Decision making rugby drill for forwards

Despite what the press might say, forwards need to be thinkers. They can't just run into any ruck or maul. They need to consider when and where to add their weight. The following rugby drill is designed to help them build up some rhythm to make better decisions.

This rugby drill also develops a better understanding between your scrum and fly halves, and how they link up with the forwards.

What you tell your players the drill session is about

Using a simple, effective attacking system.
Exploring variations of the system.

What you tell your players to do

Keep the scrum half (9) and fly half (10) in position as the playmakers.
Learn what your individual roles are at each phase of play.
Communicate effectively through each phase of play.

What you get your players to do

Three players hold ruck pads at each of the three ruck areas (see the picture, below).

The scrum half (9) starts with the ball. The fly half (10) stands opposite the first ruck pad. A group of three or four runners stand in a group behind the fly half (10). A second group of players stand opposite the second ruck shield.

Start with the scrum half (9) passing to the fly half (10) who gives a pop pass to one of the runners. The runner hits the ruck pad and goes to ground, with the other players rucking over.

The scrum half (9) and fly half (10) realign and repeat the rugby drill, moving the same way ("going with the flow") into the next two ruck pads.

rugby drill to get scrum half passing to fly half, who passes to runner

What to call out

"Pass and support."
"Stay out of the scrum half-fly half channel."
"If you're not in the ruck, get behind the fly half."

What to look for in this drill

The players entering rucks when they are not needed.
The players not supporting their passes and getting out of position.
The players who don't understand their roles at each phase of the attack.

Develop the drill

Add more defenders at the ruck.
Spread the ruck pads for wider attacks.

How would I put this into a game situation?

Play across the pitch between the halfway and 22 metre lines. Two teams oppose each other.

The attacking team starts on one touch line and goes with the flow, making sure they keep the ball at each breakdown. When they reach the touch line, they change direction and move back across the pitch.

Swap the teams over after every three attacks.

What to think about