Rugby coaching tips for avoiding contact

Rugby is a contact sport and there are some tactics used to break down a defence for which contact is essential. However, for many teams, the winning difference is the opposite - to avoid contact.

The following six rugby coaching tips are about avoiding contact and keeping the ball away from the defending team.

1. Pass before contact

Passing before contact is the ideal situation. The only danger here is that your players will become obsessed with keep-ball and not go-forward.

2. Pass out of the tackle

A player who can give a good pass while being tackled is always going to be a threat to the opposition in any situation.

3. Pass off the ground

Even if your ball carrier is tackled to the ground, there is still time to get a pass away.

4. The support player plays the ball

If the tackled player cannot pass, they must place the ball so the support player can pick up and either run or pass.

5. The support player develops quick ruck ball

If the support player picks up but hasn't time to use it, he must develop quick ruck ball.

6.The support player develops slow ruck ball

Slow ruck ball is a failure in attack because it gives the defence time to regroup - so take your time and get organised.

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