Developing linespeed, footwork and tracking
Tactical kicking can be undertaken by different players
A great practice for ALL players in the scrum to adopt the best position to drive from. You can use tackle bags as well as tyres
A good practice to work on stopping an effective ball carrying player
A dynamic practise for speed and quality of lifting in lineouts. This exercise can be used for 15's and 7's and for different age groups. The coaches can vary the distance of the cones and progress to both lifters moving. Coaches can add some fun by making it a competition. Key factors : The jumper must jump - Core body strength - Keep body stiff and straight - Lifters work together - Lock out arms - Bring the jumper down safely
Lions 2009 defence clip
Lions 2009 support and continuity work
A clip on attacking options from the 2009 Lions
The Lions drill for developing awareness of attack and defence options
Lions 2009 defensive systems
The Lions practice their lineouts
A clip with a progression on defensive systems from the 2009 Lions Tour
Lions 2009 support drills, with a progression
A clip from the 2009 Lions
All players can train to get quicker & being quicker off the mark is a great asset to have when playing rugby. Tom Varndell one of the quickest players in the game goes through some acceleration drills
Lineout variation and practice
Where you are on the pitch can determine you defensive system
Developing attack moves through the backs
Defensive systems change according to where the team is on the pitch
Lineout variation and development
A practice for developing understanding the role of chasers and counter kicking
Positioning ready for the kick return is a systematic approach to countering pressure
Developing an awareness of how to apply pressure through an effective kick chase policy
Developing play through the backs
Where you are on the pitch can determine the defensive system that you can employ.
Developing linespeed is fundamental to applying pressure to an attack line
Developing an awareness of applying pressure through an effective kick chase system
Developing play in backs
Developimg attack plays through the backs
Lineout variation and practice
Lineout variation and practice
A clip from the 2009 on defence systems
This team play practice requires the team to be able to attacke with width and focusing on ball retention
Develop the front row as a foundation for the building of the scrum
Practice of team defence is important for reinforcing effective systems of defence that require aspects such as communication, pressure and drifting
Where you are on the pitch can deterrmine the defensive system you play
Developing back play in attack
The ability to create attacking situations quickly is fundamental to creating pressure
With the new adjustments around the tackle zone, what variation would you adopt now so that this drill is now legal?
Developing attacking plays through the backs
Developing attacking plays through the backs
developing plays in attack
Speed drills are exercises that educate & prepare the body for explosive sprinting and are integral to getting quicker. These exercises should be practised regularly as part of a players overall conditioning program
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
See some of the exercises the England 7's players go through for fitness & speed
Changing speed is a skill which all players should understand
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
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
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
A key technique at the breakdown is the ability to roll players away, this applies when your opponent already has a good body position over the ball. Danny Wild from Leeds carnegie uses a game and breakout sessions to deliver his session
Were the Lions coaches ahead of the game. The 1997 coaches discuss tackle techniques that are only being implemented now
team play practice in a semi-opposed style assists the players in learning their roles and responsibilities
This drill illustrates how attack can go from narrow channels to wide play very quickly, and players should practice this continually
Within the defensive side, mark some players as tacklers only and some a jackalers only. It is up to the attack to identify holes and the defence to ensure they are quick to the breakdown.
The practice of a semi opposed team run is important for understanding by the players of their roles and responsibilities
Even if players are too young to go to the gym, it can be beneficial for them to do bodyweight exercises that help to prepare their bodies for more physical rugby in future years. Sam Bennett from Leeds Carnegie highlights some of the key points for young players to consider, which apply to all players at amateur or competitive level.
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.
Psychologist John Neal explains how critical it is for a coach to have rapport with their players, parents, co-coaches and club staff, to understand how they think, and therefore build better relationships.
Do you understand the significance of 'Rapport" and how this can influence how good a coach you are. Elite coaches, experts and pundits provide a clear view of how important this is
It's not just down to coaches to prepare players for the game. Most of the work must be done by the players themselves, to ensure they are in the best physical and mental condition to perform and learn.
How much say do your players have in how you train and prepare? Premiership Rugby stars share their experiences.
Becoming stronger and more powerful is important for rugby players of all standards. However, it is important for players to have a strong core before they progress into lifting weights. Here are some simple core exercises that can be done anywhere without any equipment.
Saracens academy manager Don Barrell explains his views on what the most important values young players should have and what he looks for
Successful rugby requires players to run straight and fix defenders. This is a constant challenge to coaches and new ideas and exercises can freshen up your training sessions, this clip has two practises along with some advice from elite coaches
Head injuries are a serious consequence to rugby and an area that deserves the attention of all players and coaches. Be proactive by coaching and re-coaching tackle technique to reinforce good habits.
Building a positive environment for your players is important for their self-esteem and confidence on the pitch.
Danny Care scores a great try due to a lack of tactical understanding from several players. Simple match analysis would resolve this and outlines why coaches should work with all players on roles & responsibilities
Former British & Irish Lions Jason Robinson, Gavin Hastings and former Wales international Jonathan Davies commenting on the appointment of Warren Gatland as Head Coach of the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia.
Psychologist John Neal explains the importance of trust in the development of a coach's relationship with their players.
Holidays are the perfect time to get stuck into some individual skills and this clip provides a few ideas and advice from leading players
A quick drill to focus the players before going into a session or at the start of a match day warm up.
Conor O Shea gives us his thoughts on what makes a great player
Fantastic game for warm ups, integrating new players and working on a wide range of skills. Its fun and this example has a "Game within a game"
We all want our sessions to be fun, but it all starts with the set-up, safety and reassurance from coaches. Particularly for young players. Achieve that and you will have a fun, productive session.
Ex Harlequins coach Collin Osborne explains his fourth defensive principle - Line Speed.
Paul Hull explains that sometimes former players can make great coaches, but they need to combine their technical knowledge and experience with the right communication skills.
Men's - Support Player Leach
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.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a coach, we all differ and in this clip two under 15's coaches discuss what the struggle with and offer some solutions
Lions 2009 clip on attacking options
A simple attacking drill mixed up by calling a random number of attackers and defenders instantly before. This takes the players out of their comfort zone as they are forced to react and make decisions rather than pre-plan.
Junior - Players warming up
Junior - Accurate clearing of players
Elite coach Neal Hatley uses a game to develop speed of lifting in a lineout by providing an element of competition and fun.
The widest players are most often best place to assess the threats and have a major role in directing the defence
A simple passing game that is fun and competitive. You can add more players in and vary the distance to make this harder or easier. Different balls could be used as well. Dad's can do this at home as a fun game
A great fun game to get training started and integrate new players into your squad. Lots of progressions and a variety of skills on show
Tony Dirpose from Harlequins delivers a unit defence exercise on spacing and line speed
Women's - Injured players and medics