A straightforward decision-making exercise that highlights support play and running lines. It’s a good game to use early on in a coaching session when you want to get your players’ core skills nicely warmed up.
Use cones to mark out a playing area measuring 15m x 25m. One end of the area will be the try line, as shown 1.
Play two-handed touch rugby.
Each game ends when either a try is scored, the defenders take possession of the ball or the player in possession is tackled by a defender.
1. Line up five players at one end of the playing area, and position yourself halfway down the area just outside the right-hand side line.
On your whistle, the players begin passing the ball along the line as quickly and precisely as possible while moving down the area towards you.
2.When the last man in the line receives the ball, he first passes it to you and then runs round you and back into the playing area, where he becomes a defender.
3.You then pass the ball to the nearest of the remaining four players, who now become attackers. This sets up a 4v1, with the attackers aiming to score at the try line.
Make sure your players practice passing off both hands by positioning yourself to the left of the area and starting the ball at the other end of the attacking line.
Make the game more competitive by getting the last two players in the line to run round you and defend, making a 3v2.
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