Contact Help center
Rugby Rugby
HOME Rugby SEARCH

Rugby: rugby player

rugby player DRILLS
View All

One on One Race

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.

Agility & Running Skills

Presenting The Ball

Good for younger rugby players to learn how to go into contact and set up the ball at pace, you can use it as a competition between the team with a limit of time etc. 2 tackle shields 1 ball 2 people are on the tackle shields about 5 metres apart facing each other, there is a ball carrier standing in the middle of the two defenders. Ball carrier runs in to one defender and places the ball, once placed, he gets to his feet quickly and runs into the next defender doing the same. This process can continue for as short or as long as you like, a good challenge would be 30 second limit to get in as many hits and ball placements as possible.

Ball Presentation

Presenting the Ball Using Tackle Bags

Good for younger rugby players to learn how to go into contact and set up the ball at pace, you can use it as a competition between the team with a limit of time etc. 2 tackle shields, 1 ball 2 people are on the tackle shields about 5 metres apart facing each other, there is a ball carrier standing in the middle of the two defenders. Ball carrier runs in to one defender and places the ball. Once placed, he gets to his feet quickly and runs into the next defender doing the same. This process can continue for as short or as long as you like, a good challenge would be 30 second limit to get in as many hits and ball placements as possible.

Ball Presentation

3 Second 3 Player Touch Sevens...

Tell your players the following..... This game is about support and ensuring that support is close to the ball carrier. This is a non contact game. When the ball carrier is touch, they must stop and set the ball down. Two attacking player must touch the ball carrier within 3 second. If they make their target - any of the two supporting players can move the ball to continue the attack. If the ball carrier is not touch by two other attacking players within 3 seconds - then the ball is turned over. There is no set number of touches. The ball will be turned over when the attacking team makes a mistake or do not meet their support target. The defence must act within the laws of the game.

General

Three Player Circuit Warm Up -...

The players in their groups of 3 stand between the lines of the inner square with the working group stood inside the other players. The first group of 3 begins by running across the grid passing the ball. When they reach the centre the ball is put down an they then run at the players with the pads (on their left) each pushing their player to the outer square. The players then swap. The pad players run across to the tackle bags and push and tackle the bags to the outer square. Players swap again now the new 3 players (third group) run to the ball pick it up and take the ball turn right to face the 3 players on the 12 o'clock side of the square and run into contact for the ball carrier to present the ball. This ball is then picked up by the 3 players being pushed back and the drill starts again. Keep the tempo of this exercise high. <em>Note:</em> You can change the position of each activity within the training area - but that will impact on the instructions to coaches. Players can basically go in any direction, but they do need to communicate and work as a unit. Don't get to hung up on where players should be going, or in what order.

General

Passing under pressure Passing...

4 players line up next to each other about 5 meters apart. A defender with a shield is standing 10 meters from the 1st man (ball carrier).The ball carrier runs in a straight line towards the bag, and passes just before the bag touches him. The receiving player needs to keep his depth, as the player with the pad will move across to his line of running, and he will need time and space to pass the ball on to the next receiver.The defender must not press up, only move across, in a straight line.

General

Grids Handling - Rugby Drills,...

1) Run out (2 steps) turn and pop ball to a support player. 2) Run out (2 steps) turn and let support player take it out of your hands. 3) Run out - go to floor (facing support runner). Chest pass up to support. Progression: Support player tells person in front which of the above he wants.

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

Four Player Continuous Passing...

<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>A quick drill to focus the players before going into a session or at the start of a match day warm up. <span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>The aim of the drill is to develop early hand-catch, quick and accurate transfer of the ball to a support player.<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Set 4 cones 3-5 meters apart on the 5 meter line. This will mark the starting point for your players. <span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Set up cones opposite on the try line<span style=&quot;background-color: transparent;&quot;>Ask your players to line up behind each cone.The ball carrier runs out to the cone opposite and passes to the next playerOnce the player on the end receives the ball, the drill changes direction and the ball goes back in the direction it came from<br><br><br>

General

Passing circle Passing - Rugby...

Tell your players the following..... There will be 4 players on the outside of the circle, starting at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. There will be one player in the middle. The players on the outside of the circle jog around the circle. The player in the middle will have a ball, and will pass the ball to one of the runners - for them to run onto it. The new ball carrier will pass the ball back to the static player in the middle of the circle. And the same happens again, but the passer cannot bass to the same player twice. Players will have to respond to the calls: SLOW JOG, FAST JOG, FASTER, CHANGE DIRECTION, TOUCH THE GROUD WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND, TOUCH THE GROUND WITH YOUR LEFT HAND, etc. Don't forget to change the static player.

General

Clapping Game Passing - Rugby ...

Tell your players the following. 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 clap once before catching the ball - and the passing player must move the ball within 5 seconds. The passer can dummy, and if a receiver claps they must do one or more press-ups. If the receiver doesn't clap and receives a ball - they must do one or more press-ups following their pass. 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. Have fun with this!

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

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

Tackle Tackling - Rugby League...

Start with this simple tackling drill with no resistance to the tackle to get your players warmed up and used to contact.

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

Rugby Baseball Sevens - Rugby ...

Split your team into two teams. One team will be up to bat/kick and the other team will field. The fielding team should take up positions that they feel will be advantageous to their game plan - don't worry too much about over coaching this - players can learn as they play. The fielding team should have a pitcher/thrower of the ball. It is his job to stand on the pitching mound and to throw the ball as hard as he can toward the hitter/kicker. The idea is to force the hitter/kicker to struggle to catch the ball. A bad throw is considered wide and three bad throws means the hitter/kicker gets to walk to first base. However, three good throws that are dropped will be considered three strikes and the hitter/kicker will then be out. So the pitcher throws the ball, as hard as he can, to the kicker/hitter -who if they catch it can make a kick to space. The kick must land on the pitch, but can bounce into touch. If the kick is caught then the hitter/kicker is out. If not then they can start running. They need to get from 1st to 2nd to 3rd to 4th and then back to where they started in order to score a home run. They can stop at any base and be considered safe. However, runners can be called out when running between bases if the fielders manage to get the ball grounded at any of the two bases they are between.

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

3 v 1 Grid Passing - Rugby Dri...

6x6m Grid Ball Players line up in 3s opposite sides of the grid. Simply pass the ball along the line. 1 defender is in the middle of the grid putting pressure on all ball carriers.Once hand completed the next line starts immediately. Defender swaps out when there is a mistake or when he touches someone with the ball. Progression: add another defender, make the passes wider.

General

3 Man Tackle Grid Tackling - R...

Get all players into teams of 3 One group of 3 with bibs start as defenders  In a 10mx10m grid - the other groups line up either side of the grid as attackers. Split evenly. The defenders work together to stop the attacking side scoring and getting through  After a tackle is made or a try is scored, the attacking team pop the ball off to a team on the other side of the grid who attack straight away Defending side need to react and realign quickly to stop the next team from scoring Start as shoulder on and then can progress to full contact Defence works for 1 minute and then change Competition - Team with the least tries scored against them wins

General

Beat the defence Passing - Rug...

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.

General

Rugby 5 Pin Bowling Sevens - R...

Using cones and tackle bags, mark out your training area as shown in the diagram. The tackle bags should be stood up, and at a distance away from the play that tests the strength of their pass. Set 6 balls at each cone and divide your players into groups of 2, and allocate one group of 2 to each training area. Tell your players that... Each player has five tackle bags and six balls, the winner is the player that knocks down the most balls.<br /><br />A player cannot leave their cone and must knock the bags down by passing and hitting with the ball on the bag or the bag itself.

General

Soft Hands Passing - Rugby Dri...

The aim of the drill is to develop players awareness and passing.

General

rugby player SESSIONS
View All

Guard the Ruck - Organisation in Defence

High tempo defending and handling plan. Improve your rugby players' communication, organisation and line speed for a more solid backline
rugby player ANSWERS
View All

I am familiar with field positioning, play, and stategies?

I am familiar with field positioning, play, and stategies for the fowards but can anyone give me advice on how to pick a good flyhalf and scrum half. Also how to train them on making the best decisions on the pitch, for example when to pass out wide, how to relieve defensive pressure, when to kick, etc...? My backs are still new to rugby. Some have less than a year's experience and others are brand new to the sport.

William Barrett Coach, United States of America

I am currently involved in coaching very young players?

I am currently involved in coaching very young players - Under 7's. What is the best DVD developed specifically for introduction of youngsters to the game? BR

Gerry Crawford Coach, Ireland

Latching on in rugby to a player with a ball often happens at the base of the ruck now. When is the binding onto a player who has the ball deemed dangerous and penalisesd by a ref?

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

jon jenkins Coach, Kenya

Big Hit or Step Up tackle

Describe a 'step-up' or 'big hit' tackle. How would you coach it, what is the technique and what are the key factors technically?

Archived User Coach

New Player

My son started playing rugby Under 15 and I was wondering where I could find rules for his age group especially for his position (Lock)

Archived User Coach

My son has played all season U9's on the wing and has?

My son has played all season U9's on the wing and has now be brought into a inside centre role. What are the key differences he needs to make to be successful in his new position

Archived User Coach

my club has a problem with the seniors. Numbers at?

my club has a problem with the seniors. Numbers at training are low every week, I know there is not a quick solution so how can i create a good culture of training ?

Archived User Coach

what are the laws for bridging in rugby union?

can you touch the player on the ground? can you place your hands over the player onto the ground? any information on this would be really helpful.

Archived User Coach

I am coaching Under 9 rugby, and the question is once?

I am coaching Under 9 rugby, and the question is once a player is tackled, can the next player pickup the ball and run or do they have to pass?

Archived User Coach

nutrition for rugby player

how to improve body mass for a player in 13-15 aged?

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

(U11 Rugby) - How to referee the 'big lad'

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

U10's rugby and picking a ball up after the tackle

When a person is tackled and goes to ground is it correct that the tackler can stand up quickly and take the ball ? If so is this along as they are on their feet and behind the offside line(so they reach down to take the ball) or are they allowed to step over the tackled player to take the ball ? This is in the rare occasion where no support is available. Also once picked up do they have to pass it out or can they just go ? Sorry for all the questions.

Archived User Coach

Player development - is there a template for Profiling

Are there any templates I can use for a rugby player development programme. I want to 'profile' players ability strength development areas etc

Archived User Coach

how do you gain more confidence in rugby

how do you become confident in rugby

amelie ganley Coach, England

Developing a 1:1 coaching plan for a junior

Hi I’m a proud dad who wants to help his 12 year old son develop as an aspiring number 12/13. No experience at all coaching but willing to give it a go. He already trains with his team of course but only once a week. I’d like to supplement that with a plan that he and I can follow 2 to 3 times a week but limited realisticallly to he and I. Passing and tackling and speed and agility I’m guessing are key? Anything on decision making would also be good. Any advice gratefully received!

Carl Mooney Coach, England

First time coaching the U13s n...

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

Players keep spilling the ball...

Players keep spilling the ball in the tackle, any drills for protecting the ball? Have tried the usual falling drills and tackling drills but in games the ball keeps being spilled forward in contact.

Archived User Coach

switch pass in rugby union | S...

switch pass in rugby union

maria Coach, England

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_rugby
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Set Yourself Up For Success This Year

Set Yourself Up For Success This Year

Create a resolution to develop your coaching confidence by seizing the opportunity to discover new drills, turn ideas into action and seek advice from the coaching community.

December 31st, 2023
|
Archie Dunnill
Should Aaron Smith's World Cup Final try have stood?

Should Aaron Smith's World Cup Final try have stood?

World Rugby has reportedly conceded Aaron Smith's disallowed try in the World Cup final should have stood.

November 14th, 2023
|
Archie Dunnill
Sportplan Spotlight: Vary Your Sessions

Sportplan Spotlight: Vary Your Sessions

"It is not only useful for staff who are experienced but a valuable tool for those subject staff who have to take teams."

January 25th, 2023
|
Archie Dunnill
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
tackletagmauldefencetacklingtag rugbyjunior backline drillsruckinglines of running7scrumrucktouchtouch rugbyunder 8passingsevenslineoutwarm upfitness

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!

Heather Weston Rugby Coach, United States

I am so pleased with all of the drills and advice on rugby. I am a player for my local club and we don't have a coach at the moment so I, as a senior player, am filling that gap. With your help, the team has been able to improve our skills.

Mokie Tau Rugby Coach, Papua New Guinea

Your tips and session ideas have really brought some interest back to our rugby training. The players and I now really enjoy our training sessions.

Eifion Highes Rugby Coach, United Kingdom

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create professional rugby coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested rugby plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3 v 2 7 counter rucking defence defense fitness football forward drills junior  backline drills lesson plans line out lineout lineout drills lines of running maul passing ruck rucking rugby scrum scrum machine search sevens tackle tackling tag tag rugby touch under 8 warm up
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of rugby coaches plus 1100+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT