Turnovers rugby coaching game for passing and finding space

Turnovers is a good rugby coaching game to use with young players to help them practise skills such as finding space and passing the ball.

Rules for turnovers game

Divide the players into teams of three. Start the teams from their try lines. Give a ball to the team you want to be the first attackers.
The attackers aim to beat the defenders to score a try by using running, evasion and passing skills. The defence use tag or touch tackles to stop them.
When a ball carrier is tackled, they put the ball down and the whole team returns to the try line. After three seconds, the other team picks up the ball and attacks.

Game set up

Create a 10m by 10m playing area with six players in two teams of three. Use one ball, bibs (if available) and tag belts (if used). Award one point for a try.

What to call out

"Look for space and move into it."
"Beat the defender."
"Pass and move."
"Support the person with the ball."
"Run forwards."
"Pass backwards."
"Shout "TACKLE" when you catch someone."

Key rugby coaching tips

Players should discover clever ways to move and pass the ball around. If you have more than one game taking place at once, you can swap the teams around after every try.

If you're coaching young players and want to improve their core movement and coordination skills, order a copy of Fun Mini Rugby Games, aimed at coaches of players aged 5 to 8 years old.

Click the link for another game aimed at coaching basic rugby skills to youngsters, which focuses on passing and tackling skills.