Rugby coaching tips to get defenders communicating

Rugby coaching tips for communication

In defence players must trust and understand their team mates or situations will develop where two defenders cover the same attacker.

Introduce a simple system of defensive calls that all players use. Calls such as "SET", "HOLD" and "UP" are effective for getting the defensive line in position and moving forward together.

Calls such as "PUSH" and "CLOSE" can be used to get defenders to move sideways to cover wide or close gaps.

Develop communication chain

It helps if communication happens in groups of three. Each player communicates with the players on either side of him.

In this way a chain of communication is developed (see the picture below). This is far more effective than players shouting at each other along the line.

If every defender knows who his man is, and who the players either side of him are tackling, then your defence shouldn't miss too many tackles.

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Click here for rugby drills to help defenders communicate.