Passing 4 v 3 reset

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

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.

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

4 v 3 after 5m reset

Core skills training

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

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.

6 v 2 v 2 v 2 v 3

Developing the skills into decision making down a channel

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

Step 5 - Introducing the 3 v 3 Scrum

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 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 - 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.

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

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.

Women's - 2 v 3 1

Women's - 2 v 3 1

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

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.

Step 3 - Introducing the 1 v 1 Scrum

11. 4 v 2 Continuous Touch Rugby

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

8 v 4 Overload touch

A game for developing advanced understanding of decision making

3 v 2 attacking practice

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

Small -sided game - 5 v 3

This is an intuitive decision-making pratice

Women's - 2 v 3 2

Junior - 3 v 2 2

Junior - 3 v 2 1

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 - 3 v 2 2

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

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.

Sevens - Turnovers and move the ball 4

From a turnover in contact the attackers pass the ball wide one way and then a deep wide pass back in the other direction to pull the defence out of shape and create an opportunity to attack. Key factors : Wide flat pass - Players support from depth - Deep wide pass - Running and swerving past the defender

Men's - Strike Moves 4

A great axample of how to use effective passing and dummy runners to attack from scrums. Key factors ; Solid scrum - Accurate spin pass - Load calling from dummy runners - Different angles of running - Wide flat pass - Speed and swerve from the final player

Tackle bag drill 3 man support after tackle

This is a very effective drill for developing decision making and awareness in support runners off a tackle situation

Lions 09 Lineout 4

Lineout variation and practice

Lions 09 lineout 3

Lineout variation and practice

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

A Deep Look Into Simple Passing

Here we take a look at a simple drill and Graham Steadman discusses the importance of getting the basics right. If every player can do this well your attacking speed will really improve.

11. 6 v 2 v 2 v 2

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.

Introduction to tackling - Step 4

Jailbreak is a fun game that allows young players to become familiar with live tackling, as well as evasion. The game is played in a small area, to the increase the chance of tackles being made, and reduce the speed of the ball-carriers.

4. Octopus Tig

Why Train In 4 Minute Blocks!

London Scottish Players and Coaches explain why they often train in 4 minute blocks.

Women's - Patterns of Play 3

Women's - Patterns of Play 3

Men's - Turnover and move the ball 4

Men's - Turnover and move the ball 4

Women's - 2 v 1

Women's - 2 v 1

Touch rugby with press up variation

This variation allows the attack to be more successful - and for the defence to work hard to cover the attack

Passing in 4s - variations

Adding variations to a basic lateral passing drill is a solid foundation to build into strike moves. Players should concentrate on pass accuracy and the timing and direction of their running lines. Add defenders to progress.

Men's - Strike Moves 3

Men's - Strike Moves 3

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

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

Men's - Exiting the 22m 3

Men's - Exiting the 22m 3

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

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.

Tackling 4 - Feet and Body Position

Tackling 4 - Feet and Body Position

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

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Lions - 3&5 man scrum practice

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

Support Runners

Here are some good examples of how effective support runners in attack can be to help you in your coaching process

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

Andy Farrell's 3 Top tips For Defence

Learning to pass 2 v 1

Developing lines of running to attack the inside shoulder of defenders

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.

Rugby Netball with 4 Goals

In this game of 'rugby netball' (or 3D touch), use four goals instead of 2, to encourage more movement around the pitch and for players to learn spacial awareness and communication.

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

Good Practice - Segment 3

Good Practice - Segment 4

Men's - Patterns of play 3

Materiality Clip 4 - On-side Scrum

Advantage Clip 3 - Scrum Advantage

Advantage Clip 4 - Penalty Advantage

Contextual Clip 3 - Tackle

Contextual Clip 4 - Tackle

Foul Play Clip 3 - Lineout Interference

Foul Play Clip 4 - Shoulder Charge

Infringements Clip 4 - Not Releasing

Materiality Clip 3 - Scrum Binding

Rugby netball variation

Play a game to develop understanding - here the ball carrier cannot run with the ball.

Touch Game variation

Here after a touch the defence do an immediate pressup - thus creating space and an chaotic environment for the attack

1 v 1 defence

Winger positional skills.

Pass to the runner behind

Handling drill working on lines of running

Evasion 1 v 1

A decision making exercise to beat defenders and attack shoulders

Evasion 1 v 1 after pass

Core skills handling

Touch rugby with press up variation

A game for understanding space & movement

3-man lifting practice with pads

Progress lifting practises with more movement as is required in matches. The coach can alter things to make the exercise easier or more demanding. Key factors : Communication - Fast feet - Straight back - Squat / bend the knee's - Lock out arms

Intense handling exercise - 4 man

Core skills drill

Attacking in waves of 3

The ability to realign quickly is important to developing the back play and counter attacking. Coaches can vary the numbers and timing of the first pass to make this exercise easier or more demanding. Key factors : Run straight - Comunicate early - Uniform distance and depth - Catch & pass in one movement - Hips straight - Hands & armes across the body - Realign quickly - Aerobic fitness

British lions - team play 3

team play practice in a semi-opposed style assists the players in learning their roles and responsibilities

Lions 09 - 3-man Scrum Practice

Develop the front row as a foundation for the building of the scrum

8-man Scrum v Machine

Testing your scrums in training using a scrum machine / sled helps to ensure all of your pack practice the correct body position and timing in cooperation with their team mates. This is a great time to try out new combinations of players before match day.

Lions 09 Backs defence 3

A clip with a progression on defensive systems from the 2009 Lions Tour

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.

Lions 09 Backs support lines 3

Lions 2009 support drills, with a progression

Lions 09 backs defence 4 man on man

Lions 2009 defence clip

Lions 09 - backline defence inown 22 option 3

Where you are on the pitch can determine you defensive system

Learning to pass laterally in 4's

Developing our lateral passing skills. The coach can alter the width, depth and number of players

1 v 1 attack

Winger positional skills training.