Five core areas to focus on in rugby coaching

These are the five core areas of the game that even the top rugby players practise every week.

Colin Ireland draws on his experience at the very top of the game to set out rugby drills and training exercises to test each one of these five key areas. The exercises are quick to set up and explain, and can easily be used as part of your rugby warm-up drills for training or games.

1. Running - "Through the box"

Mark out a 10 metre square box. Stand a player (or a line of players) on each side of the box, facing into the centre. Place four other players in the square to work as defenders or chasers.

On your signal the players on the sides have to run through the box and get to the opposite side without being tackled by the defenders. If caught they stand in the box, acting as extra obstacles. The exercise can use touch, TAG or live tackles.

Keep the players moving, for instance with relay runs through the box, and ensure all players spend equal time defending.

2. Passing - "Shuttle pass opposition"

Mark out a 10 metre square box. Group your players into teams of four, placing two groups at one side of the box, with the other two groups opposite.

The first group passes a ball along the line as they move through the box. Once they reach the other side they hand or pass the ball on to the next group, who repeat the exercise in the opposite direction.

To create opposition you can have two groups moving through the box from opposite ends at the same time.

3. Tackling - "Tri tackle"

Organise your squad into groups of three players. Spread out the first group on a line and facing three contact shields.

On your signal the three players drive into the shields, knocking them back. They quickly move back to the line and repeat the exercise. The next group of three then take over.

4. Supporting - "Gate support"

Organise your players into a lateral line of six. Spread out poles or markers (the "gates") across the pitch in front of them.

On your signal the players run forward passing the ball. The player who has the ball when they cross through the gates then accelerates away. The other five players have to support the ball carrier from behind, by running through the gate he went through.

5. Contact - "Drive and place"

Organise your players into lines of four, with the lead players holding a ball. Each ball carrier is faced by an opponent three metres away.

The lines move forward with the ball carriers taking contact. They pass after contact or, if tackled, place the ball. A support player picks up the ball and passes it away. Repeat the exercise with all the players acting as ball carrier and passer.

Click the link to order a copy of Coaching Rugby, a manual with over 100 drills and games to help you coach all the basics.

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