Rugby coaching tips to train the back row

What do you expect of your back row? An effective back row blends three players whose abilities complement one another. So, a rugby coach needs to be clear about the roles to be played by each member of the unit.

Balance and playing style

To start with, every good back row needs someone to do the unglamorous work that allows the other two free rein. Think Richie McCaw of New Zealand and George Smith of Australia.

Then you need to think about individual roles.

For instance, what is the primary role of your number 7 (openside flanker)? Is he destroyer, link man enabling continuity, defensive leader?

Is your number 6 (blindside flanker) going to be used as a "hard yards" ball carrier, a jumper in the lineout? Or are you going to play "another" number 7 instead, similar to Australia with Smith and Waugh?

The number 8 is a part of the spine of the team and a key decision maker. This player needs mental and tactical skills, as well as the physical skills, to make the most effective contribution.

As well as thinking about the team's playing style, think about how different back row combinations might enable you to play in different styles.

Lastly, keep observing the back row in action to ensure the balance is there. Failure to achieve this may result in a player not fulfilling the role he was originally selected for.

"No one can do too much handling" (Neil Back, England)

Give the back row plenty of opportunities for repetitive handling practice, but not just standard passing drills. They need to be able to pass from the floor, in the tackle, as well as pick the ball effectively from the players and the ground alike.

All your back row players should be skilled handlers under pressure and the ability to execute these skills effectively could be the difference between success and failure in a game.

Creating a new unit

Adding a new member or members to an established unit can be a challenge. Performance may drop as new members focus on themselves and their own position within the team rather than the unit's outputs.

More experienced and established players may continue to focus on sustaining the unit's performance. This has the danger of not effectively including the new members, thus preventing them from making a real contribution.

This may, in turn, lead to frustration amongst other players who may begin to regard the new players as not making a sufficient contribution.

The consequence may be misdirected energy within the team and a focus on the lack of effective input from the new player or the lack of support from established players.

There will, almost inevitably, be a drop in performance (not to mention the damage to team cohesion).

New players need to be included properly, supported by rugby coaching staff and team leaders, and allowed to establish themselves, but as soon as possible.