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

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.

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

Learning to Lift for the Lineout - Get started

Some slightly different progressions in building upon the basic skills for an effective line out

4 v 3 after 5m reset

Core skills training

Lions 09 Backs support lines 3

Lions 2009 support drills, with a progression

Lineout Movement and Lifting

Using a coloured grid, pods of 3 can work on their timing and technique when moving before the lift. The coach calls which colour cone to jump from, so the players can learn to react quickly. Rotate jumpers so that players practice working in different pods.

Lineout - Learning To Lift

Learning to lift and work as a pod of three is the foundation of an effective line out. London Irish academy provides some great tips on how to coach this area

Lineout Lifting Progressions

The second session focusses on developing the basic techniques for building your line out. Wasps second row James Cannon takes some level 6 players through some progressions

Lineout Lifting Fundamentals - Get started

An effective line out is based upon the fundamentals of movement, jumping and lifting. James Cannon from London Wasps takes some amateur players through the basic skills and techniques

Broncos 3 - Develop waves of attack

The first wave of attackers identify space and punch through the first line of defence. The ball carrier looks to move the ball quickly and away from covering defenders. This exercise tries to copy game situations as players cover their team mates in defence

Lineout Pods and Movement

The coach progresses the line out onto small units working together, adds in some competition and starts work with some five man options

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

L2 - Support Line Breaks

Skill Practice Description • The objective is to increase the commitment to supporting a line break. • The teams play continuous touch, grip or tackle. • Stage 1: when a score is made all attacking players must touch the try line within 3 seconds or the try is disallowed and a turn over is awarded. • Stage 2: when a try is scored all attacking players must touch the ball on the ground within 5 seconds or the try is disallowed and a turnover is awarded. • Play starts again direct from the try line. • The coach may split the defence so cover defenders can challenge the effect of support play once the first line has been breached. Key Coaching Points • Encourage supporting players to angle toward the line break and not stay wide and lateral. • Encourage all attacking players to react and support a line break. • Speed of reaction. • Communication and team work

Quick and Fun Agility Exercises

In this video Ross Hanbury takes a detailed look at two quick and fun agility exercises to run with your players.

Sale - Lineout lifting & set

Coaching junior players to lift effectively in the line out is based upon some simple steps. Ross Harrison from Sale sharks outlines the key principles and progresses to the driving maul

Speed Training - Warm Up Exercises

All athletes and especially sprinters use agility drills to get the body ready for speed training. Tom Varndell outlines some of the essential techniques players go through before the sprinting starts. You MUST WARM UP

The Lineout Game - Lifting techniques

The Lineout Game - Lifting techniques

2-man lifting practice with pad

A good foundation exercise for technical development of practicing lifting with a tackle bag. You could use a contact pad or a tyre if you do not have a tackle bag. Key factors : Strong body position - Fast feet - Straigh back - Lock out the arms - Use momentum of both players

Scrum-half Passing Exercises

Some useful exercises for scrum-halves to develop their passing skills.

7-man - walk-in middle lift

Players walk into the lineout and lift as soon as they are in line. If there are no defending jumpers, the best option is to go straight up in the middle. This requires practice to ensure timing and communication between, the hooker, jumper and lifters is right.

Quins - Defence Spacing & Line Speed

Tony Dirpose from Harlequins delivers a unit defence exercise on spacing and line speed

Lineout - 4 pod passing challenge

Four lifting pods must hold their jumpers aloft long enough for them to pass a ball through the hands twice. Lifters should stand close together and try to lock-out their arms. Jumpers should maintain a strong core and keep their legs straight to make life easier for the lifters.

Step 5 - Introducing the 3 v 3 Scrum

Passing and Attacking Lines

Northampton Saints Academy coaches introduce a conditioned exercise to help develop attacking skills.

Running & Passing Lines

The aim is to fix defenders via the attacking players running straight, and preserving the space on the outside and to stop defenders from drifting. This will support the executing of overlaps.

Lineout Lifting Basics

The lineout is a key part of rugby union and it is vital for player safety and success that the proper technique is learnt. James Cannon of London Wasps walks through the key technical elements of lineout lifting and jumping. Log in to see the full session.

Did this Lineout win the World Cup

The black team split the lineout pods at the front and the back, the defence are then forced to move with these pods to compete or stop a driving maul, (As they are close to the try line), this creates a whole in the middle of the lineout which the black team exploit cleverely. This play is clever and tactical and shows how complex the lineout can be. Key factors : Lifting pods to move quickly - Strong jump - Accurate lifting - Accurate throw - Delayed run through the middle

IRB Men's - Offloads 3

A quick lineout allows players to attack a "broken field" defence. Running at space moves the defenders and the suport player comes from depth behind the attacker to score. Key factors : Loud communication - Accurate spin pass - Attacking space - Trail support - Pop pass - Quick running

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

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

Lineout Game - Pod Race

This game is also in the level 2 swatch (coaching the 15-a-side game).

When working with players actively lifting and jumping, it is most important to be sensitive to fatigue, primarily for safety reasons

Introduction to tackling - Step 3

Repetitive exercises can help players become familiar with tackling technique.

3. Half Back Play Continued

A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. The scrum half is the key link between the forwards and the back line. A good scrum half will know how to vary the play and take advantage of any opportunity that the opposition may offer
The fly half is the heart beat of the side and should be a key influence on the way the team plays the game. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, so they need to develop tactical awareness, accurate passing, kicking accuracy, vision, leadership and resilience

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.

The Defensive Line

The Defensive Line

The Lineout Game - Lifting

When introducing lifting, consider the suitability of the players for each role. It may be that a small, light player now takes up a key role in jumping and catching while the bigger players, who may have previously jumped are best suited to lifting at this stage in development
When introducing lifting to young players, always side on caution and use spotters to assist in the initial learning stages. This will develop confidence and competence

Always be aware of fatigue and do not over work the players even if progress is slow

L2 - Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Skill Practice Description • The game begins with touch tackles. • Once tackled the ball carrier is allowed to step beyond the tackle line and the support from either side run toward (or attack) the ball. • The pass must be delivered behind the tackle line and not put back in front of the defence, so speed and decision making is vitally important. • Develop the game to grip tackles below the rib cage so the ball can be off loaded. • Progress to full tackles and the ball carrier must fight to keep the ball available. • The support must be aggressive in attacking the ball and getting between and beyond defenders. • When in full contact and the ball carrier cannot off load immediately, rucks and mauls may be played. Key Coaching Points • The game relies on good support play in all areas. This game illustrates the need for consistent and aggressive support. • The supporting players need to work for the ball carrier and attack the ball, getting in behind the defence for an off load. • Once the tackle line has been breached the attack must not allow the defence time to reorganise. • When progressed to full contact, the demand on decision making increases

QBE - Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Line Speed Game

Use this great game to work on your team’s line speed and spacing. Reward the defence for moving the defence back and punish them for passive defence.

Game Understanding - Gain line & Tackle line

It is important that the players and the coach have a common understanding of where the gain line is, from a set piece and also from a ruck or maul. This is often not fully understood and may influence the success of both attack and defensive objectives. It is also important to understand where the tackle line might be, as this will impact on the strategy and alignment of the back line.

Women's - Patterns of Play 3

Women's - Patterns of Play 3

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

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

Ruck Clearing Exercises

Two crucial clearance techniques - the saddle roll, and the duck and clean. It's important for players to practice these at length, under pressure, under fatigue, and with an element of decision-making in order to best re-create a match situation.

Lineout Lifting Hand Placement

This video takes you through the importance of hand placement in building a solid lineout.

Scrum Factory - 3. TOP With Rugby Balls

Expensive training equipment is not necessary and the simple rugby ball can provide an excellent technical and conditioning work out

Andy Farrell's 3 Top tips For Defence

L2 - Back Line Attack from Set Piece

Skill Practice Description • The objective of this game is to score from first phase. • The defence start on the try line and can only advance to the five metre line (gain line). • The attack must start from the 5 metre line if simulating a scrum and vary the starting points i.e. centre field. • If simulating a lineout start, use the 10 metre line to half way. • If the attack can score from the set piece they are awarded five points. • If they score after one phase they are awarded four points. • If they score after two phases they get awarded three points and so on. • If the attack fails to score after four phases they turn around and defend. • Kicking options may be introduced. • Five attacks each team. Key Coaching Points • Appropriate passing (short, long, flat, deep etc.) • Appropriate running lines; decoy / option / creating spaces / accelerating into space. • Support and reaction. • Look-Think -Do Process • Allow the players to self correct before intervention from the coach Relevance to the Game • Accuracy in decision making scanning and decoy / option running lines

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.

Sevens - Straight Scrums 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.

Sevens - Patterns of Play 3

Working in units and working through phases is crucial to modern day sevens and in this clip the White team show great technique and patience to work their way up the field to score. Key factors : Ball retention - Communication - Work in units - Accurate passing - Patience - Stamina

Tackling 3 - Hunting a Tackle

Tackling - Hunting a tackle

Tackle technique 3

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

3. Ruck Touch

Attacking Lines: Unders and Overs

Using different angles of running confuses tacklers and pulls a defensive unit out of line. Learning the skills to both run these lines and pass the ball accurately is key to any ambitious team looking to attack and offload

Running Lines in Attack

Modern defensive lines are well-organised and hard to break. It depends on the quality execution of attacking fundamentals. A good introduction is 'unders' and 'overs' running lines. Log in to see the full session.

Defensive Line Game

Defensive Line Game

Back Play - Attack From Line Out - Older Youth

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, the appropriate strike call needs to be made and space attacked
It’s not a matter of going through the strike move repertoire. It is about specific selection from the repertoire in order to attack identified areas of the opposition and game situations

Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running a support line will assist the offload and turn defenders

Back Play from Set Piece - Attack from Line Out

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, the appropriate strike call needs to be made and space attached.
Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running support lines will assist the offload and turn defenders.

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

Lineout Lifting Fundamentals

Zoran Higgins takes you through the basic lifting fundamentals that all Junior players will have to learn. This focusses specifically on hand placement and body positioning.

Passing 4 v 3 reset

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

Maul and Ruck - Maul Gain Lines

With the maul, the gain line is fluid and the defence can be forced onto the back foot
With the ruck, the gain line is static and the defence are often set and on the front foot

Supporting lines - Trail running

A game to challenge how players support with lines of running and communication

Improve Running Lines

Use this simple drill from Newcastle Falcons to improve your player's running lines.

Principles of Defence - Line Speed

Ex Harlequins coach Collin Osborne explains his fourth defensive principle - Line Speed.

QBE - Support Line Breaks

Lineout Game - Target Games

This practice is a safe and enjoyable activity to develop the movement of the lifting pod and the accuracy of the throw

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.

Worcester Academy - Clearout Technique Exercise

Worcester Academy - Clearout Technique Exercise

Women's - 2 v 3 1

Women's - 2 v 3 1

Men's - Strike Moves 3

Men's - Strike Moves 3

Men's - Exiting the 22m 3

Men's - Exiting the 22m 3

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

Quins - Attacking lines of support

Harlequins academy players are coached to be accurate in their passing and use lines of running and footwork to create space for other players

Fitness exercises - Home or club

Here are a range of exercises for players to do at training or at home. The core techniques are the latest in conditioning for work at the breakdown

Core Strength - Swiss Ball Leg Lift

A strong core is essential in rugby, particularly for the forwards in the scrum. Once you have mastered the bridge, attempt lifting one leg at a time, while keeping your core strong.

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.

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.

Throw and lift game

An effective game for giving the players multiple opportunities to practice lifting whilst playing a competitive game

Lions - 3&5 man scrum practice

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

Warm up standing exercises

An effective way to prepare the body for working out is using the body weight exercises such as the squat - here use a partner to work with

Movement and coordination in lifting

A great game for developing the unit coordination in the lift and throw.

Lineout game for speed of lifting

Elite coach Neal Hatley uses a game to develop speed of lifting in a lineout by providing an element of competition and fun.

Fundamentals of Movement - Core Exercises

Some simple yet effective exercises to develop core strength and balance.

Group exercise for evasion & agility

Developing core skills for evasion and agility

Passing and Support Lines

This clip shows the classic passing process but with a significant twist in what players can do post the pass

Lineout - Speed & Movement Drill

Working in pods of three on speed & movement will help you win line outs. Players also develop better skills in order to play a better standard of rugby and help others around them. Another London Irish coaching resource

Attacking lines and late shifting

This clip demonstrates the skills and movements required to fix and beat defenders. Using a combination of passing accuracy and physical agility can significantly improve your attacking options. The coach uses questions to help the players learn

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.

Developing running lines to attack

A series of progressions to develop how players attack when "Coming round the corner" from phase play

Simple Passing Exercises & Games

The Wasps coaches use a mixture of games and drills to develop the passing skills of young players. Players are encouraged to respond to questions. Games are used to improve the learning experience

Step 3 - Introducing the 1 v 1 Scrum

Scotland New Lineout Move

Scotlands clever score from the line out v Ireland was a great example of coaches or players being innovative and looking at new ways to do things. This clip shows a few slightly different uses for placing your scrum half at the front of the line out. It is just ideas and about pushing the boundaries of the laws

Junior - Classic Tackle 3

Coaching 7-a-side Rugby - Side line press

In Defence:

Stay alert, keep on toes, specific communication, react, work hard

Defend what is happening – not what you think is going to happen

Trust the defence system, trust your team mates – trust yourself

Small -sided game - 5 v 3

This is an intuitive decision-making pratice