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.

Evasion 1 v 1 after pass

Core skills handling

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

Evasion 1 v 1

A decision making exercise to beat defenders and attack shoulders

1 v 1 attack

Winger positional skills training.

1 v 1 defence

Winger positional skills.

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Junior - 2 v 1 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

Introducing live defenders for 2 v 1

Developing passing skills with more pressure and intensity

Attack 2 v 1

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

1v1 Evasion Skills

This video takes you through the skills to use in a 1v1. Use the fend, ball transfer and footwork to beat the man.

Quins - Tackle Technique 1 v 1

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

Step 3 - Introducing the 1 v 1 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.

Women's - 2 v 1

Women's - 2 v 1

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

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

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

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.

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 3 1

Women's - 2 v 3 1

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 - 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

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.

Evasion Skills - Hand-off

Hand-offs can be an extremely effective attacking tool, particularly in sevens where there are fewer defenders to beat. Here, a player from Stowe School performs two to complete an 85m run-in. Using a strong, outstretched arm keeps the defender at a safe distance.

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

Learning to pass 2 v 1

Developing lines of running to attack the inside shoulder of defenders

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.

Running skills the sidestep 1

Sevens - 2 v 1 2

Junior - 3 v 2 1

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.

Evasion skills - Spin

With only one defender to beat, and some space on the outside, this Tonbridge School player attacks the inside shoulder of the defender, before spinning and using his pace to beat him on the outside. This requires pace, balance, and the initial step must commit the defender the wrong way.

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.

6 v 2 v 2 v 2 v 3

Developing the skills into decision making down a channel

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

Step 1 - Playing Tag Rugby

Chapter 1 - Playing Tag Rugby

Introduction to TAG

Passing 4 v 3 reset

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

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.

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

Coaching Contact Skills With Games - U 11's

Using games to coach can be a challenge for junior coaches. In this clip the Sale sharks community coach delivers a session to develop contact skills at the breakdown by using games, questioning and challenging the players. This can be used for all Junior age groups

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

Group exercise for evasion & agility

Developing core skills for evasion and agility

3 v 2 in channel

A good progression from the 2 v 1 drill

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

Tacking & evasion exercise

Developing core skills for evasion with other players

L2 - Continuous Rugby

Skill Practice Description • Play 7 v 7 Continuous Rugby i.e. after a score, the team who has just scored, keeps possession and immediately starts attacking the far try line. • This allows attacker to play against broken defences (defence not spread in a flat line across the field of play). • This will help players to use evasive skills and maintain continuity, with more passing before being tackled (3 second recycles after a tackle or it becomes a turnover). Key Coaching Points • Communication • Quickness of attack at a disorganised defence • Skills to attack space • Footwork and evasion skills • Scanning skills Relevance to the Game • Great for coaching counter attacking and challenging speed in organisation of both attack and defence. • Any player can be ball carrier and communication is vital as is decision making in identifying space and the best way to attack it successfully

Small sided evasion game

Developing core skills for agility and ball carrying

Agility & evasion exercise through poles

Developing core skills

Evasion Training

Rugby is a game of evasion. The movement and agility of players is integral to evasion and coaches should integrate specific exercises into training sessions. Coaches can use small sided games along with some simple practises

4 v 3 after 5m reset

Core skills training

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.

3 v 2 attacking practice

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

Introducing evasion to young players

Developing skills in youngsters

Broncos 6 - Attack to Defence 8 v 5

A combination of skills are tested, both technical and tactical with the defenders moving from a passing activity to defending 8 attackers. The coach can change the attack with different starting points and number of attackers

1. Half Back Play

Watch the half backs and assess their effect on the game and the skills required to affect the game

11. 6 v 2 v 2 v 2

Richard Wigglesworth - The Fun side of Skills

Saracens and England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth discusses the importance of skills and how they can enjoyment to a session.

Groundwork Skills

Improving some simple ball presentation skills can have a significant effect on the quality of your breakdown and the speed of the ball delivered from the contact area. This is a great technique that all players should learn

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

Sevens - Offloads 1

Sevens - Offloads 1

Contact skills - Dad & siblings

A few fun exercises that many families have moved away from. Wrestling is great for experiencing contact

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

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.

Scrum - 1 vs 1

Practice body position and warm up for full scrum session.

Running skills the swerve in action

Running skiils in a game

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

1. Support - 1,2,3 Follow Through

Isolated technical practice

Courtesy of the SRU

Improve Skills at Home

It's a great idea for players of all ages and abilities to practice their skills at home. Putting in the extra hours outside of training makes a huge difference back on the pitch. There are a large number of ideas for training at home, including position-specific skills, on PremiershipRugbyCoaching.com Join now to see them all.

Why are skills important?

The London Scottish Skills Coach explains why skill work is important and why you should incorporate them into fitness.

L2 - Scatter Defence Game

Skill Practice Description • Ideal practice for when defences break up later in games or with counter attack decision making. • Attackers stand in front of a numbered cone and ball. • The coach calls a number and all attackers must run around their own numbered cone but whichever number was called, that ball becomes active. • At the same time a colour is called for the defenders and all defenders must turn and run around a cone of that colour. They must however choose different cones. • If a touch is made, the teams swap over roles. • If a try is scored, the attackers stay the same. • First to five tries wins. Key Coaching Points • Spatial awareness • Communication • Quickness of attack at a disorganised defence • Skills to attack space • Footwork and evasion skills • Scanning skills • Decision making • Importance of getting behind defenders Relevance to the Game • Great for coaching counter attacking disorganised defences from different angles. • Any player can be ball carrier and communication is vital as is decision making in identifying space and the best way to attack it successfully • Cones can be placed to shape different types of defence. Organised or scattered

Advanced Passing Skills

Passing skills are a high priority for most coaches and teachers. This video features a "Grip Game" to test the offloading skills and ball control of players

Bouncing - The key to contact skills

Encouraging players to improve their "Floor" skills is the key to improving contact skills such as tackling, rucking and competing for the ball. It might be simple but it is effective

Saracens Focus On Skills

Saracens recent Premiership title was built upon simple skills executed to a very high level. Listen to why that is

The Importance of Basic Breakdown Skills

Continuously we see that the best teams are those that perform the basic skills better than their opponents. Basic skills such as passing, catching, running, tackling, and rucking. The breakdown is an essential element to the game as teams look to control momentum. Mastering the basic rucking and clearing techniques gives many teams the edge, and the quick ball that is required to enable their attack.

Jonathan Joseph - Improve Player Skills

Holidays are the perfect time to get stuck into some individual skills and this clip provides a few ideas and advice from leading players

London Irish - Super Skills

Do your players excel at one area of the game? if so why not try and make them even better and make them "The Specialist" in that area and turn that technique into a super skill

Home training - Skills on your own

Some simple skills to work on at home on your own. You can set yourself targets and make the exercise easier or more difficult

Running skills

core running skills in a game

Position-Specific Skills - The Box Kick

London Irish DoR Brian Smith discusses the box kick and it's relevance in modern rugby tactics. Skills such as kicking take hours of practice to master, but should be done in a specific, game related way.

Tony Rea - Transferable skills between codes

London Bronco's coach outlines some of the skills that are common to both rugby union and rugby league

What requires no skill?

Here Zoran Higgins takes you through his top attributes that require no skill. Any player can be the best at these and he encourages all players to give them 100%

Breakdown Skills for Mini age groups

Introducing contact and breakdown skills to younger players can be a challenge for many coaches, in this clip the Northampton saints community coaches explain some of the technical points and use some simple practises to help them learn

Richard Wigglesworth - Repitition to Develop Skills

Richard Wigglesworth explains that repitition can help to develop core skills in all players.

Contact Skills for Young Players

Leeds academy coaches cover the fundamentals skills for the contact area. This is a useful session for young players to focus on body position and key techinques.

Core skills Miss Pass intro

To develop the core passing skills

Practicing Skills on Your Own

Richard Wigglesworth gives a message to young scrum-halves to take every opportunity to perfect their core skills.

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

Interview - Conor O Shea on basic skills

Conor talks about the basic skills required for players. Its a simple game

Running skills game footage the sidestep 2

Watching core skills in action

Men's - Exiting the 22m 1

Men's - Exiting the 22m 1

Running skills the swerve key points

Running skills coaching points

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

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

Running skills the swerve

Developing core skills

STG - Statues

A fun and easy-to-grasp game that encourages good footwork and evasion skills. This is a good warm up game to use before teaching young players contact skills for the first time, but should always be followed by an upper-body warm up as well.

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.

Skills at home - Round the world

A great game for concentrating and improving passing & catching skills. At home with family or friends

Junior - Exiting the 22m 1

Junior - Exiting the 22m 1