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Rugby: down the line

down the line DRILLS
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4v1v1 Down the Line

Attackers (red players) work down the channel in 4s, working the runners left and right to create space. Defenders are only allowed to defend along their line, marked out with 2 cones. Attackers run in a diamond shape, onto the ball at pace. It's key the support do not get too flat and shoud all be involved. Focus on pass target.

Decision making

Beat The Runner

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners cone. You might wish to have two groups of five at each grid, and to have a quick demo before sending all the players to their own grids. Keep your player briefing, brief! The first five passers attack the runners line, passing the pass down the line as they go. The runner sets off as soon as the first ball carrier starts to move. The aim of attack is to score a try in the corner, beating the runner - so quick hands. Each player should realign following their pass, there will be two attacks for each group before they move the ball onto the next group. After the first attack the runner goes to their cones on the opposite side of the grid ready for the next attack. The attack begins when the first players picks the ball off the ground. Don't forget to change the runners. Move the runner cones in to progress the exercise and to put the attack under more pressure.

Agility & Running Skills

Fan Out and Pass

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.

Passing

Fend off the challenge

Set Up Line of defenders - 5m apart in staggered formation tackle shield. Individual players move down the line – fend off each tackle in turn right then left ...

Off Loads

Fending Off - Strong Hands

Line of defenders - 5m apart in staggered formation tackle shield.Individual players move down the line, fend off each tackle in turn - right then left etc.

Off Loads

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

Man to Man

3 attackers and 2 defenders. The scrum half passes to the first receiver of group of 3 attackers. The 3 attacking players must then pass the ball down the line as they attempt to beat the defenders.

Defensive Patterns

Passing Box

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.

Passing

Tri-Attack

Tell your players the following...... The first line of attackers move forward, passing the ball down the line. The entire group switches position to the right side of the grid, and attacks as a line. They then attack down the grid through the top of the grid, facing the next line of attack.

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

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

4v1v1 Down the Line Decision m...

Attackers (red players) work down the channel in 4s, working the runners left and right to create space. Defenders are only allowed to defend along their line, marked out with 2 cones. Attackers run in a diamond shape, onto the ball at pace. It's key the support do not get too flat and shoud all be involved. Focus on pass target.

General

Up and Down Passing - Rugby Dr...

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.

General

Up and down the line Passing -...

1) Run out to far cone and back - 1/2 pace - no forward passes. 2) Run out to second cone - easy out - 3/4 pace back. 3) Run out to first cone - fast out - fast back.

General

Right Angled Passing Drill Pas...

Drill to practice passing.Set up a right angle (L-shape) with lines of 4 players on each side (see diagram)The ball starts at one of the outer ends and the players pass it down the line, when it reaches the end of the line the fourth player passes the ball off to the first player in the next line (see diagram).They then pass the ball down the line and pass it off to the first player in the next line, and the drill repeats.After completing their pass players should run through and join the back of the next line.

General

Spin Passing Passing - Rugby D...

Give each training area one ball to start with and 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. When you feel that the players are executing the short pass to your satisfaction - add in more pressure by having two opposite lines run at once.

General

Speed Handling Race Catching -...

Two lines of four stand back to back with the ball on the right hand side of each line. On go they both sprint 15m whilst passing down the line and then turn to run back whilst returning down the line to the player who started with the ball.

General

Tri-Attack Passing - Rugby Dri...

Tell your players the following...... The first line of attackers move forward, passing the ball down the line. The entire group switches position to the right side of the grid, and attacks as a line. They then attack down the grid through the top of the grid, facing the next line of attack.

General

Push Push 3 Sevens - Rugby Dri...

Tell the players the following...... When the attack advances the defenders PRESS UP on the attack. The attackers must pass the ball down the line, no inside passes. The defenders PUSH/DRIFT across pushing the attack towards the sideline. When the attack reaches the end of the grid, if it reaches the end - the attack turn and sets - as does the defence. The exercise restarts. This is a full contact exercise. Don't forget to switch defenders into attack.

General

Quick Hands Relay Race Passing...

Put four cones out to make a rectangle and square 10-15 metres apart. Put two players on each cone along with two players standing in between the cones to make a line of four. On the go the player with the ball runs forward and then its quick hands down the line. When the end player gets the ball they pop to the player on the cone at other end, this player runs forward. The two players in the middle have to turn and go again, working back and forth for ten lengths.

General

Quick Hands Targets Sevens - R...

Tell your players the following. They just need to pace the ball down the line, each player will get the ball. A colour will be called, which is the target. The ball must be down the line before they hit that target. They move come onto the ball at pace, and hands will need to be quick when the target is close. That's it, play.

General

Wide Passing Lines Sevens - Ru...

The two feeders should be 15 meters apart and will........ Feed the left most attacking unit with a ball, they will move forward at pace passing down the line and setting the ball down when it hits the last receiver. The first feeder will without delay pass the ball onto the right attacking unit, they will do the same as the left attacking unit, on their side of the pitch. Both attacking lines should realign and take a ball from the second feeder, before turning and working their way up the pitch, running the same exercise. Players should change their position in the line.

General

Pass and Support Sevens - Rugb...

Give each training area one ball and 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 advnce using laterial passing - with the last player in each line passing the ball to the first player in the opposite line. After some time (your call on how long this should be). Tell the players that, with the exception of the first player in each line, every reciever will not be able to pass the ball until touched on the shoulder by the player that passed them the ball. Every passer must follow their pass, touching the reciever on the shoulder to release the next pass. After the supporting player has made their touch, and the ball has been passed, they should return to their original channel. Players should change positions in the line following each attack.

General

L-Shaped Passing Sevens - Rugb...

Lets get the ball and the players moving with lateral passing through the hands. Each training area only needs one ball, and that ball should start with the any of the two players at the very ends of the L. Tell players to move forward, passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver, that player will pass it to the first receiver in the next line that is waiting to go. They should advance right away. Allow the players to simply move the ball down the line.

General

A Cheeky Little Number Sevens ...

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following...... Let's 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. Every passer must follow their pass, making themselves available as a support runner for the ball carrier. A ball carrier with a support runner has two options - a backwards flick to the support runner - or to pass the ball out to the next receiver. They may also have an additional option back inside, but best to keep it simple to start with. If a support runner receives a flicked pass, they can run with it and pass it to the next player down the line. The passer of the ball becomes the support runner. If the support runner does not receive a flick pass and the ball is passed from the player they are supporting, they should return to their original channel. In the case of a support runner becoming the next passer - they should follow their pass - and the other players should reorganize the line - not fixating on maintaining their original position in the line. Players should change positions in the line following each attack.

General

Loop (L1,L2,L3) Passing - Rugb...

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible. Lets get the ball and the players moving with lateral passing through the hands. Each training area only needs one ball, and that ball should start with the any of the two players at the very ends of the L. Tell players to move forward, passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver, that player will pass it to the first receiver in the next line that is waiting to go. They should advance right away. Allow the players to simply move the ball down the lines, don't mention the Miss Pass. After you feel the players are comfortable, tell them...... Any player can now call an L1,L2,L3,L4 - depending on their position in the attacking line. This means that they can pass and loop round the back of the rest of the attack to collect the ball and continue the attack. An example of this would be: L2, player passes, loops around two other players, and collects the ball in attack. Allow the players to discover, though questioning, the best possible way of executing and calling the (L) move. Players should change position in the line after each run.

General

Inside Shoulder Running Handli...

Four attacking player start behind cones on the try line. Place an object a couple metres in front of each player, this can be a cone, pole, tackle pad etc. Attackers must pass the ball down the line and run on the inside of the object.<br><br>

General

Whole Group Handling Warm Up -...

Simple quick hands down the line. Players line up in fours. A coach or player feeds the ball in and players must hold their depth and use quick hands along the line.

General

Short Passing Passing - Rugby ...

Give each training area one ball to start with and 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.

General

Miss Me Baby, One More Time! P...

We will begin with laterial passing down the line, just to get going. On your call we will start to miss the player in the middle, and pass to the next player instead (a miss-pass). The player who is being missed should still come forward at speed and should still look as if they are going to take a ball. When finished the players rejoin the back of the lines on the grid, but they move down one. So the first ball carrier now becomes the player to be missed, the missed player now becomes the reciever, and the reciever now moves to the first position to carry the ball. Simple - lets get moving.

General

Man to Man Defensive Patterns ...

3 attackers and 2 defenders. The scrum half passes to the first receiver of group of 3 attackers. The 3 attacking players must then pass the ball down the line as they attempt to beat the defenders.

General

Tight & Wide Sevens - Rugby Dr...

Players start in attacking group of 3 on the 10 meter side of the grid. They pass the ball down the line at 10 meters,� attacking forward they spread out passing the ball up and down the line. They should be working at 30 meters by the time they reach the top cones. The next group should go. When finished, attacking groups should join the end of the lines at the start of the grid, ready to go again.

General

Fending Off - Strong Hands Off...

Line of defenders - 5m apart in staggered formation tackle shield.<br />Individual players move down the line, fend off each tackle in turn - right then left etc.

General

Heads up Passing Passing - Rug...

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.

General

Beat The Runner Warm Up - Rugb...

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners cone. You might wish to have two groups of five at each grid, and to have a quick demo before sending all the players to their own grids. Keep your player briefing, brief! The first five passers attack the runners line, passing the pass down the line as they go. The runner sets off as soon as the first ball carrier starts to move. The aim of attack is to score a try in the corner, beating the runner - so quick hands. Each player should realign following their pass, there will be two attacks for each group before they move the ball onto the next group. After the first attack the runner goes to their cones on the opposite side of the grid ready for the next attack. The attack begins when the first players picks the ball off the ground. Don't forget to change the runners. Move the runner cones in to progress the exercise and to put the attack under more pressure.

General

Wave After Wave Passing - Rugb...

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell the players the following or have a demonstration group..... We have 1 scrum half, 4 runners and 3 defenders with tackle/ruck shields. The scrum half starts the attacking line by passing a ball from the ground at the first cone, to the first receiver in the attacking line. The defenders start 10 meters back and press up on the first 3 attackers, leaving the 4th attacker free. The attackers use quick hands to move the ball down the line, before the next cone. The last receiver sets the ball down, the attack line will have realigned, and the scrum half will now be on the second cone of the opposite side of the grid ready to restart the attack. The defenders rush 10 meters back and and once again press up on the first 3 attackers, leaving the 4th attacker free. They keep going until the end of the grid, turn around - and do the same working down the grid. Don't forget to change the defenders.

General

Reloading and passing practice...

Have 8-10 players standing in a line with a scrum half at the end a few metres in front.Scrum half passes the ball to a player. Passing down the line for 4-6 passes and moving forward until the ball reaches the end of the line. Not every player has to touch the ball.Then the person at the end passes a long ball back to scrum half, and they turn and do the same in the other direction.

General

down the line DRILL CATEGORIES
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Backs Moves Drills
Lineout Drills
Backs Moves Drills
Lineout Drills
down the line SESSIONS
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Conditioning/Evaluation Session - Touch Variations

Separate the wheat from the chaff and find out which players should make up your Starting Lineup in this fitness and skills evaluation session
down the line ANSWERS
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switch pass in rugby union

switch pass in rugby union

maria Coach, England

How is the best way to develop play from a lineout?

How is the best way to develop play from a lineout to expliot my teams strengh which is based upon fast powerful high scoring wingers?

Archived User Coach

where can I get an under 8 year program of training?

where can I get an under 8 year program of training or activities to introduce them to the game of Rugby?

Archived User Coach

devise a four man line out game throwing two opstions

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

Archived User Coach

Not sure if this question has been asked...but is drift?

Not sure if this question has been asked...but is drift defence REALLY the BEST way to combat the fullback entering the line?

Archived User Coach

Post lineout rules. Defending maul.

Hi, I have an enquiry about the post lineout rules. A lineout jumper successfully catches the ball, returns to the ground and precceds to maul. The defending team has three options to put (1)leverage against with defending maul, to (2) attack the main front men of the maul but also I heard on this weekends commentary there is a (3)dragging down. When the lineout jumper is returning to the ground it seems the defending team can hold the jumper as long as no pressure is excerted and when they hit the floor the defending team can tackle him (drag him to the ground) stopping the maul. Is this right and if so are there further rules governing this that i cannot yet find? I have read the IRB 2009 laws but still i have no answer. Many Thanks

Archived User Coach

coach your back-line to utalise the drift defence from a lineout

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

Archived User Coach

what are the rules of tag rugby?

what are the rules of tag rugby?

Chris Mason Coach, England

Scoring tries - habit?

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

Archived User Coach

Drill to help to teach backs how to check their line?

Drill to help to teach backs how to check their line up from defensive to attacking

Archived User Coach

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

Openside flanker position after the scrum?

My coach has put me at openside flanker and I'm confused of where i should be after the scrum. Should I be attacking the opposing scrum half or just trailing behind the backs waiting to clean up/ form a ruck? It would be great to know what I'm doing !

Archived User Coach

U14's girls teamwork

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

Archived User Coach

How do I get the back line running straight and fast?

Our back line is very sluggish and drift ,any ideas for simple plan to get them moving straight and fast?

Michael Strain Coach, Wales

Ball retention skills

How can I improve my U15 ball retention skills? They keep getting stripped or lose the ball in contact.

Noel Hill Coach, England

Staying onside on defense

I need drills that emphasize staying onside on defense. Any suggestions?

Tim Reisler Coach, United States of America

(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.

Archived User Coach

coaching under 9s next year, w...

Hi, I’m coaching under 9s next year which involves tackling, mauls, rucks etc. I’m after advise on what to coach first and the amount of time spent on each area. Added to this I’ve somehow become the lead coach after a couple of coaches stepped down (feeling a little under pressure!) Would anybody be willing to share any sessions so I can plan the first month or so. Cheers

Archived User Coach

how can i improve players abil...

HOW CAN I IMPROVE PLAYERS ABILITY TO PERFORM THE LATERAL PASS ?

dean Coach, England

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