Tips to help you focus on individual players
In this example practice session your team work on unit skills, leaving you time to focus on each individual player.
It's a contact session (though you could adapt the rugby drill to work on most skills), with four stations at which players work on different skills.
Getting started
- Assign your squad to the four stations and start them off.
- Move the players around every four or five minutes so they practise all the skills.
Station 1: Leg drive
Using explosive leg drive, the defender is driven to the far side of a four metre channel. The attacker is working on getting a strong low body position, with short fast steps to generate power.
Station 2: One v one
The attacker has to beat a defender and score. The focus is on avoiding contact using footwork skills. If the tackle is made, then the ball must be properly presented.
Station 3: Pick and drive
The attacker picks up the ball and has to drive between two defenders holding ruck shields. The ball carrier must get low and drive the legs through contact. He has to stay on his feet and protect the ball.
Station 4: Coach's box
You work with two players at a time on any of the skills they need to improve.
Once the players are working
Observe the groups closely and look for players with a specific technical weakness.
Bring weaker players to Station 4 in pairs and spend a short time highlighting what they need to work on and how they can improve. Then let the players go back to their groups to continue practising what you have worked on.
Patience = freedom
Reaching the stage where players are capable of working in small groups without you takes time. It is worth persevering with, though, as once your players are more independent you will have much more freedom to coach.
This article is taken from the Better Rugby Coaching e-newsletter. Click here to sign up and get free rugby drills and skills twice a week.
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