Junior - 2 v 1 1

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Sevens - 2 v 1

Seven's is about creating chances and then taking them. In this clip the Blue team take the ball up the middle of the pitch to draw in defenders, after recycling the ball they have a 2 v 1 opportunity, a straight line of running and a flat wide pass creates the try. Key factors : Call early - Run straight - Wide spin pass - Catch and swerve to score

Sevens - 2 v 1

Having identified a 2 v 1 situation, the RGS Guildford player decides not to give an early pass from the breakdown, but instead to run and commit the defender before giving a pass to his teammate. Key factors: Timing - communication - accurate passing

Sevens - 2 v 1

A variety of passes create a 2 v 1 which is executed perfectly for the outside attacker to score. Key factors : Different angles of running and support - Comunication - Ball presentation - Effective clearing of defenders at the breakdown - Accurate wide passes - Attack the inside shoulder of the last defender - Flat spin pass

2 v 1 Draw and Pass

A basic 2 v 1 drill that encourages players to time their pass after they have drawn a defender, and for the supporting player to hold their depth.

Men's - 2 v 1

A good example of phase play to create a 2 v 1 attacking platform. The initial deep pass then creates an overlap and the defender drifts to allow the attacker to run through easily.

Key factors : Quick ball at breakdown - Straight lines of running - Deep pass - straight lines of running again - Loud communication

Women's - 2 v 1

Women's - 2 v 1

Women's - 2 v 3 1

Women's - 2 v 3 1

Sevens - 2 v 1 2

Men's - 3 v 2 1

A passage of play that shows how to attack with more attackers than defenders, a 3 v 2. The winger shows that strong running and determination can break tackles. Click on the practises in this section for coaching ideas

Attack Grid - 4 v 2

This continuous exercise puts pressure on your players to think fast and be ruthless in attacking the space. Coaches can change the size of the grid and the number of defenders to make it an easier game

Attack 2 v 1

A good decision-making exercise which requires players to practice their basic running and passing skills

Passing - 2 v 1 Static Defender

Now working in just twos, we are concerned with depth, and the timing of the pass. Allow players to practice before adding a static defender. This can be a tackle bag as demonstrated. Players take the ball up to the defender but must complete the pass before they reach it.

Scrum Technique 1 v 2

This drill acts as a warm up for the single player, with the other two simply providing resistance. The single player must maintain a strong body position and push the other two backwards.

2 v 1 Passing

Adding a live defender helps to encourage players to hold their depth in support, so a good pass can be completed.

Learning to pass 2 v 1

Developing lines of running to attack the inside shoulder of defenders

Introducing live defenders for 2 v 1

Developing passing skills with more pressure and intensity

Junior - 3 v 2 1

2 v 1 with withd & flat pass

These are core skill drills for youngsters to learn the game. As a coach you can alter the width and depth of the supporting players

Quins Defence - 2 v 2 tackling

A progression from the 1 v 1 drill this exercise adds extra players to make the decision making process more realistic. The coaches can vary the delivery of the ball and the width of the area to put different conditions to the players

6 v 2 v 2 v 2 v 3

Developing the skills into decision making down a channel

11. 6 v 2 v 2 v 2

3 v 2 in Channel

A development of the 2 v 1 and 3 v1 drills, the attackers now must beat 2 defenders. This requires more decision-making ability as the movements of the defenders could change every time. Players must communicate as well as continue to perform their handling and running skills.

3 v 1 in Channel

A progression from the 2 v 1, where a second pass is encouraged to move the ball away from the defender.

3 v 2 in channel

A good progression from the 2 v 1 drill

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

1 v 1 Tackling in Channel

An opportunity for players to put what they have learnt on tackle technique into practice. Each tackle is observed by all other players who can give feedback. Ensure all players have a go at attacking and defending.

Quins Defence - 1 v 1 tackle skills

Close contact in a small channel ensures the players work their movement skills in both attack and defence. The coach reinforces the skills for contact prior to progressing this exercise

Junior - 3 v 2 2

Evasion 1 v 1

A decision making exercise to beat defenders and attack shoulders

Quins - Tackle Technique 1 v 1

A new tackle technique exercise without the "Bone on Bone" collisions

1 v 1 Evasion Skills

A lone attacker must beat a single defender. This is great way to develop evasion skills in the attacker, and positioning for the defender.

Step 3 - Introducing the 1 v 1 Scrum

1 v 1 attack

Winger positional skills training.

Women's - 2 v 3 2

Evasion 1 v 1 after pass

Core skills handling

1 v 1 defence

Winger positional skills.

Men's - 3 v 2 2

1. Support - 1,2,3 Follow Through

Isolated technical practice

Courtesy of the SRU

Passing - 3 v 2 Live Defenders

Gradually progress from 2 static defenders, to 3 v 2 roaming defenders. The first two players must draw their defenders before giving the pass.

Falcon's Grid exercise for running lines

Running straight and changing your running line will make players better attackers and underpins an effective 2 v 1. Dave Walder from Newcastle Falcon's run's through a new style exercise that all coaches can use.

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1

3 v 2 and then another defender

Develop decision-making skills in attack. 3 attackers must beat 2 defenders, before facing a third immediately after.

Passing 4 v 3 reset

A progression from 2 v 1 , 3 v 2 to 4 v 3

Passing - 3 v 2 Static Defenders

Progress to working in 3s against two static defenders. The pressure is on the middle player to hold their depth and perform a quick pass.

11. 4 v 2 Continuous Touch Rugby

3 v 2 attacking practice

A useful drill to build decision-making skills. Attackers must choose from a variety of running and passing options.

3 v 2 How to Fix Defenders

Running straight & fixing defenders is a skill that all players must learn and learn at an early age. The top players regularly practise this skill to maintain accuracy. This is the building block to scoring tries

Tackle bag grid chase the tackler 2

a high intensity support and conditioning drill in a small space, that you can manage

Tackling on Knees - 3 v 1

Using three attackers ensures the defender tackles on both sides and from slightly different angles. The coach can vary the pace and width of this exercise

Men's - Offloads 2

A counter attack invlving moving the ball wide quickly, then attack defenders with support runners and finally a 2 v 1 to score in the corner. Key factors : Strong communication - Wide spin passes - Attacking the space around defenders - Support the ball carrier from behind - Offload with two hands - straight running - Flat pass

Broncos 1 - Scramble defence - Tracking back

Use this exercise to replicate a line break with one defender to beat. The attackers need to move the defender and execute a 2 v 1 while the initial defender tracks back to stop the pass. Also works movement at top end speed for the main attacker

L2 - Outflanking Game

Skill Practice Description The objective of this game is to develop the ability to execute the 2 v 1 with consistent efficiency. • The attacking team initially has at least one extra players in order to create an advantage. • There is a channel on each wing in which only 1 defender and 2 attackers may enter at any time. • The attack works the play to get the ball into the outside channel then execute the 2 v 1. • With the extra players, the attack can also develop opportunities to penetrate the defence and so the game in not relying on lateral moment and still incorporates the principles of ‘go forward’. • The progression is to remove the cones and see if the players can still take advantage of the 2 v 1 without the conditions set within the channelled areas . • A further progression would be to even the numbers of each team. Key Coaching Points • Running lines to condense and hold defences in order to outflank. • Running lines in order to disrupt and penetrate the defence line. Relevance to the Game • Attacking players often fail to fix defenders effectively and may drift or over elaborate. • This game will assist in angles of run that fix the last defender

Functional Movement Warm Up Part 2

Every player should be able to perform these movements well! Mastering these will carry over to preventing injuries, managing collisions and maximising power and speed. Check out the related videos for part 1.

Functional Movement Warm Up Part 1

Every player should be able to perform these movements well! Mastering these will carry over to preventing injuries, managing collisions and maximising power and speed. Check out the related videos for part 2.

Conditioned Touch - Linked defenders

In this game, two defenders must link up, slowing them down and creating more opportunities for the attacking side. This can create the overlap necessary to put 2 v 1 and 3 v 2 techniques into practice.

Defence - 1. Primary Threat

If the ball is tucked under one arm, the ball carrier is unlikely to throw a 10 metre miss pass. So are the attackers 2 and 3 places out the primary threat?
If the ball carrier is running with the ball in both hands, the immediate threat may have a wider radius

If two centres are running at a centre and a prop, the primary threat may be the space defended by the prop

2-man Tackle and Decision-making

This practice develops communication in a three v three game format

Passing Progressions with defenders

Use progressions to change the pressure points so that players are taken "Out of their comfort zone" and experience more match related situations. Rugby is about creating a 2 v 1 opportunity so fixing defenders is one of the most important skills to learn

2. Any Direction Touch

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 2

Scrum - 1 vs 1

Practice body position and warm up for full scrum session.

Introduction to tackling - Step 1

To build confidence in tackling technique and taking contact, it can be a good idea to start with players on their knees.

Attack Grid For All Ages

Progress your passing practises to make them competitive by adding defenders and ore chaos. This attack grid has lots of flexibility and can be used with players of all ages

Attacking progression's 5 v 4

Progressing from 3 v 2s an 4 v 3s, you can now attack with something resembling a full back-line. Give the defence different instructions each time to test the reactions and decision-making skills of your attacking players.

Team Relay Races

Two examples of fun team relays that keep your players active with a competitive element. Suitable for adults, too!

Men's - Lineout catch & maul drive 1

Men's - Lineout catch & maul drive 1

Passing in Grid

Players move around in a grid passing to each other. A gentle warm up that is easy to grasp if you have a mixture of talent levels. Involves communication and some handling. Progress to include placing the ball on the ground, then another player picking it up. This is another basic skill that also involves a gentle stretch. You can adapt this with any progression you wish.

Men's - Good body position in contact & ball presentation 2

Men's - Good body position in contact & ball presentation 2

Quins Defence - Tackling in units 3 v 3

This exercise is part of a tackle technique progression and pitches 3 attackers v 3 defenders. As in match play the attacking players will present different challenges to the defenders. The coaches can choose to alter the conditions to put more or less pressure on the players

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 1

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 1

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Tag Game - Tag Rugby 1

Tag Game - Tag Rugby 1

Men's - Good body position in contact & ball presentation 1

Men's - Good body position in contact & ball presentation 1

Junior - Strike Moves 1

Junior - Strike Moves 1

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Junior - Exiting the 22m 1

Junior - Exiting the 22m 1

Men's - Offloads for Continuity 2

Men's - Offloads for Continuity 2

Men's - Standard restart with good catch 2

Men's - Standard restart with good catch 2

Warm Up - Handling Grid

All players running around in a small grid, popping balls to each other. Mix up the types of passes, such as one-handed, high passes low passes etc. Keep them moving before going into more focused stretches.

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Women's - Exiting the 22m 1

Women's - Exiting the 22m 1

Women's - Strike Moves 1

Women's - Strike Moves 1

Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 2

Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 2

Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 1

Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 1

Women's - Exiting the 22m 2

Women's - Exiting the 22m 2

Women's - Offloads 1

Women's - Offloads 1

Women's - Offloads 2

Women's - Offloads 2

Paul Gustard - Games V Drills For Best Results

How do you decide on the amount of games v drills you do in your sessions. Paul Gustard provides an insight into his view and why

Quick Fire Passing Grid

Use as either part of your warm up or as a breakout, this exercise is a high intensity passing challenge. Encourage your players to take ownership of this grid and manage the intensity themselves. Should create lots of fun

Men's - Exiting the 22m 2

Men's - Exiting the 22m 2

Men's - Exiting the 22m 1

Men's - Exiting the 22m 1

Women's - Straight Scrums 2

Women's - Straight Scrums 2

Sevens - Offloads 1

Sevens - Offloads 1

Sevens - Full Lineout 1

Sevens - Full Lineout 1

Junior - Wrap Tackle 2

Junior - Wrap Tackle 2

Junior - Good contact body position/ball presentation 1

Junior - Good contact body position/ball presentation 1

Tackling 20 - 2-man Tackle

Tackling 20 - 2 man Tackle