My new rugby blog!

Please click on a Section Title
to expand its menu. HOME PREPARATION GENERAL CONCEPTS PLANNING FITNESS TRAINING DRILLS - in progress PLAY IN THE LOOSE SET PIECES BACK PLAY KICKING GRASSROOTS RUGBY ARCHIVE

DRILLS

Visitors familiar with this site may be somewhat surprised to find this new section since it's no secret that I'm very sceptical about the typical use of drills in rugby training.

Thus, the entire section that follows should be considered in the light of the following:

1. ALL, and I do mean all, drills should be designed for specific circumstances - teams, parts of the season, conditions, etc.
2. The design of each drill should be allowed to evolve carefully and 'organically' so that it brings about specific technique improvements directly .
3. Supervision of drills is more important than design of drills. There must always be opportunities to stop the drill to demonstrate and expound coaching points. These opportunities MUST be taken!
4. The suggested outline drills that follow should be thought of only as starting points.

Top of Page

TIPS

You can't be everywhere so:
Think carefully about where, as a coach, your specific expertise is most important in each drill. I freely admit that I am a poor passer so it's stupid for me to demonstrate passing when there are always good passers available. Yes, passing drills need demonstration but not by me! On the other hand, I have a good eye for timing so back move drills receive my specific attention.

Remember, the players want to be ACTIVE - they don't want to stop to be corrected or coached so pressure them to perform properly so that you don't have to stop proceedings.

Develop challenge drills. These require completion of a specific number of actions e.g. 100 passes or 20 lineouts without a mistake. Drop the ball and the group must start again. Assign your noisiest player to count the repetitions.

Consider appointing one (or more) players "King or Queen of the Drill" and giving them the responsibility for close supervision of it. These players must, obviously, have total command of the technique being addressed and the respect of the squad. They must have the character traits that allow them to halt proceedings for demonstration or individual coaching without major complaint. (You'll be building leadership in the process.)

Even if performance is not perfect five drills run full out and totally concentrated for two to four minutes each is far, far more useful than one drill repeated over and over for ten minutes. Performance WILL improve.

Institute a small but rigorously applied penalty for dropped balls - e.g. 5 push-ups for the passer while the receiver must gather the ball.

If you have a team manager or an injured player at training use them to hustle cones or run the stop watch etc. while the coach concentrates on the players' technique.

Handling

Techniques to be embedded: passing (off both hands) - pop, spiral etc., catching a pass (off both hands), catching a high ball,
Auckland squares are the basis for most handling drills - four teams (A through D) at the corners of a 8m to 10m square, one to four balls in play. A player (e.g. A1 )from each team passes to a player (e.g. B1) from one of the other teams who then passes on etc. There are hundreds of Auckland squares variations:
It's worth drawing out each of these drills on paper to be sure I haven't made a mistake!
Variations:
Diagonal pop. Mark a 3m circle in the middle of the square with cones. 2 balls. A1 pop passes to C1 inside the circle who passes to A2 so that the ball doesn't leave the circle etc. Meanwhile, B1 pop passes to D1 and so on. Pressure: Drill is done at full speed. Players must accelerate into the circle and avoid the congestion - so they must look for their pass and avoid the other players. (The whole point is to make the circle a busy and confusing place so that the players must concentrate totally.) 1 minute off right hand without a drop then 1 minute off the left hand without a drop. Sub Variation: Substitute a handoff for the pop pass.
Spiral pass.A1 runs to midpoint of side AB while C1 runs to midpoint of side CD. A1 passes across the square to C1 who hands off to D1 who runs to midpoint of side DA and passes across to B1 etc. A1 hands off to B2 etc.
Pressure: Drill is done at full speed. Players and recievers must time their pass properly. 1 minute clockwise, 1minute anti-clockwise, no drops.
Top of Page

Defence

Techniques to be embedded:
Tackle
Note: Tackling a tackle-bag is a total waste of time. Tackle bags ARE useful as dummies in ruck drills.
All tackling begins with mastery of the power step and upward drive.
Variation: Two teams of up to 6, A and B. 6 balls. A1 (defender) and B1 (ball-carrier) approach each other at walking pace. B1 will 'submit' to the 'tackle' and concentrate on how to protect the ball. A1 will concentrate on placing his power foot appropriately and driving his body from a low approach into the ball-carrier's body just below the ball but not following through.The vector of the tackle should be centre-of-gravity directed toward centre-of-gravity as far as possible. (Note that this is only a drill! Over-zealous tackling at this point gains A1 10 push-ups or a lap of the pitch!) A1 joins the B team and vice versa.
The coaching points here are all to do with the placement of the power foot to allow the defender to oppose the ball-carrier's motion, centre-of-gravity to centre-of-gravity.
Variation: I. Same drill (again no follow through) at a jog. II. Same drill at a jog, ballcarrier angling left or right, no fending!
Note that full-out tackling drills at speed are potentially hazardous and should be limited to one run through where the ball-carrier is encouraged to try to evade the tackle.
Line Defence
Techniques to be embedded:
Line defence isn't so much a drill, it's more a way of life! Players need to adopt the habit of forming a defence line as fast as possible and advancing and retreating in line - no kinks, no bends. Thus, use every opportunity - e.g. during warm-up, fitness drills etc. - to do the drill in a line and enforce line discipline rigidly. "Look through your ears!" is the call.
The coach should be able to make a single call, e.g. "D Line" at any time during practice for all the players to immediately form a defence line on him.
Variation:
Players all face down on the ground. At the call of a name players all form a defence line on the named player facing the coach.
Variation:
Players all face down on the ground. Coach kicks a ball down the field and players rush to form a defence line where it ends up. When the line is formed they advance back up the field in line and at pace.

Top of Page

Lineout

The section on the Lineout in the Set Pieces page is a useful addition to this section. Techniques to be embedded: Throwing, lifting front, lifting rear, jumping and distribution, timing, maul formation, peel plays and misdirection

Throwing: This technique is difficult to perform consistently - on a par with goal-kicking it requires dedication, individual coaching and individual practice before embedding is attempted. Simply put, more throwers are spoiled by bad habits than by lack of ability. There are numerous individual drills available to throwers - throwing over the crossbar from the 22m to build core strength and stability, throwing at a post to improve accuracy etc. but these need to be supervised since it is difficult for a thrower to get proper technical feed-back at first.

Lifting and jumping: see Lineout tennis Variation: Two teams of forwards, A and B, one at each post. At the signal A1 and A3 hoist A2 (and B1 and B3 hoist B2) to a pre-selected height using the post as a marker, coach or other watcher calls, "One" etc., down, A1 joins the end of the team, A2 and A4 hoist A3 and so on.
Pressure: Teams 'win' by the greatest number of successful hoists in say 2 minutes. Note that this drill requires props to jump so allowances must be made! Sub variation: Teams are allowed to designate say three jumpers but the remainder must lift, front and back, in turn.

Lineout Misdirection:The theory of misdirection is not difficult to grasp but execution of successful misdirection techniques requires the whole-hearted participation of the entire squad.
Embedding drills require clear signal calling and concentration.
Variation: Two teams of forwards. No ball. The teams each huddle and select tactics for 3 lineouts. Line up on the half-way line. Coach designates the 'throwing' team and gives the signal. Throwing team execute and 'win' if their jumper is unopposed. Defending team win if they read the tactic and get their jumper up in front of the other team's. Coach decides. Run to 10m line and repeat. Back to half-way and so on for 6 lineouts. Note: NO calls. Teams must remember their misdirection plans. Mix and match the teams ever six repetitions. Sub variation: Thrower huddles with one team and throws three times to it. Then with the other team etc.
Note 1: still no calls. Note 2: To score the team must not only win the ball but they must clearly out-fox the opposition.

Top of Page

Scrum

The section on Scrum Technique in the Set Pieces page is a useful introduction to scrum drills.

Techniques to be embedded:
Props and hookers: Body position, foot control, binding, torso rotation, timing. Second rows and N0.8s: Body position and control, foot control, binding, timing Flankers: Body position and control, binding, timing.

Body Position and Control including Torso Rotation
All scrum training sessions should begin with one-on-one and three-on-three (two bound 'front rows' and a second row) drills. Note: In three-on-threes players should rotate positions.
In these forwards match up with similar sized forwards to form mini-scrums. There is no hit. An 'attacker' having been designated to start they come together to carry out a sequence of exercises as follows:

Attacker drives, defender locks out: 3 30-second periods then change roles and repeat.
Each tries to turn the other left: 3 30-second periods.
Each tries to turn the other right: 3 30-second periods.
Attacker tries to lift defender. 3 30-second periods.
Attacker tries to push defender down. 3 30-second periods.

Backs

Technique to be embedded: Impromptu Back Attacks

Far too much time is spent doggedly repeating pre-set back back moves during most training sessions.
Yes, of course, the crucial six or seven back moves must be practiced to keep essential timing up to the mark but it is becoming more and more clear from watching the French and the All Blacks in this time of the offload that more emphasis must be given to so-called open-field impromptu attack.

Drill:
Participants: a set of backs, 9 through 15, using the area between the goal-line and the 22m.

The exercise begins with a pass from 9 to 10 on the touch-line.

10 starts for the opposite touch-line with the ball followed by the other six backs in no particular formation.

The challenge to the ball-carrier is to choose and pass to the best positioned supporting back within five paces (the coach will count them aloud) of receiving a pass. Having passed he becomes a supporter again!

The challenge to supporting backs is to receive the most passes as the ball crosses the field. Thus, they must strive to offer the ball-carrier the best option. Thus, supporters must get themselves into position to (a) accelerate onto a pass, (b) on a vector that changes the angle of the attack and (c) communicate their intention. This will cause intense competition to be in the best position!

One minute is allowed for post-mortem by the coach after each trip across the field; the exercise to be done in sets of six crossings. Players keep track of their receptions and announce their totals at the end.

Drill Variation:

As above but scatter all your tackle and rucking pads randomly (I do mean randomly - i.e. not evenly spaced. There must be favourable (few pads) and unfavourable (many pads) areas - this can be a challenge for your walking wounded! ) on the ground in the area between the goal line and the 22. No pads may be touched during the drill - automatic 20 press-up penalty!

Ruck

Techniques to be embedded:



Top of Page

Pick and Go

Techniques to be embedded:
Ball retention and placement, speed/power off the mark, effective support, option taking.

The key to successful Pick and Go is precise and rapid ball recycling. In today's game there is no value in simply smashing into a defender or even displacing/destabilizing the defence line if the strike is not turned to advantage and this can best be done by a fast, well-prepared second strike. It goes without saying that selecting the exact target for the first strike is crucially important. Emphasis must be given to attacking spaces, not defenders. Drills should not be limited to forwards - centres and even wingers can bring added value to Pick and Go using their speed and agility. A scrum-half supports all drills but only gathers the ball after the second strike.

Coaching points: Correct ball carrying, power step before impact, agility and discipline in ball placement, correct angle of attack. Drill 5: Note that attacking the defenders obliquely opens the ball-carrier to being 'trap-doored' - ending up with his or her upper body and the ball over the gain line but unable to recycle because the gap has closed. Penalties are indicated to reinforce the need for total ball control.

Drills:
1. Individual ball-carriers drive low between two well-ballasted tackle bags (say head-width apart) and place the ball correctly after impact. Dropped balls: penalty. Lost of control of the ball on placement: penalty.

2. Supported ball-carriers drive between two well-ballasted tackle bags attempting to separate them and place the ball correctly after impact. Dropped balls: penalty. Lost of control of the ball on placement: penalty.

3. As for 2. third player gathers the recycled ball and drives between a second adjacent pair of tackle bags keeping feet (i.e. not quite so low as the first strike) and managing the recycle appropriately (placement, pop pass etc.) after impact. Dropped balls: penalty. Lost of control of the ball on placement: penalty.

4. As for 2. third player gathers the recycled ball and with close support of a fourth player drives between a second adjacent pair of tackle bags attempting to separate them and place the ball correctly after impact. Dropped balls: penalty. Lost of control of the ball on placement: penalty.

When these skills show a level of competence:

5. As for 4 but second strike attack the first pair of tackle bags. Note that this reguires the first pair of players to leave room for this second strike or risk being trampled. This drill needs to be walked through a few times before attempting it at moderate speed. Dropped balls: penalty. Lost of control of the ball on placement: penalty.

6. As for 5 but using two players as defenders under close supervision. Begin at minimum power (walking speed) and build only to moderate power. The objective is NOT to injure the defenders! Dropped balls: penalty. Lost of control of the ball on placement: penalty.

7. As for 5 (minimum speed/power) pop pass to the scrum-half who box kicks - other players support. Dropped balls: penalty. Lost of control of the ball on placement: penalty.

Maul

Techniques to be embedded:

Re-starts

The sections on Midfield re-starts and 22 Drop-outs provide the background for these Drills. Re-starts are just as complicated as other phases of rugby play and to be successful players need to have a good working knowledge of the functions of the various kick-off and receiving units.

Kicking and Receiving:Techniques to be embedded:

NOTE: All re-starts, kicking or receiving, require clear communication, accurate kicks, secure catches and instant support to be successful. Kicking drills are covered in the Kicking Drills section.

Catching
Catching skills require repetition! Five catches means nothing, 100 safe catches indicates real progress! The problem for designing catching drills is thus to get the ball in the air (and hopefully on a different trajectory each time) enough times.

Calling for the ball
There is no substitute for clear and rigid rules here. E.g. NO catches without a call. Player behind has precedence in the event of two players calling. NO balls to fall to earth! (Allowing the ball to bounce at practice: 20 press-ups by the entire squad.)

Catching the ball
Use a sloping roof - corrugated iron for preference. Lob a succession of balls onto the roof and have the players catch them - simple as that. If the players stand very close to the building the time available to make the catch will be shortened. Note that this method doesn't require putting the ball into the stratosphere to be useful but the ball does need to descend onto the roof fairly steeply - good exercise for your hookers!.
If a suitable roof isn't available place samall groups of players inside a 5m circle and have your hookers and kickers lob balls in. Begin with the players facing the thrower and the balls going quite high and progress to players facing away and turning only after a call by the thrower, lower throws, multiple balls in the air etc.

Four styles of catch need to be practiced so the coach should alternate the styles. These techniques need to be regularly demonstrated, attempted, critiqued and discussed until they are embedded. Players MUST ALWAYS call for the ball!:
High (two hands above the head.),
Body (catch "over the shoulder" pulling the ball into the body to catch at chest level - spills go back not forward - shoulder hunched to protect the ball from impact.)
Advancing (catcher runs toward the descending ball and jumps to catch it into the body.) and
Supported ( catcher supported by two lifters - the pod must manoeuvre to get under the ball, the catch is made above the head, two handed, and passed immediately off-the-top. Pods need to be pre-designated.)

Support:
Simply catching the ball isn't the whole story. Players need to practice supporting the catcher.
Drill: Same set-up as above but catcher passes immediately AND SYMPATHETICALLY to another player. Players take turns to receive - i.e. position themselves to take the pass and receive the ball safely. (Give the players numbers which they call when their turn comes. Correct receiver has to call and catcher has to find him or her.)
As a variation use an opposing player to wrap-up the catcher at which time supporters form a maul, bind properly, smuggle the ball back and move say three steps down field.

Clean-up:
Inevitably balls will be dropped. When this happens the non-recievers gather the loose ball, regain their feet if necessary and pass to the designated receiver or blow over and set up a ruck and defence line as appropriate.)

Chase:
In order to catch the ball you have to be under it. If the ball can't be caught i.e. if it's kicked long, the supporters need to form a defence line.
Drill: As above with say every fifth (or so) ball thrown long. When this happens players run to form an appropriate defence line - obviously as close to the bounce of the ball as possible while still maintaining a straight line.

All these drills can be pressurised by introducing one or more opponents who will compete for the ball.

Kicking

Techniques to be embedded:
Top of Page