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4v4
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9v9
Sevens
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Tactics
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Defence

Age Groups
U10
U11
U12
U13
U14
U15
U16
U17+
U5
U6
U7
U8
U9
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Disrupt opponents with an 'attack dog'

Disrupt opponents with an 'attack dog'

Sevens defenders must judge when to cut off the attack’s options and ’go get’ the space. JAMIE BARNWELL, of MLR team FreeJacks, puts this...
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'T' for tackling

'T' for tackling

Use this full session to build up the right footwork to make strong tackles, both on an individual basis and within a team context.
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Tackling from the hip

Tackling from the hip

The best tacklers read a ball-carrier’s movements to anticipate where they are going. This session improves those skills by focusing on t...
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Finishing the tackle

Finishing the tackle

A tackle is completed when the tackler has done all they can to prevent the carrier releasing the ball to their team’s advantage. Work on...
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Ask Dan: Defending better from set pieces

Ask Dan: Defending better from set pieces

Coaching problem? Put it to our head coach Dan Cottrell. This time: Defending better from scrums and lineouts.
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Defence boxers

Defence boxers

This practice uses boxing-style footwork and arm movements to improve your players’ positioning and timing when making tackles.
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3v3 chop and turnover

3v3 chop and turnover

Use this game to develop good defensive line speed, with the aim of getting the ball carrier to ground quickly and regaining the ball.
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Tacklers into jacklers

Tacklers into jacklers

Practise the risk-and-reward elements of trying to turnover the ball in the tackle area. It starts with good tackling, then deciding whet...
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Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful rugby coach
Rugby Coach Weekly Issue 192

Latest Issue

Rugby Coach Weekly Issue 192
Issue 192 out now, featuring the best of 2024, including:
  • Attacking framework
  • Emergency sessions
  • Building player confidence
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    Risk and reward for jackling

    Risk and reward for jackling

    Attempting to steal tackle ball can lead to turnovers, but also has a nasty habit of leading to penalties. Balance the pros and the cons.
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    Sock it to 'em!

    Sock it to 'em!

    Improve tackling by teaching players to make more shoulder contacts. Rolled-up socks reduce players’ inclination to grab in the tackle.
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    Life cycle of the tackle

    Life cycle of the tackle

    It starts with the contact point and ends when the ball is recycled or is turned over. Concentrate on this philosophy to improve tackle ...
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    Defensive curves

    Defensive curves

    When a defence is outnumbered, it has to drift with the pass. It still has to go forward, but has to curve out at the same time. This ...
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    Close support, attack and defence

    Close support, attack and defence

    Develop the roles and skills of the attackers and defenders closest to the tackle area in a tight space. Put players in game-like ...
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    Turn tackling into defence

    Turn tackling into defence

    Players must work on their individual technique whilst cooperating with their team mates to reduce the options for the attack. This session ...
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    Goal-line D twos

    Goal-line D twos

    With strong goal-line defence comes the need for absolute clarity in the system, particularly the role of the tackler and tackle assist.
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    Tackle target practice

    Tackle target practice

    Use this simple exercise to help coach how to engage the shoulder first, with the arms wrapped around the ball carrier’s legs to form a ...
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    Tackling interceptors

    Tackling interceptors

    This low-impact activity works on the defender getting to the tackle as they attempt to intercept the ball carrier, who is making a sprint ...
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    Thunder rucking

    Thunder rucking

    Once they identify that it is their role, players need to ‘thunder’ into the ruck, powerfully and quickly – any delays in that can mean ...
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    Aggressive tackling

    Aggressive tackling

    Work on the front-on tackle, which represents the best opportunity to dominate the ball carrier and win the battle for the gain line.
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    Easy defence

    Easy defence

    Build tackling confidence and technique with low impacts; then focus on completing, so the tackler can get back into the game.
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    Soak up tackles

    Soak up tackles

    This session will help your players in their reading of situations and not feel afraid to give up ground, as long as the tackle is made.
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    The weakest kink

    The weakest kink

    Work on defensive line speed and communication. Defenders will have to adjust their running lines to make sure they are not exposed.
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    Counter rucking

    Counter rucking

    This fairly simple, but highly effective, activity will make your players much more aware of how and when to counter-ruck.
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    Magic threes!

    Magic threes!

    Defence is about teamwork and trust. An effective defence is a simple defence – and nothing could be simpler and more effective than ‘magic ...

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    Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

     

    We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.

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