Rugby drill to get players running on to a pass at pace
Getting players to run on to a pass at pace is a simple enough idea. However, training the players to do it can be frustrating, even for experienced coaches. Use the following "depth-charging" rugby drill to help.
What you tell your players the drill is about
- Improving the accuracy of your passing.
- Improving your pace on to the ball.
What you tell your players to do in the drill
- Pass the ball in front of a receiver, arriving from deep and at pace.
- Take the pass moving at game speed, whilst accelerating on to the ball.
- Catch the ball early and move it on in one smooth movement.
What you get your players to do in the drill
- Set up a 15-metre square with a five-metre "gate" marked out through the centre.
- Give a player a ball and stand him on side of the square.
- Place two players in line with him, either side of the "gate."
- Place a further two players at each corner at the back of the square.
- On your signal, the three front line players move forward slowly, passing the ball.
- The two players at the back accelerate through the gate, to receive a pass from any of the players in the front line.
To develop the drill
- Move the cones around to change the starting position of the two deep players.
- Time the group across the length of the rugby drill square, then challenge them to beat their best time.
- Set up two groups to race each other and see which can cross their line first, with everyone handling the ball.
Put this drill into a game situation
- After coaching the rugby drill and the progressions, start with the players receiving the ball from a scrum. Mark out the scrum with markers if you do not have enough players.
- The players should be aligned in a similar fashion to the rugby drill session, with three players fairly flat and two others behind adding depth.
- Set out a typical scrum defence. See how the defence copes with the attack, and if the attacking players still accelerate and attack at pace.
What to call out
Key phrases to call out to the players, in addition to the usual words of encouragement:
- "Accelerate using small quick steps."
- "Tell the passer where you are going to be."
- "Hold your hands out as a target."
- "Don't drift, attack the ball with your hands."
What to look for
Ways to correct the common mistakes players make when performing the rugby skills required.
- Players catching the ball into their body
Make sure the catcher has his hands out towards the ball. Also check the strength of pass from the ball carrier. It needs to be sympathetic and not too hard.
- Players not accelerating on to the ball
Place four cones 10 metres apart. Get the players to walk, jog, stride and then sprint as they pass each cone. This should give them a sense of their ability to accelerate.
What to think about
Ways to adapt the rugby skills to your team.
- What length of passes are your team using and which are more successful?
- How does mixing the forwards and backs affect the drill?
- Who are the best accelerators in your squad and why?
- As you speed up the drill, does the passing accuracy stay the same or get worse?
- Is there a difference passing right to left compared to left to right?
- What decisions do the players have to make if the receiver is not there?
Click here for rugby coaching tips to boost players passing on the run.
Click here to subscribe to Rugby Coaching Smart Sessions.
Rugby coaching tips
Improve your rugby training skills. Sign up for a FREE weekly email, full of simple proven tips, advice and drills.
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your emails interesting and very helpful! Thanks very much!"
Jules Hydleman, Coach, England
|