Defence is important, in tight games it can be the difference between winning and losing, however, it’s not an aspect of the game which players will enjoy practicing. As a coach you need to ensure you have a strong defensive plan. In this article I will look as some important aspects of coaching defensive and provide you with some resources to get you started. Backline Communication The key to good backline defence is communication. A player needs to cover all of an opponent’s attacking ... Read More

You don’t want your players starting practice or preparing for a game without having warmed up correctly. Science A warm up in rugby is very important as it increases your body and muscle temperature. It also helps to activate muscle groups and stimulate the nervous system to increase joint mobility. This prepares players for the tough physical activity of rugby while lowering the risk of injury. What should players do? The following video is a good example that looks at some of the options for warming ... Read More

Another great video from RugbyIQ: Half Backs to Runners Phase Play Drill Aim: Ball retention and timing onto the ball by supporting runners. Description: Six players each holding a contact shield line up across the length off the grid in pairs ready to defend. A designated scrumhalf and flyhalf each have a pod of 3 players standing with them at the start of the drill facing the players defending with contact shields. The scrumhalf starts the drill by passing to the first pod of 3 ... Read More

Another great video from RugbyIQ: Down Up + Hit & Drive Aim: Develop explosive power from the deck and defensive leg drive. Description: One player holding a contact shield across his chest performs four up and downs onto the deck on the four points of an imaginary cross as quickly as possible. As he gets up after the fourth one he braces himself and his partner, who is standing waiting for him hits into him and drives him backwards. Coaching Tips: Emphasize speed onto and off the ... Read More

Another great video from RugbyIQ: Clean hit and play Aim: Effective clean out technique and ball skills. Description: One player stands in the middle of the grid holding a contact shield. Four players stand in the middle of each side of the grid facing in. A ball is passed quickly around the outside of the grid. On the whistle whoever has the ball runs into the grid and makes contact with the shield, the two players next to him sprint around to support him. The ... Read More

Another great video from RugbyIQ: Agility Pick n Place Drill Aim: Used for a warm up drill or general SAQ and ball skills. Description: Mark out a channel as shown in the video. Six players divide into two groups of 3 and start at the top of the channel on either side of the channel. Players work in pairs. Drill starts with a pass being made at the top of the channel. Players then run down the side of channel stepping off the cones placed ... Read More

Another great video from RugbyIQ: Clean Out Technique Aim: To develop cleaning out technique at the break down / ruck and ball skills under pressure. Description: Lie a tackle bag down on the side of the channel with a ball behind it. 5 players start 5m behind the tackle bag on the one side and 3 players 5m behind on the other side. The drill starts with one of the 3 players running to steal the ball behind the bag, at the same time one ... Read More