Rugby coaching session for rucking

Why it works

The ball is moved quickly twice one way, close to each ruck. This should tie in their loose forwards and backs, leaving their slower forwards covering some of the field. Your 10 can then decide to keep on going the same way or attack the other way depending on the defence.

If the ball is slow, then 10 can kick into a corner.

Good if you have

• A solid back row, because you need to support the second “short” run to create the opportunity for the “wide” phase.
• An aware 9 and 10, because you might need to go short a third time to tie in more defenders.
• A good 15 or winger to exploit the space out wide.

What players should do

• Use a close move to attack within 10 metres of the set piece. Make sure you do not commit all the forwards to the first point of contact.
• Run another close move to attack the same way.
• Once you have produced quick ball, 10 uses a wide move either left or right, depending on the amount of space available and the defence in front of him.

Common mistakes
Forwards getting in the way of the return “wide” passes. They should either retire behind the back line, be prepared to be missed out in the passing movement, or get so far in front of the potential pass that they are neither blocking nor disrupting the play.

Think about
If the ball is slow, 10 kicking into a corner.

This session was originally from Rugby Attack!
For more rugby coaching tips and products visit Rugby Coaching Club.