Interview - Conor O Shea why games

Interview - Conor O Shea on basic skills

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

Conor O Shea - games or drills

Conor O Shea discusses the value of comparing games with drills in coaching

Conor O Shea - Basics of the game

Conor O Shea discusses what constitutes the basic aspects of rugby union

Interview - Conor O Shea pre season

Interview - Conor O Shea Key Skills

Interview - Conor o Shea Learn from mistakes

Interview - Conor O Shea world class skills

Interview - Conor O Shea on change or die

Interview - Conor O Shea turnovers

Interview - Conor O Shea our styles

Interview - Conor O Shea managing refs

Interview - Conor O Shea why a coach?

Interview - Conor o Shea - learn from others

Interview - Conor O Shea priorities

Interview - Conor O Shea team is Special

Interview - Conor O Shea rugby is special

Interview - Conor O Shea scrum halfs

Conor O Shea - is gamesense important

Conor O Shea discuss how using games is a big part of coaching at all levels

Conor O Shea - Managing officials

Conor O Shea discusses the importance of how it is important manage officials during a game

Conor O Shea- how important is the pre-season phase

Conor O Shea focuses on the importance of the pre-season phase

Conor O Shea - is rugby changing

Conor O shea discuss the rapidly changing world of Professional sport and rugby

Conor O'Shea: Key Skills

Conor O Shea - Harlequins DoR

Conor O Shea - Gamesense for elite

Conor O Shea relates GAmesense coaching within the professional environment

Expert - Conor O Shea - what makes a great player

Conor O Shea gives us his thoughts on what makes a great player

Conor O Shea - the Turnover

Conor O Shea discusses the importance of turnover ball and why coaches and players should work at this regularly

Don't Forget the Ball - Conor O'Shea

Early season conditioning doesn't need to be boring. Get the ball in hand and get fit (and improve skills) by using games! There are loads of great conditioned game ideas on PremiershipRugbyCoaching.com

Expert - Conor o Shea - do you believe in a club culture and style

Conor O Shea discusses how a coach can develop a club style and culture

Expert - Conor o Shea - what is the role of a scrum half

Conor O Shea disucsses what a scrum half is responsible for

Conor O'Shea Introduction

Conor O Shea - do coaches ever stop learning

Conor O Shea - explores why coaches should never stop learning

Conor O Shea - what can rugby teach us?

Conor O Shea - Harlequins DoR

Conor O'Shea: Why is rugby important to you?

Conor O Shea - Harlequins DoR

Expert Conor O Shea - what makes an effective team

Conor O SHea discuss what makes an effective team

Expert - Conor O Shea - What makes a great scrum half

Conor O Shea discuss the profile of scrum half

Conor O Shea - Do half time team talks make a difference

Conor O Shea talks about how half-time team talks can a difference to performance in the 2nd half

Expert - Conor O Shea - why would I encourage someone to be a coach

Conor O Shea - Harlequins DoR talks about the benefits and satisfaction of starting to coach

Conor O'Shea - World Class Skills

Doing the basics well is the key to success

Conor O Shea on change or die

The Breakdown is Key to the Game

Conor O'Shea explains how important the breakdown is and why coaches should give it their attention, with some examples from the Harlequins training ground.

Interview - Sir Ian McGeechan - Changes to the game

Conor OShea - What are the key attributes of a coach

Conor O Shea gives his thoughts on what makes an effective rugby coach

The Importance of the Breakdown - Youth

Conor O'Shea discusses the importance of the breakdown and why coaches should pay attention to it at training.

Interview - Dean Ryan: Bulk vs Brains

Dean Ryan discusses the importance of both bulk and brains for rugby players and how finding the right balance is essential.

The Lineout Game - The floor game

The lineout competition is not won and lost when the ball is caught. If the team defending the throw cannot compete in the air, they can subsequently compete on the ground and disrupt the quality of possession the opposition wish to use

Interview - Dean Ryan: Core Rugby Foundations

Dean Ryan explains the importance of rugby's foundations and how they shouldn't be overlooked by coaches.

Interview - Dean Ryan: Sharing Ideas

Dean Ryan explains the importance of sharing knowledge and ideas for developing coaches.

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

Interview - Sir Ian Mcgeechan - Coaches Role

Sir Ian discusses the benefits of getting involved in coaching and the main responsibilities

Interview - Sir Ian McGeechan - Team Support

Sir Ian McGeechan discusses why teamwork is crucial to success

Interview - Mental Fitness

What is mental fitness? Performance psychologist John Neal explains the significance of mental fitness in modern rugby.

Interview- sir Ian McGeechan - Kids in Rugby 2

Interview- Sir Ian McGeechan - sharing ideas

Sir Ian outlines how you can learn from not only coaches but players as well

Interview - Sir Ian Mcgeechan - Kids in rugby

Interview - Dean Ryan: Rugby is Special

"Good people make good rugby players, who make it fun to be involved" - Dean Ryan

Quins - Support Touch Game

The coaches use games to teach techniques and allow players to experiment in game situations. The coach can set the parameters for the game dependent on the skill sets of the players

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

Coaching the breakdown with games

The challenge of using games to coach contact is a tricky one for many coaches. This clip shows the Leeds carnegie academy coach explaining how to integrate games into his coaching and the different styles of delivery

Drop off touch - start with a game

Chris Kibble of Esher RFC & Whitgift school says to start your sessions with a game. In this clip Chris runs a game called "Drop touch" where the players run back to a line when they make a touch. This is good for fitness and creating wholes to attack

Quins - Two touch Game

This conditioned game allows attackers two touches so that they can isolate one defender, the game encourages good support play and can be used to improve fitness

Using Games - 'Choke Ball'

Jake Sharp from Oaklands college delivers a fun game that requires a range of skills from the players. The coach uses lots of questioning to cement the learning and talk about why games are such an important coaching tool

Games or drills ?

The coaches explain why they use games and provide examples of how they deliver a session using games with technical skills as the basis for learning

Game - Tackle Touch

Whether you're introducing tackling to young players for the first time, or re-introducing it to senior players after a summer away, this is a great game to play to ease back into it. It isolates the 1v1 tackle and puts emphasis on technique without the high speed impact of a full contact game.

Egg in the nest game

Owen Davies provides the main points for "Egg in the nest" game and why he uses games to keep the players engaged and active

L2 - Tactical Scoring Game

Skill Practice Description • Play 7v7 in the game area but mark different scoring zones along the try lines (use coloured cones). • Mark 5 metres in from each try line with red markers and if a try is scored in either of these areas then it will be worth 8pts. • The next two 5 metre zones moving inwards would be worth 5 pts and the rest of the try line worth 3pts. • This should challenge the ability to outflank or penetrate in order to build a score. • It may be that the defenders primarily defend in the outside channels leaving the middle with more space. • The attack can then take advantage of this new situation, scoring in the middle zone. • Thus identifying the weaknesses of the defence. 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 Relevance to the Game • This game challenges the decision making of both attack and defence. • If for example a turn over occurs, which score area does the attack target? • Which area does the defence cover and defend first?

L2 - Penetrating Defence Game

Skill Practice Description • The playing area is marked out in 5m channels. • When defending, players must stay within their channel throughout the game. • The attack must look to penetrate the defence by creating and preserving space. • The defence must use a two handed touch. • There is a 5 tackle turnover rule and once possession is turned over, the defence must get into a channel as the opposition can attack immediately. Key Coaching Points • Support players to hold their opposite number as long as possible before cutting a line to take the pass. • The defender can close the space as far as the edge of their own channel. • If the support player cuts too early or the ball carrier does not move their defender enough, the support player will be touched/tackled. Relevance to the Game • This game will help develop the footwork and running lines to effectively move defenders in order to penetrate the tackle line.

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

Warm-up with Games and Handling (Rugby ready)

A rugby ready style warm up with games and handling as they focus prior to moving on to more technical skills. The game centres around the teams trying to make 10 passes

360 Games - Any Direction Attack

A warm up or starting 360 game where players can attack in any direction. This game is the basis to for coaches to then add numerous conditions based upon the focus of the session

Military fitness for games - Pre season

Pre season fitness can be tedious and repetitive however you can integrate the latest fitness drills into games of touch or other conditioned games to make your training more challenging

Warm up - 10 Pass Game

The 10 pass warm up game is excellent to introduce an activity that has a focus on dynamic mobilisation and raising the heart rate.

Players should be asked to focus on their special awareness, passing technique and communication.

To maximise participation, introduce another ball or split the game into two or three smaller games.

Quick fire Attacking Game

This is a great game to keep players engaged by constantly testing their decision-making and execution in attack. Essentially, it's a 4 v 2 game where the attackers always have the advtantage, but they still have to make good decisions to score. It is a high-tempo game that requires the attackers to turn around and attack again straight after scoring.

Coaching with Games is the Future

Elite coaches use conditioned games to teach the basic skills and change the conditions for progressions and increase the intensity

Players First - Circle & Caterpillar 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

Stuart Lancaster: Importance of Playing Games

Stuart Lancaster explains why he thinks including game-play in rugby sessions is essential to player development.

Games for Juniors - 10's & over

The Sale sharks community coach delivers a "Game based" warm up with progressions that will lead onto to contact skills. The coach uses examples and questioning to support learning

The Importance of Playing Games

Stuart Lancaster explains the importance of using games for an effective rugby session.

Ball Presentation Game

Use this game to practice great ball presentation. Ensure the tackling player is bouncing back to their feet so that this mentality carries over to game day.

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

Touch games for mini's

Using games is becoming more popular and important when coaching young players. This clip shows a a simple touch game and format to include coaches, have fun and develop skills

Use Games For Fitness

Using games for fitness will keep your players engaged and enjoying their rugby as well as saving time running shuttles!

Quins - Using Games In Training

Elite coaches explain how they translate their desired playing philosophy and principles into practical hands-on coaching approaches, drills and games

Kicking in Training Games

Community Coach Tamara Taylor explains the challenges and benefits of allowing kicks in conditioned touch games at training.

Agility Games for contact warm up

Saracens community coach uses games and competitive activities to introduce the contact elements of rugby. This builds confidence in players prior to actual contact skills

Defensive Game with Coaching Points

A touch game conditioned to develop the drift defence. Worcester Warriors Community Coach Tamara Taylor explains the objectives of the conditions, gives feedback and adjusts them when necessary.

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

L2 - Kicking Target Game

Skill Practice Description • Scan and make decisions. • Set up the kick that makes the win scenario by moving the opposition. • Hold and drop of the ball. • Head over the ball and weight forward to reduce scope for error. • Don’t lean back and open scope for error. • Contact with lace, point toe and straight follow through. • Leg speed to generate power. • Catch with hands ready and elbows close. • Keep eye on the ball and watch the ball into the catch. • Gather, scan and return kick accurately Relevance to the Game • This game develops scanning and tactical decisions. • Develops technical accuracy.

Game for Communication Skills

A clever game created by Russell Earnshaw to encourage players to experiment and learn about communication

Games & drills for tackle technique

The Falcons coaches use a variety of games and breakout drills to progress their tackle technique session. The players respond to questions to vary the style of coaching

Tag games for mini's

Not all TAG games are the same and in this clip the Sale sharks coach uses a variety of conditions and rules to encourage the players to use more passes

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

New Kicking Games

Adding variety to your kicking practises will engage your players and motivate them to step up to the challenge. Dave Walder from Newcastle Falcons introduces Three new kicking games in this clip

Tag Game - Tag Rugby 1

Tag Game - Tag Rugby 1

Games for Developing Skills

The coach reinforces his use off games so his players learn techniques in a competitive and enjoyable environment. Breakout drills are used to correct technique with questioning a key component of learning

End ball game for warm ups

A fun but competitive warm-up game that get's players switched on and ready to train.

Mini Games

Some simple but fun games to use for getting very young players enjoying rugby

Games for coaching Contact

The coaches use a variety of conditions for both the attackers and defenders to reinforce the coaching points. Small sided games enable players to learn in a live environment similar to actual match conditions

Conditioned Game

A full-contact game to finish the session. The condition is that breakdowns only allow one player from each side, putting more focus on open play to practice the running and tackling skills covered in the session.

The Lineout Game - Under13

The under 13 age group uses the full size pitch. The coach should consider that the 5m tram line as a bigger obstacle for a 12 year old thrower, than it is for a 15 year old thrower
To develop lineout understanding, it may be worth exploring for the best thrower and not select their roles at the lineout by shirt numbers

If the policy is to throw to the front at every lineout, how will this develop the tactical and technical understanding of the lineout game?

It may be that possession is occasionally lost, but is the long term development of players more important than any given children’s’ game?

Throw and lift game

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