Rugby coaching drill to show invisible channels to run into
This rugby coaching drill teaches your players how communication can improve passing and handling when creating "invisible channels" to run into.
What you tell your players the rugby coaching drill is about
- The aim of this rugby coaching drill is creating spaces between a line of defenders to attack, by revealing "invisible channels".
- Using good handlers to release good runners.
- Communicating clearly with each other.
What you tell your players to do- Ball carriers are going to draw defenders out of position – try to isolate a defender.
- Release the ball level with, or behind, the defender (if contact is taken).
- The invisible channel is where the defender was just defending, through and behind them.
- Supporters are looking to take a pass very close to the defender being attacked. They must tell the ball carrier where they want the pass.
Run the rugby coaching drill
Mark out three 3m channels.
Practice 1. A ball carrier (P1) starts in the far left channel, moves forward and across to the far right channel. The ball carrier then passes the ball back into the middle channel. Another player (P2) starts in the far right channel and then moves into the middle channel to take the ball.
Practice 2. The ball carrier (P1) moves in and out in the far left channel and then passes to the receiver (P2) as he arrives on the shoulder of the ball carrier. The receiver starts in the far right channel.
What to call out in the rugby coaching drill
- "Ball carrier - attack the gaps just beside the defender."
- "Attack means going beyond the defender before releasing the ball."
- "Drive your legs through the tackle."
- "Supporters - put yourselves in the channels by changing angles."
- "Supporters - COMMUNICATE."
What to look for- Attacking players not committing defenders. They need to change direction and accelerate close to contact.
- Ball carriers not releasing the ball at the best moment. Passes must be delivered level with, or from behind, the defender.
- Supporters not hitting the gain line at pace.
To get more help building your players' techniques, rugby skills and understanding of the game from ages 8 to 16,
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Coaching Rugby manual.
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Coaching Rugby focuses on the basics of working with young players in a safe and rewarding environment. Part two contains more than 100 rugby coaching sessions, games and developments to coach and enhance all the basic skills of rugby.
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