconds. Then switch the attackers and defenders over.

Tag Rugby

Pre-Contact Circuit

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.

Contact Skills

Evasion Drill Tag Rugby - Spor...

Drill to practice/teach evasion skills.Set up two lines of cones (green and red) with two lines of players (blue and red) of equal numbers opposite each other, roughly 5m away.The attackers (blue) are trying to cross the defensive line without being touched by a defender (red). The defenders can only move laterally.Every time the attacker crosses the line, or gets touched by a defender they have to return to the line 5m away before trying to attack again.The attackers are trying to cross the line as many times as possible in 30seconds. Then switch the attackers and defenders over.

General

Gauntlet criss cross Off loads...

Set Up 3 sets of 2 defenders each with 2 tackle bags placed 10m apart down 15m x 30m channel - 3 attackers Attacker with ball in centre with 2 support players set 5m back to left and right. Attack runs at bag using footwork on approach to off set defenders fixes on one defender and smashes through hole attack carries ball in 2 hands off loads left or right receiver repeats on next pair of bags

General

cross over running Agility & R...

5 x 5m grid, size can vary according to ability.<br><br>Player at the front of each queue starts with a ball, runs diagonally across square and gives a pop pass to the player at the front of the oppoisite queue.

General

Crossover Relay Passing - Rugb...

Keep your player briefing short. You may consider having a demonstration group. Give two players opposite each other, one ball each. On your call they will come forward, towards each other, sidestepping to avoid contact before passing the ball either left or right. There should be no forward passes and the players need to communicate to avoid both balls going in the same direction. When the receivers collect their pass - they do the same as the first set of ball carriers. Players that have completed their run and pass within the grid should join the end of the opposite line. Players should seek opportunity to pass off both their left and right hands.

General

Rugby: 2 vs 1 - Decision Makin...

Four players per group inside a 10m x 30m Channel. Requires 10 cones and 1 ball. Two players start outside of the grid with two players inside. One of the outside players passes the ball to one of the inside players before both of the outside players (defenders) run through the red gates. The two inside players (attackers) have to try and cross the try line before the defenders can tackle them, if the attackers are too slow they will create a two 2 v 1 situation.

General

Pre-Contact Circuit Warm Up - ...

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

3-Kick Warmup Kicking - Rugby ...

Drill to warm up/practice different types of kick.Players form two lines in the 15m channels with all the balls starting on one side.The player with the ball at the front of the line runs out and does a cross-field punt to a partner on the opposite side of the pitch - kick labelled 1.The partner catches the ball, and does a chip kick which they chase and gather themselves - kick labelled 2. Once they have gathered their chip kick they perform a grubber kick to their partner who has continued their run. Aiming to kick the ball between the posts for their partner to gather and score - kick labelled 3.Players jog back to join the back of the opposite line.Once the first pair have performed the chip kick, the next pair in line can go.

General

Attacking Kick On The Move Kic...

Practice short kicks while attacking forward (not standing still).The attackers are aiming to land their kick in the target area (yellow cones). Adapt the size based on their ability (e.g. senior players 5m x 5m, junior players 10m x 10m).Set up two cones (red) to simulate the area of a ruck/scrum/line out and give a defensive offside line. Two defenders (red) position themselves on the offside line opposite two attackers (blue).One attacker (1) acts a scrum half and passes the ball to the first receiver (2). The first receiver (2) catches the ball and tries to perform a chip or grubber kick into the target area . The second attacker (3) chases the kick and tries to regather it.The two defenders aim to put pressure on the kicker.Once the attack have gathered the kick they should return it to the feeder and join the back of the line to start again.PROGRESSION:Defenders to start passive and increase pressure as attackers gain confidenceStart with a chip kick and progress to grubber or vice versa.

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

Rugby League: Fan out and pass...

In fours, each group with a ball. On front players' command, all players fan out to receive a pass. No one is to cross the grid line - stay within touch line - preserve the space. Now move to next corner and move round grid. Progression: 1) Go clockwise and anticlockwise. 2) First player who passes ball then defends the try line. All other players must draw defender towards them before releasing pass. 3) First player goes for 2 handed touch on ball carrier shorts. 4) Change order so that another player defends.

General

3 vs 2 - 5 vs 4 Decision makin...

2 players start with the ball and play a 2 vs 1 they then form a 3 to beat the next 2 players whom in turn join the 3 and form a 5 top beat the last 4 defenders to score a try.

General

3 on 2 Attack and Defence Dril...

Set an area with two different coloured cones on the touch line in the middle, one for defenders and one for attackers. At the prompt of the coach the players run around designated cones and attack the defenders to score. Ball carrier should initiate the attack by attacking the inside shoulder of the first defender to stop a drift defence. Draw the first defender and make the pass to your next support runner who should do the same to pass to the outside runner who can go and score. Once attacked three or four times players should swap to defence but not every single time to create continuity and positive development.

General

4 vs 1 vs 1 Decision making - ...

Players work in groups of six, with 1 ball per group and set up in the following way: 4 attackers vs 1 defender (between the first cones) and another defender between the second set of cones. Defenders can only move sideways in an attempt to stop the attackers getting through the area.

General

2 vs 2 (in - out line) Decisio...

In a channel no wider than 10m, two attackers have 5 attempts to score a try on the red cones. The attackers try to create space and beat the defenders by running good support and holding lines.

General

Fan Out and Pass Passing - Rug...

Keep your player briefing, brief! You may decide to have a demonstration grid. On your call, all players fan out to receive a pass. Players initially attack half the space in the grid, that way the lines do not cross into each others space, as you can see in the animation. Players should then attack the full width of the grid, there will be intersection and some confusion. Players stay within the grid. When they finish an attack (the ball is moved down the line), the last player to recieve the ball should score a try just outside the grid - and the line should get set in their new location to go again. Player initially rotate in a clockwise direction. Change this after a period of time. Make sure that players change position in the attacking line.

General

Bunch Decision making - Rugby ...

Groups of 61 ball per group4 attackers v 2 defenders holding a tag belt and working laterally.

General

2 vs 2 (out - in support line)...

This is a basic 2 v 2 drill to allow players to progress from a simple 2 v 1. In a channel no wider than 10m, 2 attackers have 5 attempts to score a try on the red cones. The attackers try to create space and beat the defenders by running good support and holding lines.

General

2 v 1 Drawing The Defender Dec...

One attacking team and one defending team.Exercise focused on decision making when in a 2 v 1 situation.Each team lines up either side of the coachOn 'GO' two attackers run round one side of the playing area and one defender runs round the other side. The coach passes to one of the attackers to initiate play.The aim is for the one attacker to reach the end line of the defender's side without being tackled/intercepted by the defender.

General

Slalom Running Warm Up - Rugby...

Set up a running slalom for your players to run through at the end of their training. It should be approximately 10 by 5m in size.Slalom through the blue conesFrom the final blue cone players run backwards to the 1st red coneThen run forward out to the next red cone, then backwards again (repeat pattern until final red cone)Quick turn around the final red cone and then <em>sprint</em> to the end of the courseJog back to the start line and repeat.

General

3 vs 2 - Sprint to support Dec...

15m x 35m Grid. 1 Attacker starts on the half way line of the grid, with the other two outside of the grid back to back with two defenders. On the command the one attacker runs around the red cone, with the other one running around the blue cone - likewise for the defenders. Once they have run around the cones a 3 vs 2 will develop. If the player with the ball passes immediately this will give a 3 vs 2 in the middle of the pitch.

General

The Kicking Game: Territory Ov...

General

3 v 2 v 2 Handling - Rugby Dri...

Set up a channel with two sets of defenders working in pairs inside. Three attacking players start with the ball and run around the far cone, realigning as they run around the cone. Players then play out the 3v2. After this first 3v2 the attackers must move the ball quickly and play out the second 3v2.

General

7 v 3 Decision making - Rugby ...

Groups of tenOne ball per groupDefenders equidistant, can only move forwards and backwardsAttackers bunched to startOnce at the end turn straight around and repeat

General

2 v 2 (switch) Decision making...

This is a basic 2 v 2 drill to allow players to progress from a simple 2 v 1. In a channel no wider than 10m, 2 attackers have 5 attempts to score a try on the red cones. The attackers try to create space and beat the defenders by running good support and holding lines. Condition defence so that the defender marking support runner stays out and doesn't move in to defend ball carrier

General

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cross the line DRILL CATEGORIES
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cross the line SESSIONS
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Pre-Season: Skills Foundation Session

Get your team playing together again after the break, working on their handling, passing and match fitness in this fun attacking session, finishing with an exciting game of waterfall attack!
cross the line ANSWERS
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Cross kicking from a penalty?

I've seen this several times but most recently in the Currie up championship this weekend. -penalty awarded within opposition's 22m -one of the halves picks up the ball gets to the mark -tap kicks then cross kicks to an open wing, flanker, etc. -try time. Here are my questions%3A 1)Is there any law that makes the half tap kick before cross kicking to his player? 2)Wouldn't crosskicking straight away provide a cushion? If he botched the kick and it went out of bounds, wouldn't a line out be awarded to his team?

Josh Macy Coach, United States of America

Scoring tries - habit?

Why is it important to get players to score the try when completing a handling/running drill?

Archived User Coach

Hi,i coach under 12 and both the hookers struggle to?

Hi,i coach under 12 and both the hookers struggle to get the ball past the 2nd player, does anyone know of any drill that could help them to improve their distance.<br />Cheers<br /><br />AB

Archived User Coach

Looking for day 0 skills to teach children?

I am looking for a Day 0 type of session for American children who may have never held a rugby ball. If I move forward with a rugby exhibition/team creation in the neighborhood, I want to make sure I know how/what to teach Day 0. I'm hoping that interest is growing for touch and flag rugby due to the recent in Philadelphia between the USA Eagles and the Maori All Blacks. I was there. It was fantastic. Tickets sold out so fast, I think there will be more of these in the area. Thanks.

Doug Jones Coach, United States of America

Tap penalty - Running onto the ball

When taking a tap penalty can a member of the kicking team be running onto the ball before the tap is taken?

Archived User Coach

How to complete scoring opportunities?

My team have a problem scoring tries. They create chances but still can't score. How do I rectify that?

melvin kennedy Coach, South Africa

Reduce Numbers in rucks

Hi. I coach a B level under 12 team at school with very mixed abilities. All the other teams we play put all there forwards into the rucks and therefore we have to, to win the ball. Is there a way I can combat this with a few less players in the ruck?

James Pattinson Coach, Australia

When the ball is kicked direct...

When the ball is kicked directly over the touch line but does not hit the ground and bends back in field before landing in play, is this in or out?

Archived User Coach

Looking for day 0 skills to te...

I am looking for a Day 0 type of session for American children who may have never held a rugby ball. If I move forward with a rugby exhibition/team creation in the neighborhood, I want to make sure I know how/what to teach Day 0. I'm hoping that interest is growing for touch and flag rugby due to the recent in Philadelphia between the USA Eagles and the Maori All Blacks. I was there. It was fantastic. Tickets sold out so fast, I think there will be more of these in the area. Thanks.

Doug Jones Coach, United States of America

Team building activities u12s ...

u12 boys team.. looking to do 90 min team building session in a hall.. large group of 30. kids and coaches.. any recommendations for activities and games that don't need buying equipment or investment.. that like promote cross friendships..bonding..Communications..fun

Sean bohan Coach, Scotland

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