Rugby drill to recycle the ball working in small groups
Keeping the ball alive is one of the principles of rugby and although we may like our teams to pass before contact, the reality is they are frequently going to have to ruck. In the modern game, better teams employ groups of players known as "pods" to work together to support and clear the tackle contest.
Developing even a simple pod system will enable your team to keep recycling the ball when a ruck forms, and so ensure quicker ball. This drill is a great way to do that.
Moreover, it's a superb way for your players to let off a bit of steam after a poor performance in the previous match.
What you tell your players the drill is about
- Working together in small groups (pods).
- Improving your ability to recycle the ball quickly, starting with a ruck situation.
What you tell your players to do
- Receive the pass and go forward as a small group ("pod") of four.
- Target a defender or gap and drive into it.
- Go to ground or place the ball on the ground with the supporters driving defenders out of the way.
- Clear the ball away to the next group ("pod") and repeat.
- Always pass the ball the same way – left to right, or right to left.
What you get your players to do in the drill
In a 22m area, set up two pods of four players plus one clearing passer, who always remains in this role.
Have the two pods faced by a defensive line of players holding shields, in contact suits or as tacklers.
On your signal, the first pod of four attacks, makes contact and drives back the defence, before rucking the ball back so the clearing passer can pass the ball to the next pod.
Have the players repeat the rugby drill. The first attacking pod sweeps round and takes the pass from the next ruck. The initial defenders move from the initial ruck to rejoin the defensive line at the far end.
Repeat the drill until each group has performed three recycles.
Develop the drill
- To create more pressure, allow the defensive line to move forward from an onside position as soon as the clearing passer puts his hands on the ball.
- Let the receiver vary their run, targeting gaps or weak players in the defensive line.
- Let the clearing passer pick up the ball and run forwards or across before passing the ball.
- Ask the players to make two passes before meeting the defensive line.
How would I put this into a game situation?Play a full contact game on a long narrow pitch. Condition the game so that the defence cannot touch the ball and the attack is only allowed to make one pass before contact. This will all lead to plenty of contact and recycling.
Develop the game by allowing two then three passes before contact. This will create uncertainty in the defence and lead to gaps, but will also put the attack under more pressure.
What to call out- "Make an early decision where to go and commit to it."
- "In contact, get into a low body position and keep your legs pumping."
- "Place the ball back so it's clear of the defence."
What to look for- Ball carriers that take contact and immediately go to ground. There are dangers of being turned over or giving penalties away if they go to ground too quickly. The ball carrier should use more leg drive after making contact.
- Players who are poor at clearing away defenders. Ensure the support players drive tight to the ball carrier.
What to think about- What height of drive is most effective when clearing the defence away?
- Are the players targeting weak opponents and gaps or just hitting defenders?
- How does adding an extra pass affect the practice?
- Is the players' timing of their run onto the pass affected by how successful the previous ruck is?
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