Boost footwork skills with a fun rugby coaching game
If you want to improve players' footwork and decision making, this is a great rugby coaching game to use. It's aimed at younger players, but it can easily be ramped up for older, more experienced players.
The rules
- Use two teams facing each other at opposite sides of the playing area (the "swamp").
- One team is the "bandits", the other team comprises "Nevada Smiths".
- Give the "treasure" (a ball) to the first Nevada Smith, who must try and escape from the swamp, either through the side or the far end, without being caught (tagged or touch tackled) by the bandits.
Set up
- Area: 8m long area by 5m wide.
- Equipment: 1 ball, bibs (if available), tag belts (if used).
- Players: 8 – two teams of 4.
Scoring
- One point for each Nevada Smith who escapes from the side of the swamp with the treasure.
- Two points for each Nevada Smith who escapes from the end of the swamp with the treasure.
- One point to the bandits for each Nevada Smith captured.
What to call out
- "Look for space and move into it."
- "Take short steps when changing direction."
- "Keep your head up to see what's going on."
Key rugby coaching tips
Change the two teams over after everyone in the first team has been Nevada Smith.
Click the link to order a copy of Fun Mini Rugby Games, which includes 24 fun games covering agility, footwork, ball handling, tag, touch tackling and teamwork skills.
Click the link for rugby coaching tips to make footwork drills fun.
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