Rugby coaching game for picking up the rugby ball under pressure
The rugby ball is on the ground plenty of times in a match, but rarely is the pick-up practised under extreme pressure. To be successful at this game rugby players will need to change their body shapes, so as to gather the ball from the ground more effectively.
Set-up
Players: 4v4.
Area: 20m square.
Equipment: One ball.
Game notes
Play with touch tackling below the waist. The tackler cannot then move until the ball is touched by another player from either team.
The ball can be rolled in any direction.
Any ball can be contested for on the ground. If two players wrestle for the ball, they have five seconds to win the contest or the ball is turned over to the team not originally in possession of it.
Any infringement means a restart, with the ball rolled to the non-infringing side.
Score
One point for a try.
What to call out
- “Bend at the knees and hips, not the back”
- “Step over the ball”
- “Fingers pointing down and scoop”
Coaching notes
- Change the game so the ball can only be rolled backwards or sideways. This creates a more match-like situation and leads to more turnovers.
- Better teams will find more ingenious ways to “roll” the ball, for instance by bouncing it or just using a “pick and go” technique.
This game is from 48 Rugby Skills Games manual, an instant reference and the only source of inspiration you'll need.
For more rugby coaching tips and products visit Rugby Coaching Club.
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