Rugby coaching drill to improve rucking skills

A rucking grid creates various challenges for the players to react to. It helps them concentrate on how to arrive "through the gate" and make a difference at the ruck.

Key rugby coaching tip for rucking skills

You should always check for good body angles, with the players going from low to high, and being balanced so they don't come off their feet.

What you tell your players the rugby coaching session is about

Hitting rucks square and strong.
Getting into positions to make a difference at the ruck.

What to think about in the drill

Picking threats. Rucking grids highlight the problems of getting into a good body position before the ruck. They also show that players need to make a difference when they arrive at the ruck. To do this, they need to identify which players are the threats and target them to drive out.

Staying on the feet. A current focus of referees is ensuring players stay on their feet. Watch this carefully in the rugby coaching drills. There is a trade-off between generating power before the "hit" and maintaining balance. This practice should help players understand their limitations.

Run the drill

Place three pairs of players back-to-back in the middle of one side of each square (as in the "Rucking grids" picture below).
Standing behind the players and facing into the squares, throw the ball to one of the players facing you. He turns and attacks through the square, while his partner turns to tackle him. The other pairs join in to contest the ruck.

What to call out

"Identify and take out threats."
"Dip your hips before contact."
"Keep your eyes open for as long as possible."

Develop the rugby coaching drill

Move one or two of the pairs further into the squares to change the angles.
Add a defender and attacker to one of the edges to create a different scenario.
Throw the ball over the pairs into the squares.

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Click here for more rugby coaching tips to help your players ruck effectively.