Rugby coaching tips for speed drills

You need to work on your rugby players' speed constantly during the rugby season, but you also need to maintain players' fitness and speed training in the off-season. Speed drills work well if you follow these simple rules and rugby coaching tips:

Rugby coaching tips for speed and fitness

Start from different physical situations. For example, two feet together, lying on the floor, or from a press-up position.
Don't say "Ready, steady, go". This leads to too many false starts. One shout of "Go!" when you think your players are ready works better.
Give your players a handicap by making them carry a ball, in one hand or both hands.
Include changes in direction. Some of the most popular rugby sprint tests have a player changing direction at least twice.
Relays rarely work. Rugby players like to take short cuts, so don't give them the opportunity to do so.
Emphasise technique as the route to your rugby players' success and speediness. Tell your players to drive with the arms, relax the top half of the body after the first 10 paces, and everything should be flowing forwards.

Click the link to order a copy of Rocket Rugby. This rugby fitness manual includes exercises and training plans designed to speed, agility and endurance.

Click the link to see some acceleration tips for defenders.