Regaining momentum after a mistake
Techniques to help players "bounce back" or recover quickly after dropping the ball.
Freeze! Not you, your team. Every time they drop the ball, or so it seems, players too frequently stop and don't react. It is very frustrating.
To solve this common problem, I use a rugby coaching session which focuses as much on the mindset of the players as the actions that should be taken.
What you tell your players the session is about
- Learning how to deal with rubbish or a bad ball.
- Restarting the "go forward" momentum.
What you tell your players to do- React to mistakes positively and urgently.
- Secure a "bad ball" by retaking possession and getting to your feet quickly.
What you get your players to do In a 10-metre box, have two attackers on one line and two defenders circling the box. You throw the ball into the box and let the players react. The attackers aim to score over the line at the opposite end of the box and the defenders aim to prevent the score.
Be very tough on the laws of the game: players have to get to their feet, have to arrive at the tackle area from the side, and the like.
Change the types and position of the throw to test the players.
What to call out
- "Make the ball on the floor yours (looking for winners)."
- "Move the ball away quickly from the mess."
- "Roll and up, turning away from opposition."
- "Support from behind."
What to look for - Players who are slow to get the ball away. If the player is "off" his feet, then he has no rights to the ball, so he needs to get down and get up quickly.
- Players who regularly lose the race for the ball. This session rewards quick wits and aggressive, hungry players.
Development - Add more defenders, with the aim of securing the ball safely.
- Add more attackers, but delay when they can enter into the box.
How would I put this into a game situation? Game 1. Wet ball: Find your oldest, most slippery ball and have a bucket of water on hand. Play a normal game, but dip the ball in the water after every breakdown.
Game 2. Recovery: Set up two teams of players lined up, facing each other about three to five metres apart. Standing between the two lines, throw a ball over the top of one of the teams to start the game.
What to think about- What do you expect the second player to the ball to do?
- Can your players "scoop" the ball off the ground?
- Do you want to encourage your players to "flick" the ball off the ground, rather than gather and pass it?
- What other "tricks" might you explore, for instance, a "flick" through the legs?
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.
Rugby coaching tips
Improve your rugby training skills. Sign up for a FREE weekly email, full of simple proven tips, advice and drills.
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your emails interesting and very helpful! Thanks very much!"
Jules Hydleman, Coach, England
|