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 2 in channel

A good progression from the 2 v 1 drill

6 v 2 v 2 v 2 v 3

Developing the skills into decision making down a channel

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.

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.

Women's - 2 v 3 1

Women's - 2 v 3 1

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

Junior - 3 v 2 2

Men's - 3 v 2 2

Women's - 2 v 3 2

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.

11. 6 v 2 v 2 v 2

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.

3 v 2 attacking practice

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

Junior - 3 v 2 1

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

Passing 4 v 3 reset

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

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

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

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Step 5 - Introducing the 3 v 3 Scrum

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

Sevens - 2 v 1 2

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

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

Attacking progression's 4 v 3

A progression from 3 v 2s, this drill is closer to a game situation, where there are more decisions for the attacking players to make. The gaps could appear in a variety of locations and they have several passing /running options. With 4 attacking players, you may wish to utilise your basic strike moves.

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Junior - 2 v 1 1

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

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

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.

Women's - 2 v 1

Women's - 2 v 1

Step 3 - Introducing the 1 v 1 Scrum

Introducing live defenders for 2 v 1

Developing passing skills with more pressure and intensity

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

Attack 2 v 1

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

Learning to pass 2 v 1

Developing lines of running to attack the inside shoulder of defenders

1. Support - 1,2,3 Follow Through

Isolated technical practice

Courtesy of the SRU

Small -sided game - 5 v 3

This is an intuitive decision-making pratice

Offload out of the tackle in channel 2

A good progression for developing difficulty from a standard drill, look at carrying the ball and moving the defender so that you can ride the tackle

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

11. 4 v 2 Continuous Touch Rugby

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 3

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.

4 v 3 after 5m reset

Core skills training

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

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.

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.

Broncos 4 - 6 v 3 Identify space

Players to attack with "Heads up" and identify where colleagues have space. Supporting players to call early to the ball carriers. Defenders to stay tight to not let attack through the middle spaces easily

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.

2v1 in multiple channels

Repeated attempts are very effective ways of accelerating learning and the ability to perform a technique under pressure making it a skill

One handed passing down channel holding 2 balls

This drill allows you to develop control over the ball and the ability to pass one handed if needed to

Change the point of attack - 4 v 3

This drill allows you to develop decision making by varying the attack and defence continually thus accelerating learning

L2 - Conditioning Circuit

Using the full length of the pitch the practice is a continuous 3 v 2 scenario. • 3 attackers knock over a bag to collect a ball and attack 2 defenders in the 5m channel. • If they fail to beat the defenders (touch/grip), the attackers run back to knock over another bag and start again. • Having beaten the first defenders they carry on with the same ball to beat 2 further defenders who may choose a colour and start from the appropriate cone. • If the attackers fail to beat the defence they run back to the bag and start again with another ball. The defence can choose another colour to start from. • The next challenge is two free roaming defenders. If the attack fail they go back and knock over another bag to start again. • Finally the defenders choose a colour to start from and if the attack fail they get another ball and the defence choose another starting colour. • The objective is to complete the attack with the starting ball and restarts. Keep score to create competition

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

2-man Tackle and Decision-making

This practice develops communication in a three v three game format

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.

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

Live tacking in channel

Finally introduce live 1 v 1 tackling in a controlled environment using a channel. Standards will vary but as coaches it is important to praise all of the players. Doing this exercise too early may cause problems and refrain from doing so until the fundamental skills have mastered

Turnover session - 2 Games

A full contact game, conditioned with channels on either side of the pitch. The attacking team must get the ball to both channels before they are allowed to score a try.

This is to spread the attack out, and create more opportunities for turnover ball to occur

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.

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

Sevens - Full Lineout 3

Accurate skills are the key to lineouts in seven's, a combination of movement, lifting and throw combine to make an effective restart for the attacking team. The shape of the attacking side is pre planned to create a mis - match with a faster player v a slower one. key factors : Pre call the move - Fast feet - Strong core for jumper - Support from both players to lift the jumper - Jumper to jump - Accurate throw - Support he jumper to the ground - Offload pass to scrum half

Men's - Turnover and move the ball 2

Strong defence and a turnover allows two quick passes, (One long pass), and then attack the defence. The two passes have changed the channel of attack by 30 metres.

Key factors : Tackle and stay on your feet - Long quick pass / spin pass - Communicate loudly - Support the ball carrier on his shoulder

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.

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 2

3v2 in Channel

A simple yet effective drill that enables players to test out their attacking options. They must attempt to control the situation by committing one defender, to create the 2v1.

Attack from broken play

The Oaklands College defence closes in to a loose ball, and Filton are able to exploit a 3 v 2

Scrum Factory - 11. Flanker Channeling and The Role of the Number 8

The roles of each player in channelling the ball to the number 8

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

Junior - Wrap Tackle 2

Junior - Wrap Tackle 2

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

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

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

Tackle Technique in channel

Use a channel with attackers and defenders to progress the tackle technique, mix the players up so they all have opportunities. Reinforce the coaching points and give praise regularly

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

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

Men's - Exiting the 22m 3

Men's - Exiting the 22m 3

Lions - 3&5 man scrum practice

A progression from the 3 man scrum - developing body shape and positions

Women's - Offloads 2

Women's - Offloads 2

Men's - Standard restart with good catch 2

Men's - Standard restart with good catch 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

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Tackling 20 - 2-man Tackle

Tackling 20 - 2 man Tackle

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Women's - Exiting the 22m 2

Women's - Exiting the 22m 2

Lions - Attacking channells

From the Lions 2009 tour, a support drill in a channel to encourage the ball carrier to move the defender and make space for the support player

Men's - Offloads for Continuity 2

Men's - Offloads for Continuity 2

Women's - Straight Scrums 2

Women's - Straight Scrums 2

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

Women's - Patterns of Play 3

Women's - Patterns of Play 3

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1

Men's - Exiting the 22m 2

Men's - Exiting the 22m 2

Men's - Strike Moves 3

Men's - Strike Moves 3

Two Channel Passing Exercise

Players work in 3s running around the corner and realigning to attack. Introduce defenders and the need to look up and communicate.

Andy Farrell's 3 Top tips For Defence

Tackling 2 - Rugby Kibadi

Three Channel Passing Challenge

Adding pressure to key skills is crucial to improve your players and to practise like you play. This exercise covers a variety of skills but essentially is about accurate passing and fixing defenders

Chapter 2 - Introducing Competition for the Ball

Women's - Accurate clearing of players 3

British Lions - Play from scrum - continuity 2

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

Good Practice - Segment 3