Pod rugby coaching session

In rugby coaching circles, the use of pods, that is small pre-defined groups of players, used to be the preserve of the top teams. However, you can utilise these groups or pods to help coach your rugby players to gain more structure and, crucially, know where they have to run and who they have to support.

What you tell your players the rugby coaching drill session is about

Improving your ability to go forward in numbers.
Improving your support for the ball carrier.
Improving the number of offloading opportunities.
Improving your confidence in attack.

What to think about

Are the support players reacting to the situation when their team-mate attacks a space?
Initially, the support players are looking for a pass. They have to have some depth behind the ball carrier so as to take the pass out of contact at speed.
Stand with the support players to start with. Help them position themselves and signal when they should accelerate.
Are the support players effective when the attacker is tackled and opponents are trying to regain the ball?
When clearing the opposition away from the tackler you can get the two support players to weld together at the hip and shoulder. This will ensure they can cope against superior numbers and secure the ball.

What you tell your players to do

Work together in groups (pods) of three, with a ball carrier and two support players.
Aim to get past the defence. If stopped, offload the ball to a support player. If this is not an option, present the ball to a support player.
As support players, start behind the ball carrier and look for the pass out of contact.
If the ball carrier is tackled, work together to secure the ball and recycle it for the next attacking pod.

Coaching players to make the most of pod rugby skills

What you get your players to do in this rugby coaching session

Split the players into two teams of seven. Split the attackers into two pods of three, with one spare clearing passer. Use bibs or coloured bands to identify each pod of three players.

The attackers have to score at the end of the area. They can pass, run and drive the ball. When one of the attacking players decides to penetrate the defence, only his two nominated team-mates can support him.

As the clearing passer moves into position, the other pod organise into formation for the next attack. Condition it so the defenders cannot play or compete for the ball.

What to call out in the drill

“Accurate communication to the ball carrier.”
“See the play evolve and decide what to do.”
“Stay low and drive the opposition away.”

Develop the drill

At restarts, mix the players up, so they have to quickly move and get into their working pods.

Put the drill skills into a game situation

Split into two teams of 10, with the attackers in three pods of three, plus a clearing passer. The game starts with a tap and pass.

Scoring is achieved in the normal way with five points for a try. However, a point is deducted every time a player from another pod gets involved in recycling and securing possession at the breakdown.

This enables the defence to chance more defenders at the breakdown to compete for the turnover. It is a risky option, since a pod can keep the ball and pass it to the other six attackers.

Click here to subscribe to Smart Sessions Core Skills and get rugby coaching plans delivered direct to your inbox.

Click here for a rugby drill to get players working together in small groups to recycle the ball.