Nswru coaching

coaching tips & tricks from the best in the game...01.1

the waratah way...

5 common mistakes

Coaching:

01.1

01.

1. Open v Closed Skill Environments

Coaches often make the mistake of moving players into an open environment without covering off on the skill in a closed environment.

A closed environment is a scenario where the options available are fairly few and largely constant, for example – a catch and passes drill or tracking drill.

An open environment revolves around placing a player in a situation in which there are a number of variables, the scenario is constantly changing and the player is required to undertake a decision under pressure. Examples of this are 3 v 2 attack or live tackling drills. This is environment players are more likely to reinforce current poor techniques.

How often do coaches set up a drill in an open environment and get frustrated with the result? For example putting the players in a 3 v 2 attack against defence drill when the players would struggle to complete a 2 v 1 and possibly even struggle to undertake a catch and pass drill without dropping the ball. Feedback in this environment is almost impossible as you could pull the team up on almost every aspect of the drill, so the coach lets the drill run poorly much to their frustration.

A common phrase is “I couldn’t give feedback as I would have to pull the drill up and we would be constantly stopping and we would get nothing done”. In both an open and closed environment limit your coaching points (coaching points are the aspects which you want to see done well) to around 3 per drill. This will allow you to give feedback and monitor the improvement in the players. Let the players know what you are hoping to see from the drill. Ask them to repeat them to you (just to make sure they are listening). Once you believe that they have mastered them, change them. Then you won’t have to keep stopping the drill!

Don’t start at the end and expect to get a good result, work your way up to that point and assess from there. Remember that if the open skill is not working go back to the closed skill to reinforce the basics!

2. Verbal Instructions

How often do you give a verbal instruction to the players and get frustrated when you move them into the drill that they don’t do in correctly?

Players learn through a variety mediums – listening, seeing and actually doing. The visual in conjunction with listening should prove the most effective method.

How can the coach tell whether the players have understood? Simple - ask. “Who can tell me what the three points are?” “Why are we concentrating on these points?” “What does the next man into this scenario do?”

These are all examples of open questions which help the coach to understand whether the players understand.

Don’t start at the end and expect to get a good result, work your way up to that point and assess from there ““

01.1Coaching: 5 common mistakes

02.

3. Coaching the Drill not the Skill

Ever feel that you spent the majority of your time trying to get the players to complete the drill properly rather than actually coaching them and giving them feedback?

The feedback might sound something like “no Bill you have to run around there, not through the middle!” Before long Bill has not been coached at all on everything else that he is doing (ie the actual skill).

This problem is often an indicator of the instructions that you have given (the players have not listened) and you have only given a verbal explanation and consequently you are trying to give a physical demonstration on the run.

Take a little longer at the beginning with your demonstration and ask the players to show you what they are to do. This will indicate whether the players understand the drill and the allow you to give feedback on the drill.

4. Game Realistic Drills

Do your drills actually replicate a scenario that happens in a game?

How often do teams warm up with a 4 corner drill where they are popping the ball to a player running in the opposite direction? Is there any scenario in a game (forward pass maybe?) where I am going to execute this, with the exception of throwing an intercept pass to the opposition!

Another example might be getting the backs to run moves which happen 10 metres over the advantage line. It would be nice if that happened in a game but it seems highly unlikely.

If you look at your drills and the possibility of the action not happening in a game is zero, change the drills. A catch and pass drill will have the same effect with communication, group management and player movement as the old 4 corner drill. Put an advantage line in your drill to ensure that the depth that the switch happens at is realistic.

5. Too many players standing around during drills

Too often drills are run that only incorporate 3 or 4 players moving and completing the drill. If you look at the other players during the drill and they are standing around for any longer than 30 seconds at a time, its time to have a close look at how you are running training.

The longer the players are standing around the greater the chance that discipline will become an issue (again another drain on time which affects the amount of training you are able to complete).

A simple solution could be to set up 2 grids incorporating the drill that you are doing. Split the team in 2 to ensure that all players are working. The coach should look to position themselves in the middle of the grids to allow them to police both groups and provide effective feedback to the players.

01.1Coaching: 5 common mistakes

Take a little longer at the beginning with your demonstration and ask the players to show you what they are to do““


the waratah way...

Mechanics & Roles

Scrum:

01.1

01.

Feeding side (attacking team) is looking to provide:

Stable scrum to win ball Provide platform to launch attack Side up to attack from in order to take the opposition back row out

of the game and increase attacking potential and options

Non feeding side (defending team) is looking to:

Pressure and destabilize the attacking team scrum Win ball back Tactically create movement in order to close down options of the attacking team

Scrum Working Units

Force production unit

➢ In attack this unit is responsible for the quality of the ball for their team. The quality of their work will dictate how stable the platform is for the next phase in attack. ➢ In defence the force unit is attempting to disrupt the ball winning unit of the feeding side. ➢ In general terms the tallest, heaviest or strongest second rower should be in this unit to provide

optimal support to the tight head.

01.1Scrum: Mechanics & Roles

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LH - Pod (1,2,4,F) Ball Winning

TH - Pod (3, 5, F) Force Production / Ball quality

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Ball Winning Unit

In attack the major responsibility is ensuring that their side wins the ball.➢ In defence the ball winning unit is looking to blunt and/or dominate the attacking teams force production unit.

If they succeed the quality of the ball available to the attacking team will suffer, possibly negating first phase options.

Figure 2 illustrates the two sides of the scrum working in conjunction and the angles in which they will be looking to achieve.

Scrum Mechanics

Force generation is determined by: Scrum culture and attitude Efficiency of the front row to generate force Capacity of the front row to generate force Capacity of the back row to generate force Capacity of the back 5 to generate force Height of the scrum


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Understanding the Roles / techniques of the front rowers in the scrum

Feeding (attacking) team Loose Head (feeding)

• Providehookerwithadequatecomfort and protection to win the ball • Winthehitjustbeyondthemidlineofthescrum• Workwithinsideshoulder,hipandkneetounder and square to negate the opposition tight head boring in on his hooker (protect his hooker)• Looktogetlongbindontightheadtoprovide stability and allow him to manipulate tight head into a vulnerable position• Drawbinds(ourhookerandopp.tighthead)inorder to engage tight head and relieve pressure on the hooker to allow strike• Byremainingsquare,winningthehit,pushingstraight and getting under his opposition tight head he can give his team the best possible chance to win the ball and take pressure to win the ball and tale pressure off his teams tight head prop on the other side of the scrum

Tight Head (feeding)

• Winthehit,leadinbyengagingfractionallyearlier• Lookingtobestrongandstabletocreateasolid platform to provide his hooker with the best opportunity to win possession• Wantstopushstraighttogivehisteamthebest possible chance to win the ball • Looktogetheadthroughgapbetweenopp.loosehead and hooker to avoid loose head packing onto his sternum• Protecthishookerwhichmaymeanhehastopush out on the opposition loose head

Hooker (feeding)

• Hookersetstheheightofthescrum• Driveforwardonengagementtogivebestpossible body position • Anticipateengagementcalltogetthebestpossible hit just beyond the mid line of the scrum and not allow opp. hooker and tight head to get under him• Worklowinanefforttogetontoopp.tighthead and hooker with shoulder below and open chest up and drive through

Feeding Pack

• Winthehitandtheballthroughtimingbyhitting the opp. past the mid line• Chasefeetanddrivelegsinordertomaintainpressure• Controlandsetplatformforthenextphase

Non Feeding (defending) team

Tight head (non feeding)

• Winthehit,leadthescrumin• Looktosplittheopp.hookerandlooseheadby attempting to get head through the gap between them using forehead as a rudder. This will also prevent opp. loose head getting into his sternum area. If successful go a long way to giving ascendancy to his scrum • Workhisinsideshouldertoattacktheopp.hooker• Pressureopp.hookersstrikebyobstructinghisview oftheball.Alsopressureopp.hookerwhenfootlifts off the ground to strike for ball • Pulloppositionlooseheadtohimandgetunderneath

Loose head (non feeding)

• Winhittotakeascendancyawayfromopp.tighthead• Pullbindsonwithhookertonegateopp.tight head/ force production side • Packontoopp.tightheadpreferablywithneckand right shoulder underneath sternum• Disruptopp.ballbygeneratingawheel,boringup making the hooker and tight head prop uncomfortable

Hooker (non feeding)

• Pressureopp.hookersstrikeundertheirrightshoulder. On the strike the opposition shoulder may lift presenting an opportunity to apply pressure• Looktopacklowontoopp.tightheadin conjunction with loose head.

Non Feeding pack

• Winhitpastthemarkbychasingfeetortodisrupthit• Disrupttheplatformbyavarietyofmeasures pressure up/down, wheeling • Givebackrowbestopportunitytodisruptnextphase• Negateoptionsavailabletoopp.bycontrolledwheeling

coaching tips & tricks from the best in the game...01. 2

the waratah way...

SeasonPlanning

Coaching:

01. 2

01.

Synopsis Season planning is imperative for any rugby coach. Season plans assist to identify the team/clubs season, long-term and short-term goals. This paper assists with identifying how to develop a season plan, the kpi’s of a season plan and the ways to extend the season plan to cover the long and short-term goals of the team/club.

Season planning is an important part of modern day coaching. It is imperative for a coach – no matter what level they are coaching – to identify their season goals, taking into account the physical, technical and tactical elements they wish to develop. On top of this, Club Coaches will need a season plan that takes into account all the teams within the club, the competition they are playing in and the expected outcomes from the season.

The question most often asked by coaches is: Where do I get the time to plan? For most coaches, time will be spent during the season thinking about the next training session, what tactics to use against an opponent and evaluating training sessions and games; most of the time, it will be in the middle of night in a cold sweat!!

A season plan (or periodisation plan) ensures the coach identifies and teaches key skills and strategies to their players. It also becomes a good resource for evaluating past seasons and developing an improved plan for the next. For the Waratahs, the season plan runs from November through to the end of the Super 14, with development and maintenance work scheduled for the period of June to October.

In order to develop a season plan the coach will need to complete the following steps:

Step One:

Identify the Pre-Competition, Competition, Transition and Active Rest periods within the year.

Step Two:

Establish the coaching goals for the physical, technical and tactical aspects of the game.

Step Three:

Identify the ratio for the coaching goals over the season plan (i.e. within the pre-competition phase, 70-80% of time should be spent on physical preparation while the other 20-30% should be spent on the technical preparation).

(Example – NSWRU Periodisation plan template)

At this stage the coach now has a template that can be used to plan his monthly overviews (macro) and weekly sessions (micro). This will alleviate the common coaching trick of arriving with no idea of what to do and, therefore, putting the team through a rigorous fitness session!

Coaching: Season Planning

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So how is this done, you ask! The simplest way is to follow the preceding steps:

Step One:

Grab a calendar and identify the following:

• The first training session• When your local council will allow you onto the oval (for your first session)• The first trial game• The first round of the competition• Each round and your opponent• Any Bye rounds / holiday weekends / etc• When the final series begins and ends• The end of season trip and Presentation Night

When you’ve completed this, you can then draw a line between the first training session and final trial match and mark this area as Pre-Competition; next you can draw a line at the midway part of the competition as Competition 1; at the last game of the season as Competition 2; at the Grand Final as Competition 3; at the end of the Presentation Night (etc) as Transition; then the period between this and next season’s Pre-Competition becomes the Active Rest period.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

AR Pre-Competition Comp 1 Comp 2 C3 Trans Active Rest

Step Two:

What will be your coaching goals for the season? It is important to have a clear idea of what you want your players to achieve by the end of the season and the way and means of them getting to this point. Your coaching goals should identify specific physical, technical and tactical aspects of the game.

Physical aspects relate directly to the ‘Strength and Conditioning’ (S&C) of the players. Endurance, speed, and strength can be delivered to players in a variety of ways – coaches don’t always have to use 400m runs (etc) to develop these aspects in their players! Remember, rugby is a ‘ball in hand’ – ‘on you feet’ sport and, as such, players should be doing a lot of their physical conditioning whilst working on these aspects of the game.

Technical aspects of rugby focus on the development of a player’s “core skills”. These skills may be viewed as:

• Catch and Pass• Balance and stability (includes footspeed)• Tracking• Tackle• Post-tackle skills• Unit core skills

It is important for the coach to have an idea of what they want their players to be able to do. For example, at an U15 level the coach may want the players to be able to catch and pass, both left to right and right to left, with minor defensive pressure, whereas at Premier Rugby the coach will expect the players to be able to catch and pass, both ways, with defensive pressure.


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Tactical aspects are unit and team orientated. For this reason, players must have a sound physical and technical base for any positive development to be achieved. Forward set piece work and back starter plays must be planned prior to the season and implemented and developed throughout the season. This is also true for team attack and defence strategies.

Therefore, having a fair idea of the standard of play within the competition and the ability to program for your players to achieve these standards will have a positive effect on what you, as a coach, can achieve with your team. This is also important if you are lucky enough to coach one of the higher skilled teams, for it will give you a gauge of how far you can realistically develop your players within the season.

Physical Technical Tactical

Step Three:

Being able to identify the training load associated with physical, technical and tactical aspects of rugby is the final component of the season plan.

As the physical aspect of rugby focuses on developing the S&C of your players, at times, a coach may spend a disproportionate amount of time on this part of the game; this occurs because the coach is normally unprepared and uses sprints and fitness as a means of masking poor planning.

In the pre-competition phase the coach should be spending between 60-80% of the available time on S&C training, whereas this percentage will decrease through the competition phases so that by the third there will be no physical (S&C) needed.

As rugby is a game that revolves a rugby ball, it is imperative that coaches utilize drills and activities that involve a rugby ball. This is quite easy when looking at the technical and tactical aspects of rugby, but it is also worthy when dealing with the physical aspects.

As the technical aspects of rugby will revolve around core skill work and will increase from the pre-competition phase of between 10-40%, to the competition 2 phase of about 60% and then decrease to about 20-30% within the competition 3 phase.


01. 2

* Develop key physical components for individual, unit and team performance. Areas of focus will be: ‘Agility, Balance, Footspeed, & Stability’ / ‘Strength Training’ (inc. “core strength”) / ‘Cross-Training’ options / ‘ Endurance & Speed’.

* Development of core skills for individual, unit and team performance will focus on: TRM > Tracking / Tackle / ‘The Gate’ / Post-Tackle options; Attack > Catch and Pass / Running Lines / Positional kicking; Defence > Block, Passive, Dominant tackles; Unit Skills > Scrum (Building blocks to fully contested); > Lineout (Pods / Throw / Timing)

* Development of tactical elements of play will focus on: Attack > Channels & field segments / Starter plays / Alignments; Defence > ‘Tracking, Hustle, Jam’ options / ‘1,2,3’ ruck defence options / ‘Hover’ & ‘Sting’ awareness; Scrum > Backrow moves / wheels (NSW); Lineouts > Full / 5-man / 3-man / defensive; Restarts > Traditional / Pods / Split-locks / Match-up; Free-Kick/Penalty > Strike1,2,3

04.

In the pre-season, ‘balance and stability’, ‘catch and pass’ and ‘tracking’ activities will take up the most of the allocated time, whilst as the team develops their competence further technical aspects can be introduced. By the end of the season, the coach should be satisfied that the technical aspects that we’re identified at the beginning of the season have been achieved.

The tactical aspects of rugby, as noted previously, revolve around unit and team skills. Within the pre-season, the coach must complete initial scrum, lineout and back starter play work. The time allocated to this area will range from between 10-20%, depending on the level of team being coached. Subsequently, as the season progresses, so will the percentage of time allocated to the tactical aspects of the team.

So the difficult part has now been completed! It is now time for the coach to look at what needs to be achieved in the monthly and weekly segments. As the old adage goes, “you’ve got to build into the season” and with this in mind, the dynamic part of coaching begins – so don’t forget the scribbled on beer coasters and good luck with the season!


01. 2


the waratah way...

Tactics, & Problem Solving

Scrum:

01.2

03.

Hooking the ball (on own feed)

The hooker is the player responsible for the hooking of the ball once it is put into the scrum. This is done by striking the ball with the right foot (while all weight is on the left) and guiding the ball back through the locks. If the props binds are correct, the hooker should have little problem striking and tilting the hips. Once the ball has been won, it is important for the hooker to re-assume the strong body position and assist in the transferring of forces into the opposition.

The channels for ball distributions are clearly identified in figure 3.

CHANNEL 1 – Travels down the inner left side of the scrum to the left of the number 8. It is a quick strike with the intention of clearing the ball quickly.

CHANNEL 2 – Is a quick strike, which while controlling the ball is directed down the middle of the scrum. This is probably the most common channel.

CHANNEL 3 – Requires a longer sweeping action to bring the ball back down the right side of the scrum. This channel gets the ball away from the opposing scrum half.

Engagement

Zero tolerance on pulling out once both sides are crouched as it is dangerous.

Hips and knees must be in front of feet on engagement – this is common problem. This equates to weight being on the balls of the feet ready for engagement.

Front rows should avoid falling into the scrum as it requires the opposition to catch them and is a common cause of collapsed scrums. Front rows should push through the knees and hips to remain stable

Tight Head Up

The tight head should pack slightly in front of the loose head and hooker. This is to allow the tight head to lead into the scrum and take the initiative. This will also allow the tight head to counter the “natural wheel” of the scrum created by there being 2 loose heads.

01.2Scrum: Tactics & Problem Solving

Figure 3

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Figure 42

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Off Set Packing

When a defending team wishes to attack the attacking team’s ball they may choose to pack off centre in a way which places immense pressure on the opposition hooker and tight head. This method of packing allows the defending team to isolate the hooker and tight head on the attacking team.

As shown above this places immense pressure on the stability side of the attacking scrum. The hookers strike is also under pressure from this type of packing.

In order to counter this type of packing the attacking scrum attacking team should look to tighten the binds between the loose head and the hooker in order to engage the defending tight head. This should ensure that the pressure transfers to the loose head rather than the hooker. The defending team can also step to the right in order to negate the attacking sides attempt to isolate the hooker and the tight head


Figure 6

Figure 5

Defending Side

Defending Side

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Attacking Side

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Attacking Side

Note the movement to the left and the packing by the defending team isolates the attacking tight head and hooker leaving the loose head separate.

Note the attacking loose head and hooker tightening their binds to engage the defending tight head and step to the right to negate the off set packing.

05.

Scrum Wheeling

A legal wheel involves all players remaining in a pushing position. This can be gauged through the hips of the players and whether they remain together throughout the duration of the scrum.

A wheel can occur through the following means: Through the natural wheel of the scrum (caused by the loose heads) Through good scrummaging getting the loose or tight side up whilst remaining in a pushing position Through defending tight head backing away and not remaining in a strong pushing position creating an

opposition or attacking team loose head wheel (illegal) Through defending loose head separating hips from hooker and moving the scrum around creating a

loose head up style wheel (illegal) Through a “whip wheel”. All players from the wheeling side involved in the scrum stepping quickly to

the side to create the required momentum to wheel the scrum (illegal)

Countering the wheel

Throughout the wheel at some point the opposition (defending team) is going to move out of a strong driving position in order create the wheel. At this point the attacking team should look to drive through the wheeling (defending) scrum countering the wheel by keeping their hips and shoulders facing down the field. The wheel may also be countered through stepping with the wheel. For example if team A is trying to create a loose

head (getting its left hand side up) team B can counter this by stepping right (to the tight head side). This will move the entire scrum to the right negating the wheel. This can be very difficult to achieve as the wheel can happen (esp. the whip wheel) before this can be achieved.

Scrum Collapse

Scrum collapse can be caused by a number of incidents:

Tight head diving in and the opposition front row failing to “catch them” Failure to bind either by the loose head or tight head Overextension of the legs Throwing of the bind by the tight head in order to avoid the pressure coming from the loose head and hooker Tight head pulling down on the loose heads arm due to binding too low


06.


Guiding Principles of the Scrummage

Scrum as 8 Scrum Height Push/work for the duration (4-6 secs) Complete assembly before opposition Win engagement contest Right shoulder on every attacking scrum Lateral/ forward diagonal movement to disrupt oppositions ball Body height More efficient the scrum the more resources which can be allocated to other parts of the game Scrum management

Referee and the scrum

Engagement sequence

CROUCH - TOUCH - PAUSE - ENGAGE

Prior to each game respectfully ask the referee to outline his engagement protocol to your front row, then raise any issues which you may have After the match seek out the referee to discuss any issue or question you have which may have arisen during the match.


the waratah way...

Identifying right from wrong!

Defence:

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The concept of defence can be broken into an individual or a group construct. From the individual perspective, players must have an awareness of pre-contact positioning and body shape, what they must do in contact, and the options available to them post-contact. When dealing with a defensive pattern, teams must be able to identify why they are defending the way they are and the options available to them.Individual Defence:Individual defence can be broken into three distinct segments:

• Pre-Contact• Contact• Post-Contact

Pre-Contact

The most common mistake a player makes is to mark the attacker chest-to-chest. In doing this they provide the attacker withthreedistinctattackingoptions–left,rightandoverthetop!Playersmustoff-setthemselvestothepersontheyare defending, as this provides the attacker only one real option – away from the defender – and makes it easier for the defender to be in a safe position to make a tackle.

Example 1: Off-set positioning

Fromtheoff-setpositionplayersshouldapproachtheballcarrierusingthe“A-B-C”philosophy:

A = Approach B = Balance C = Close-out

The Approachthedefendertakesisforward,notatanangle!Thisassiststhedefensiveplayerdenying“timeandspace”to the attacking player. Approach also relates to the line-speed of the defensive player – that is, do they come up hard or slow. The important point here is that all defensive players should come up together in one line.

Balance refers to the defender shortening their running stride, dipping their body and preparing them for contact. The defensiveplayermustalsorotatetheirbodysothattheyapproachtheattackerona“J-curve”;withthecentreofthedefensiveplayer’schestpointingpasttheattacker’sshoulder;thisassistswithcorrectheadplacementoncontact.

INCORRECTFace-to-Face

CORRECTFace-to-Face

Defence: Identifying right from wrong!

01.3

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Close-Out is the termed used for defensive contact. The defensive player must get as close to the attacker as possible – foot in the hoop – and have their hands up ready to make contact. If players are too far away from the attacker going into contact, then the possibility of injury is increased.

Example 2: Running line for ABC

Contact

Contactoccursfromtheclose-outpositionwhenthedefensiveplayerimpactswiththeballcarrier.Heretheplayerbeinanuprightbodypositionwiththeirhandsinfront–asiftakingaphotoofwheretheyaregoingtomakeimpact;thedefensive player dips their body late and keeping their head up and with their foot in the hoop, they get their head behind theattackingplayer(preferablyontheirbuttock);thedefenderthenmakescontactwiththeshoulder(Hit), has both arms wrap and link (Stick), and pulls their body into the attacker (Squeeze).

Post-Contact

One of the most important parts of defence in the modern game is the ability of the tackler to regain their feet in order to attack the ball. This is a skill which takes time to perfect but if all the ingredients of pre-contact and contact have been addressed, then it is a simple matter of slight physical adjustments that will make the difference.

Upon making contact the defensive player must drive their back leg through the contact zone. This does two things. Firstly, it assists with a successful tackle being made and, secondly, it helps the defender regain their feet. By maintaining the Stick on the ball carrier the defensive player ends up closer to the ball because if they let go of the ball carrier they would fall off the tackle and find themselves around the attacker’s feet. Also by driving the back leg through the contact they can use the ball carrier’s momentum to assist them with getting back to their feet.

Finally, if the defender can maintain Stick plus use the ball carriers momentum to be in a dominant position on their feet over the ball, then they can follow the Law to appropriately win possession. This means they must:

• Releasethetackledplayer;thentheycan,• Playtheballfromanydirection.

The important point to note here is that the defensive player went to ground with the ball carrier. By going to ground, determined by at least one knee touching the ground through the tackle, the defensive player is deemed to be a Tackler. By being a Tackler a defensive player may play the ball from any direction within the tackle area giving them a huge advantageoverotherdefensiveplayers;rememberingthatallotherplayersenteringthetackleareamustdosovia“TheGate”.

01.3Defence: Identifying right from wrong!

APPROACH

BALANCE

CLOSE-OUT

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Group Defence:

OverthepastfewyearstheWaratah’semployedanumberofdefensivestrategies.However,thebasicprinciples,asdetailed above, have been the cornerstone of the defence. This section details a simple three person defensive group and their roles/responsibilities in defending their zones.

Tracking – Hustle – Jam

Ball Defender

The Ball Defender refers to the defender who is marking the ball carrier. Their job is to (1) deny time and space to the attacker, (2) get into a position to make a sound tackle, and (3) either complete the tackle or follow the pass into the next channel(Hustle).

Hustle Defender

TheHustleDefenderisthepersonwhowaspreviouslymarkingtheballcarrier.However,whentheirplayerpassestheball their job is to get to the space between their player and the ball carrier. This does two things, (1) covers an inside pass to either the passer or an inside runner, and (2) puts them in a good position to support the Ball Defender.

Jam Defender

If all players are completing their roles correctly, the attacking team will get to a point where their outside player is marked closely by their opposite defender. This player is known as the Jam Defender. The Jam Defender’s role is to (a) stop the passbeingmade,or(b)beinapositiontotakethepassfromtheattackingteam(PeterHewitt,ex-Waratahbeinganexceptional exponent of Jam defence).

Example 3: A simple Hustle and Jam Defence.ThisdefensivepatterncanbeusedinbothSetandPhaseplay.Itisprimarilyaman-on-mandefencestartingwithaninside-shoulder alignment.

01.3Defence: Identifying right from wrong!

HUSTLE DEFENDER

BALLDEFENDER

JAMDEFENDER


the waratah way...

How to be transparent & fair!

Selecting:

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SynopsisThere are many variables associated with team selection and picking a team or a squad can be a difficult proposition for coaches. This paper assists by identifying the variables associated with selection, suggesting measures that can be taken to make the process more transparent and highlighting ways in which coaches can work towards a fair and equitable outcome for the players.

Coaches live by their results, and to this end, selection is one of the most crucial elements – for a coach cannot deliver results without the right personnel! Selection must be a transparent process to all and sundry. With this in mind, it is critical that the coach has an understanding of the processes that are associated with this procedure.

There are different types of selection processes that can be utilized by a coach – the majority are dependant on whether or not the coach is working with a selection panel. At its most simplest, a coach working on their own will use their judgment to decide whether a player is appropriate for their team; at its most intricate, the coach will work alongside others within a ‘Selection Panel’, using qualitative and quantitative data to determine the appropriateness of different players.

What are the variables associated with selection?

There are many variables associated with the selection of players. These variables will alter in ‘breadth and depth’ depending on the age and skill level of the team being coached. For example, picking players for the local U15 team will be different to selecting boys within an U15 representative program; this will be different again from selecting Grade players in a Premier rugby club to that of a Suburban or Country club.

For the majority of coaches, the player’s ability will be of paramount importance. Being able to differentiate between players by assessing their core skills is a function of coaching that takes time to develop. In order to develop this skill, the coach must have an understanding of what a core skill is and the ways in which they can develop them in their players.

Another variable associated with selection is that of training attendance. What does the coach do with players that are habitually late or are no-shows on a continual basis? This has got to be the bug-bear of every coach. Having clear boundaries (i.e. miss a training with no excuse will mean being dropped a grade or starting on the bench) that have been identified to the players and the ability to carry through with these boundaries is probably one of the hardest tasks in coaching.

The biggest concern, however, to a coach occurs with a player’s injury. A coach should have a concise policy for players returning from injury. The dilemma occurs when the injured player is a key play-maker (i.e. Dan Vickerman – lineouts and leadership) compared to a “Joe average” (i.e. a fringe Waratah player) > does the coach follow the protocol they set or do they make an exception? This is the one variable that requires a here-and-now answer (i.e. you won’t know until it happens!).

Other variables that may need to be considered and addressed could be:

• School and/or University holidays;• Ski trips with family and/or friends;• Player representative commitments (especially for junior club coaches).

There are sure to be others not identified in this paper and specific to the coach’s team and competition.

Selection: How to be transparent & fair!

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What are the common elements of a selection process?

Some common elements of the selection process are as follows:

• Having a clear understanding of how the process will work;• Being able to justify selections – why certain players are selected over others;• Showing consistency over the course of a season or representative program

The coach must have a clear understanding as to how the process will work. To do this the coach will have to set out the mechanics of the program. Some of these will be as follows:

• When will the team be selected? – For a Club side this may happen on the evening after the game (i.e. Sunday) or prior to the week’s first training session. For a representative program, it may be at the end of each game or round of games;

• Who is involved with the selection process? – At a junior club level, the coach will usually be on their own, whilst a senior club the coach will normally work with the coaches of the other teams. At Premier club level, the Club Coach normally works with the coaching staff in the selection process, whilst at representative level there is normally a “Selection Panel’ organised to work through the process.

• Is there a criterion for picking selectors? – Depending on the type of team, selectors more often than not will be persons who are suitably experienced. A “suitably qualified” person is normally one who has coached or been involved at that specific level of rugby for a specific amount of time. For example, a person who has coached at U15 representative level should have the experience to select at a junior representative level. At the Waratahs and Wallaby level, it is not uncommon to have a member of the “leadership group” or the Captain sit on the selection meetings.

• Is a selection criteria appropriate? – The answer is definitely “YES”! One of the most important aspects of selection is to have a clear and transparent criteria set out for all those involved in the process – coaches, selection panel, players, committee members and, of course, parents, wives and girlfriends!! Some issues that the coach might consider are:

What criteria can be used to assist with selection?

Once the process has been determined, the coach’s task is to establish how the players are selected. This means determining whether qualitative or quantitative analysis will be used to identify the “best” player for each game per position. Qualitative analysis on its simplest form is the coach’s judgment whilst quantitative analysis relies on hard-data (i.e. tackle made; tackles missed; etc).

Qualitative analysis revolves around the why and how of decision making. At its most academic level it is an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and the reasons that govern them. For the rugby coach, it is having an understanding as to why players react the way they do in certain situations and how, through training, their decision-making can be developed for the benefit of the team.

Quantitative analysis refers to the what, where and why! At the academic level, quantitative analysis relies on having substantiated reasons behind the various aspects of behaviour (i.e. statistics). For the rugby coach, it is using statistics and the like to ascertain whether or not the player has or is performing to the required level.

Subsequently, it is up to the coach to determine the criteria that will be used to assist with team selection. It is even more important that the players are aware of the process, so that they can work towards developing their game if they wish to progress and develop. The Position Specific Selection Criteria (attached) can be useful when used to assist players to identify certain aspects of their game which the coach wishes them to focus on; this in turn should lead to a focused outcome from the player.

01. 3Selection: How to be transparent & fair!

03.

How can the selection process be more transparent?

The easiest and most transparent way to view a selection process is by:

(1) Having a written policy(2) Advertising the policy(3) Using the policy

As previously mentioned in this article, the coach should develop policies and procedures to assist with correct player selection. By having a definitive approach to selection the coach will be able justify why a player is selected over another. This is not only appropriate at senior level but also where junior selections become debatable; remember, a transparent selection process can save the coach the nightmare of dealing with disgruntled players!

Once the coach has developed a selection policy that they are happy with, this policy should be placed in written form. At this point, the coach may make the policy available to the appropriate groups – the players, other coaches and/or the Committee. The importance of this should not be dismissed, as having a written policy that has been circulated lets everyone know where they stand in regards to selections.

But what if I paint myself in a corner you cry!!!

Any policy must provide the coach with the ability to be pliable within the set framework. This may mean that a “best player for the position available” framework be adopted, which may overcome the instance of a player returning from injury having to return via a lower grade. In order to achieve this, however, the coach must have a ranking system that is concise and easily maintained.

At both a representative and grade level, it may be appropriate to achieve this outcome by using a ranking system. A ranking system can be developed using the coach’s identified criteria and ranking the available players in position against it; this is predominantly useful when dealing with large squads of players. The other positive of a ranking system is it gives players the opportunity to know where they lie in the pecking order of the team or squad, and with helpful instruction from the coach they can work towards maintaining or progressing higher in their rank.

So the most difficult of tasks has now been completed. The coach should now be able to identify:

(1) How to put together their own policy(2) How to have the policy distributed through the club(3) How to implement the policy effectively and fairly

However, if the coach needs further assistance it may be applicable to attend a specific course that is dedicated to “selections” and/or further their education (i.e. ARU Level 2 Coach course). At NSWRU, a “Selectors Course” has been developed that focuses on assisting associations and clubs to formalize their selection process; such a course, has been delivered in the past to specific groups but if broad-base appeal is warranted, then the course may become a stable of the coach education unit.

01. 3Selection: How to be transparent & fair!

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Position Specific Selection Criteria

Prop Forward• Scrum formation & engagement• Body shape & height in scrum• Problem solving in scrum• Lineout support & sweeping on own throw• Lineout pressure on opposition throw• Body height & angle at the ruck & maul• Drive/impact at the breakdown• Mobility in attack & defence• Kickoff support (for & against)• Work rate at breakdown• Effectiveness in tackling

Backrow Forwards• Contribution to scrum• Contribution to lineout• Pressure on opposition in close• Pressure on opposition out wide• Running lines in attack (support play & linking) and defence• Effectiveness in tackle• Effectiveness at breakdown: securing or sealing off ball• Speed of arrival at breakdown• Relative contribution in front & behind the gain-line• Relative contribution on open side & blind side• General involvement in play• Effectiveness of back-row moves• Ball skills – running, handling, evasion• Impact on the game

Centre Three Quarters• Running alignment• Running angle• Agility & running skills• Quality & timing of ball transfers• Support play• Creativity• Midfield tackling• Chasing of kicks• Kicking• Counter attack contribution• Communication in defence

Hooker• Lineout throw• Lineout work on own ball• Lineout work on opposition ball• Scrum organisation• Hooking, including ball channeling• Body height & angle at the ruck & maul• Running with ball• Drive/impact at breakdown• Mobility in attack & defence• Kickoff sweeping (for & against)• Involvement & effectiveness at the breakdown• Effectiveness in tackling

Scrum Half• Service from scrum• Service from lineout• Service from general play• Kicking• Handling of pressure• Putting pressure on his opposition• Blindside work in attack & defence• Communication with forwards• Variety in ball usage• Field vision• Decision making• Communication with forwards & backs• Organisation skills

Wing Three Quarters• Finishing• Involvement on own side of field in attack & defence• Involvement on other side of field in attack & defence• Support of the fullback• Communication with fullback & other wing• Chasing of kicks• Penetration achieved• Positional play from scrum & lineout in attack & defence• Counter attack• Receiving kicks & returning or other options• Control of ball at contact• Defensive qualities – tackles made

Lock Forward• Quality & consistency of push in scrum• Body shape in scrum• Drive in ruck & maul• Lineout jumping including organisation of their area• Reactiveness to opposition ball in lineout• Kickoffs & restarts – chase and receive roles• Number of touches in general play• Number & quality of tackles made• Mobility in general play• Impact with carrying ball

Fly Half• Starting position• Running alignment & angle• Quality & speed of ball transfer• Support lines & effort• Ability to control game• Kicking quality – clearing kicks• Kicking quality – kicks for territory• Kicking quality – kicks for pressure• Organisation & bringing up defence• Kickoffs• Drop outs• Defence – effectiveness of tackles• Composure under pressure

Fullback• Catching & kicking• Organisation of back three (defence, kicks, counter attack)• Positional play – defence & attack• Defensive positioning & tackling• Contribution to penetration• Staying in the attack – support & chasing• Communication skills• Evasion skills


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Dynamics and Shape!

Defence:

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The concept of defence can be broken into an individual or a group construct. From the individual perspective, players must have an awareness of pre-contact positioning and body shape, what they must do in contact, and the options avail-able to them post-contact. When dealing with a defensive pattern, teams must be able to identify why they are defending the way they are and the options available to them.It is important to note that while there are a number of defensive structures many are theoretically the same structure just with a different name!

Defence Structures:There are quite a few defensive structures that a team can employ from Set or Phase play. These range from Man-on-Man, Drift through to Isolation or Compressed. The determinant of what defensive structure a team employs is dictated by the age and ability of the players.

Man-on-Man

A simple defensive structure all teams should be able to execute is the Man-on-Man defence. The premise behind this defence is that each player has correct technique through Track to Tackle; this will ensure that all players have confidence in the defensive ability of the players around them. Another function of the Man-on-Man defence is that the player’s are aligned on their respective player but they defend the zone or channel they are in. This is an important aspect of Man-on-Man defence that many players and coaches find hard to comprehend.

To ensure simplicity, players should be given clear instruction as to what their roles and responsibilities are. This ensures that there is no confusion through the execution of the defensive structure. For Man-of-Man this means:

• Players align on the inside-shoulder of their attacking player;• Playersmaintaintheirshape through their line-speed;• Ball Defender maintains correct tracking shape;• TheinsideHustle line taken after ball passed outside player’s channel;• ResponsibilityoftheHustle Defender to defend inside pass;• AllplayersmarkingLateral Supporters must maintain their shape; and,• Allplayersmustcommunicate with the players around them;

A major question most often asked is: How do you cover the fullback coming in on man-on-man?

There is no right answer but only a number of options that can be employed. Firstly, if you’re employing the defence only in your 22m zone, then it is as simple marking players; secondly, if outside the 22m, then players must work on their Tacking-Hustle-Jam lines and their communication; thirdly, the importance of the cover defence from 7, 8, 9 and the blind-side Winger cannot be over emphasised.

Defence: Dynamics and Shape!

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Below is a diagram of a Man-on-Man defence against a simple attacking movement:

Drift / Slide

Drift and/or Slide defensive patterns are very similar but utilised through different scenarios on the field. Drift defence is normally used from set phase defensive structures, whilst Slide defence is normally used through phase play. The other aspect of Slide defence is that it can be used as part of a Blitz (fast forward-moving defence) or as a Hover/Jockey (slow to retreating-movement).

In order to complete a Drift or Slide defence, the defensive unit must (1) communicate effectively with each other, and (2) execute the defensive movement after the attacking 5/8 has passed the rugby ball. Upon the 5/8’s pass all player move to the next player on their outside – thus drifting or sliding defensively.

A major question most often asked is: How do you cover the lateral supporters if the 5/8 takes the ball to the line?

There is no right answer but simply put, if the attack moves closer to the defensive line prior to passing then the players would remain in their Man-on-Man defensive mode. However, if the 5/8 passed early, then all players would move to the attacking player outside of them. Conjecture occurs with the discussion of the Winger and Fullback but there is no right or wrong on who takes the attacking extra player or winger – the players must, however, know who they are supposed to mark and track that player!

01.3Defence: Dynamics and Shape!

Hustle Hustle Ball Defender

Ball Defender Jam Defender

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Below is a diagram of a Drift defence against a simple attacking movement:

Sting / Hover

Sting and Hover defence are primarily used of phase play defence. A Sting defence is normally called when there are more defenders than attackers and a Hover defence is called when there are more attackers than defenders. As with any defensive structure it is important for all players to have an understanding to their roles and responsibilities.

The most important aspect of the Sting / Hover defence is that the players outside the primary ruck defence are player watching and not ruck watching. These players are in the best position to view if (1) they have a defensive overload or the attackers have more numbers, and (2) communicate with the players inside them as to the defensive adjustments needed to be made.

With regards to a Sting defence, players need to align on the outside shoulder of their attacking player. In this way they can force the attacking players back in towards the mass of defence, as if they are running in a ‘hockey stick’ shape. Further to this, a player can ascertain if there is a weak attacker in the attacking-line and target them by rushing them on their outside shoulder; if they follow through into contact, they are in a position to make a dominant tackle.

With a Hover call, the outside player has identified that there are more attackers than defenders. By calling “Hover” the players on the inside know they must shift into the next channel after the pass is made (like a drift on each pass). The other aspect of the Hover defence is that players do not advance forward as they would in a normal defensive pattern by judge their movement on that of the attackers; this may mean they retreat in order to keep their shape until players have filled in and they are once again in a Man-on-Man pattern.


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Ruck Defence – 10 / 20 / 30

In relation to ruck defence most teams have employed a policy of placing three defensive players either side of the tackle contest. There are many names for which teams use as a calling system but the primary objective is to reinforce the roles and responsibilities of the players defending this area.

The roles and responsibilities for the ruck area are:

1st Defender – called 1 / 10 / Pillar / etc.

• Identifiesthattheyarethefirstdefenderbybothcallandsignal;• Takesa3-pointstartingposition–lowandstrong–inordertodefendanyforward‘pickandgo’bytheattackingteam;• Is“non-negotiable”:theydonotmoveoutoftheirpositionuntiltheattackingteamhaveplayedtheball;• Theirfirstmovementisstraight–theydonotfollowtheballinitiallyacrossfield–untiltheyhavegonepasttheopposi-tion’s off-side line;• Theirjobistotackleoutside-shoulderin,sothattheattackisstoppedattheinitialtacklecontest.

2nd Defender – called 2 / 20 / Post / 9 / etc.

• Identifiesthattheyaretheseconddefenderbybothcallandsignal;• Watchestheballandhasresponsibilityforcallingthedefensiveline’smovement;• Caneitherstay(non-negotiable)orslide(negotiable);• Theyaredefendinga“running9”ortheinsideballfrom9toarunner;• Theirfirstmovementisstraight–theydonotfollowtheball/9acrossfield–untiltheyhavegonepasttheopposition’soff-side line;• Theirjobistotackleoutside-shoulderin,sothattheattackisstoppedandpushedbacktowardtheinitialtacklecontest.

3rd Defender – 3 / 30 / Key / Dart / etc.

• Marksthefirstreceiver(i.e.10)–dependingondefensivepolicyeitherinsideoroutsideshoulder;• Watchestheplayernottheruck;• Playerscomingfromtheruckareapushthisplayerout–therefore,visionandcommunicationimportant;• Whenthe“break”callismadetheytracktheattackuntiltheybecometheBallDefender.


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2030

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Key terms for better coaching!

Utilising:

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Synopsis: Throughout training sessions, before matches and at half-time, the coach must be able to deliver important feedback to players in a limited amount of time. The use of terms can assist the coach in delivering relevant information to the players in a concise manner. This paper assists with identifying the different types of terms, the ways they can be delivered, and gives examples from a NSWRU perspective.

The use of key terms can assist a coach in delivering information to their players in a simple and concise manner. Whether it is on the training paddock or on game day, using terms to deliver information to players is an easy way of disseminating information. This information must also be available through the different learning styles – KRAV learning styles model!

So how do key terms fit in?

From the very beginning of a training session the coach can use key terms to identify what they want from their players. Key terms can be used to identify key points, assist with error correction and/or identify patterns of play. The following illustration should assist any coach to produce their own “key term library”.

Examples of key terms

Body Shape

• Split stance – feet shoulder width, one in front of the other.• Abs on – having the abdominal muscles engaged.• Targets – having hands up and eyes forward (also assists with keeping heads up).• Irwin’s or Snipers – the collective “body shape” stance of split stance, abs on, and targets.

Catch & Pass

• Targets – having hands up and eyes forward (also assists with keeping heads up).• Swiss ball – moving your hands from catching the ball on the inside hip, moving through a small dip and passing on the upswing on the opposite side.• Tabletops - moving your hands from catching the ball on the inside hip, moving through straight across the body and passing on the opposite side.• Harry-Potter’s – having your hands and fingers pointing to the target after the pass.• Hips Square – maintaining a forward running line.

Defence

• Targets – having hands up and eyes forward (also assists with keeping heads up).• Inside shoulder – aligning against the attacking player from their inside shoulder.• Outside shoulder – aligning against the attacking player from their outside shoulder.• Line speed – the movement of the defensive line forward and the speed at which that task is completed.• Tracking – the player’s ability to follow their attacking player on either an inside or outside shoulder defensive pattern.• Foot in the Hoop – refers to the defender having a leg as close as possible to the attacking player; this not only brings them closer for contact but makes the tackle contest much safer.• Hit & Stick – the tackler’s contact with shoulder and arm wrap on the ball carrier.• Lazy Arm – the tackler’s non-contact arm being used for a correct stick.• Sting – where the defence denies “time & space” quickly by moving up on the attacking players; it may also refer to a dominant tackler on a ball-carrier.• Hover – where the defence push across with the ball (at times this may mean moving back towards their goal-line) so that the attack does not get on their outside.

Utilising: Key terms for better coaching!

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Attack

• 3P’s – Position / Possession / Pace > be in position to receive the ball; look for possession when a support player; when you have the ball utilize it at pace.• Primary Support – The player who passed the ball to the ball carrier.• Secondary Support – the players coming from the inside of the ball carrier (i.e. players from the previous tackle contest)• Lateral Support – the players on the outside of the ball carrier.• Unders – running line back towards the ball carrier• Overs – running line away from the ball carrier

In what ways could key terms be delivered to the players?

All individuals learn in different ways. The key learning styles are:

Kinesthetic – Having practical experience so that the player actually does the physical movement of the play/move. This is ‘hands-on’.

Reading – Coach writes down, possibly with a diagram a play/move for the player to read.

Aural – Verbal explanation of a play/move so that the player hears the explanation.

Visual – Video representation of a play/move that a player watches. Graphs or tables with KPI’s etc…

Therefore, it is important for the coach to utilize the different styles when presenting to players. For example, the coach wants the players to execute correct technique when going into contact. In order to do this, the coach must:

• Introduce the players to the specific concept the coach diagrams the movement (R) and uses key terms to explain it (A); • Have the players go through the movement on the field (K);• Videos the game and at the next training session shows the way they performed the movement (V).

All the time the coach could be using key terms to identify, correct and develop the player’s understanding and progression.

Example

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Defender

Attacker

Utilising: Key terms for better coaching!

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In this way, key terms can be used to maximise the time available and increase player understanding of key technical and tactical components of the game.

How do the Waratahs use key terms in their training regime?

Like every coaching environment, the NSW Waratahs are constrained with the amount of time available to develop individual and team skills. While the main goal is to secure a S14 title, it is important that the players are developed to an appropriate level – this level (for the Waratahs) is Wallaby selection. In order to do this effectively, the NSW Waratahs use key terms to identify the aspects of their game that are important for player retention.

Key terms are used within every aspect of individual, unit and team play environments. Key terms also signal the ways in which the team might play and execute their rugby skills on the field. In the past, the NSW Waratahs used the following key terms in defence to identify the roles and responsibilities of defenders:

• Ball Defender > player tracking the ball carrier• Hustle Defender > primary support defender• Jam Defender > lateral support defender

By using key terms, it was easy to identify defensive deficiencies and where appropriate correction needed to be made.

Where does the coach go from here?

In order to progress in your coaching, it is important to develop a key understanding of what the skills are your players are performing and the means by which you can error correct them. Key terms are the simplest way for the coach to disseminate information to the players in a form that is easy and simple to understand.

Therefore, the coach must begin to build a bank of terms which they generically use and utilise them within both the training and game environments. In this way, the players they coach will develop their understanding of how the coach wants the game to be played and they can identify the corrections the coach makes with just a few key terms!

01. 4Utilising: Key terms for better coaching!


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Block & Impact Tackles

Defence:

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Block Tackle“Most commonly executed front-on low tackle”

This style of tackle should be the first taught to all young rugby players. It should result in the tackler landing in a position on top of the ball carrier and done correctly will allow the defending player to exert enough force to go forward in the tackle. The tackle should not be considered complete until the tackler is back on their feet and in a position to pick up the ball.

In the early stages of teaching the block tackle, the focus on correct technique (to ensure safety and effectiveness) should be paramount while the more specific elements of the game (incl. pressure etc) can be introduced once players are comfortable and confident with the contact. (Figure 1)

Some benefits include:

• Ithaltstheforwardprogressoftheballrunnerimmediately,nullifyingtheopportunityfortheballcarrierto continue leg drive after contact.

• Ifperformedcorrectly,enforcesruckballfortheattackingteam,givingthedefendingteamfargreateropportunity to contest the ball. This will also bring an emphasis on the attacking team support to be there on time.

• Requiresless brute force than other methods of front-on-tackles, thereby allowing smaller tacklers to safely and effectively stop larger ball runners. (often you will notice your best leg tacklers are small players)

The block tackle can be taught with the following sequence to ensure that correct technique is learnt before game related pressure is applied.

Ball Carrier’s Progression

Walking Jogging Running(straightline) Running(smallgrid) Running(largegrid)

Tackler’s Progression

Two Knees One Knee Crouched Jogging (small grid) Running(largegrid)

Technique Technique + Pressure (tracking)

Figure 1: Teaching tackle technique – suggested sequence

Defence: Block & Impact Tackles

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When implementing the block tackle, it is important to take the following coaching points into consideration:

Head placement – Eyes open, chin up and head to the side of the ball carrier. It is important to keep head in line with the spine and have head as close to target as possible. This will allow good shoulders contact on the thighs of ball car-rier. (Figure 2)

Contact point on ball carrier – Players should be targeting the thighs or shorts of the ball carrier and implementing the squeeze to the thighs to prevent continued forward movement (Figure 3). Players might need to slide down the leg and squeeze when tackling bigger players.

Strong Arm, Wrap & Squeeze – Initial contact will be made with one shoulder, chest and arm (broad contact area) and therefore it is important that the contact is dynamic and strong. This can be achieved by using a strong arm (wrist to shoulder). Wrap arms and lock (hand to elbow if possible). The squeeze component will allow the tackler to Stick to the ball carrier, hence decreasing the possibility of falling off the tackle. (Figure 4)

Footwork in contact – After the lead foot is close to the ball carrier and contact is made, use small dynamic steps to aid in chasing the initial contact. This will provide leg drive in contact. While the ball carrier is going backwards (or sideways), they may not be in a position to provide a clean ball presentation / transfer.

When teaching young players the technique of the tackle sequence, it is important to explain when a tackle is complete (finished). The laws state that a tackle is deemed over when:

1. The ball has been released (placed, rolled or passed) and is more than a meter away from the tackled player.

2. Two (one from each team) or more players are in contact over the tackled player (and ball) a ruck is formed a hence the ruck laws apply.

3. A player on his feet plays the ball and lifts it off the ground.

In completing the tackle sequence, players should be encourage to immediately getting to their feet and attempt to regain possession. While attempting to recapture the ball at the tackle, players should be instructed to assume and maintain a strong body shape (wide stance, low body height etc). Once this has been achieved and the tackler is attempting to steal possession from a strong position above the ball, the tackle has been completed.

01.5Defence: Block & Impact Tackles

Figure 2 Figure 3

Figure 6 Figure 7

Figure 4 Figure 5

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Impact Tackle

The impact tackle is designed to physically dominate the ball carrier at the point of contact. The tackler assumes a position of authority by generating a strong and powerful force through contact and positioning their arm(s) ‘inside’ the ball carrier. This style of tackle requires the defender to apply the correct foot work (short quick steps) to ensure that they ‘present to the tackle’ with the strongest body shape to dominate the impact. This includes:

• Footclosetotarget• Sinkathips• Hands&armsup• Headupwithchinofchest,&• Eyesopenandlookingforward.

Advantages of the impact tackle

1. It physically dominates and quite often intimidates the ball carrier in contact.2. It halts the progression of the ball carrier and if executed well, will result in the attacker being driven back past the point of contact.3. It restricts the opportunity for ball transfer in contact, along with the opportunity to tie up the ball. This may result in a turnover through a scrum feed.4. Can allow the tackler to dislodge the ball through the use of a strong-arm alone. This is in addition to the contact of the chest and shoulder.

Disadvantages of the impact tackle

1. It provides the opportunity for the ball carrier to leg drive through contact.2. It encourages the attacking team to use the maul, which done correctly can be an extremely successful tool to go forward.3. Is difficult to obtain a clean ‘shot’ when the attacker comes at low body height or has room to move on either side of the tackler.

When implementing the impact tackle, it is important to take the following coaching points into consideration:

1. Target area – the target area for the impact tackle is the lower end of the sternum. Most jerseys have a logo or sponsor printed on them, which serves as an ideal target.

2. Spreading the impact - To avoid injury and increase the possibility of performing a successful, strong impacting tackle, players should spread the contact area across the chest, front of shoulder and arms. It is important to encour-age players to get a strong-arm wrap on their target. This will allow players to ‘stick’ to the ball carrier and chase the hit. (Figure 9)

3. Getting on the inside the ball carrier through contact – Getting the tacklers arm (strong arm) in under the arm pit of the attacker. This will bring the attacked closer for greater impact and provide an opportunity to dislodge the ball. (Figure 9)

4. Body Position – Good body position will ensure that the momentum and force generated by the leg drive and ap-proach is conducted through the body and exits at the contact point i.e. tacklers shoulder. Head up and chest through and ensure that the hips and torso is straight and in line while the abdominal muscles are on (flexed). (Figure 10)

5. Foot positioning into and through contact – It is paramount that the tackler get their lead foot ‘to or through’ contact (which ever foot) to assist in the balance and stability as well as the power generated. Imagine there is a ‘hula-hoop’ around the feet of the ball carrier; the lead foot must be inside the hoop for the tackler to be in a position to generate enough force to effectively execute the tackle.


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Summary

When performing a tackle, players must be thinking about the end result, that being the regaining of possession. The tackle is not over until the tackler is back on their feet and attacking the ball from a position above the tackled player.


Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11


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ProgrammingCore Skill:

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If a team is to be successful, then its players must have a solid core skill base. Coaches need to be able to identify the core skill level of their team and plan to rectify any deficiencies. High performance teams are continually identifying where skill deficiencies lie in their playing ranks and act accordingly. For the Club or School coach, this is one of the most important things they can do to improve player development.

Core skills are the basis of any rugby union game. Players that are competent through both technical and tactical skills have a better opportunity of progressing through the playing pathway and being successful on the field. The ARU has identified ‘Technical Non-Negotiable Core Skills’ and ‘Individual Non-Negotiable Core Skills’ that are appropriate for any U19 / Senior law group. A summary of these skills is as follows:

‘Technical Non-Negotiable Core Skills’ • Catching• Passing• Contact• Ball Carries• Tackle Contest• Tackling• Ball Presentation• Mauling

‘Individual Non-Negotiable Core Skills’

• Kicking• Throwing• Jumping• Supporting• Scrum• Catching• Agility• Handling• Running Lines / Angles• Ruck• Maul

The coach’s ability to produce a season plan is a definite way in assisting with core skill player development. Through a season plan the coach can identify the core skills that need to be worked on and place time slots on their implementation. In this way, training sessions will have a definite focus; with coach and players benefiting from the experience!

A daunting task you all think! Well not really – not if you have an understanding of the ‘coaching points’ associated with the skills.

Being able to give correct feedback to the players is paramount to developing their core skills. Preparing and selecting appropriate drills that identify the skills is also of importance. However, one major problem coaches have when running drills is “running the drill for the drills sake” and not for error correction purposes!

The following table overviews the key coaching points for each of the skills listed above and it should be the coach’s responsibility to know and identify the skill deficiencies of their players, and correct them accordingly.

Core Skill: Programming

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02.

‘Technical Non-Negotiable Core Skills’

‘Core Skill technical Coaching Points’

Skill Coaching Points

Catching • Fingers spread • Hands facing the ball / bent elbows • Elbows in and up for a high ball • Fingers spread after the ball is caught for quick transfer.

Passing Clearing pass • Back foot in tight to the ball • Bent knees and backside down with weight transferred from the back leg through to front leg upon sweeping the pass (Ball to be passed off the deck) • Fingers to point at the target. • After the pass the support line is to follow the line of the ball. Short Pass • Elbows bent • Fingers spread around the ball for control • Hands follow the ball after the pass • Not a spiral? • Sequence is look at the ball, catch the ball, turn head and look at target / pass Pop Pass • Elbows bent • Fingers spread across the ball • Ball is placed up into a space as opposed to directed in front of a player. • Fingers will dictate the trajectory / positioning of the ball

Long Pass • Elbows bent and move to full extension • Outside leg back when passing in order to avoid passing across the body • Fingers spread around the ball to ensure control • Sequence as above for catch and pass • Spiral pass is the fastest ball – bottom hand provides direction and top hand gives the power. • Upper body over the ball

Contact Controlling Contact • When contact is unavoidable or desired • Leg speed into and upon contact – dominant • Pick a point on the target / a shoulder / space • Body height low • Ball carry away from the defender • Lead arm in a position to fend / bridge with the forearm • Get the body through the hole and decide whether to maul the ball or to go to ground and place the ball for a ruck. • Aggressive with shoulder rolls and use of elbows on contact


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03.

Contact Avoiding Contact • Instigate the fixing of the defender • Using footwork / hitting a hole, attacker should aim for the space yet minimize big lateral movements. • Leg drive into the space • Body height low, depending on size of hole and width of defenders • Ball in outside arm to avoid defender and also present inside ball pop pass opportunities • Inside arm free to fend / balance

Ball Carries • Hitting the ball at speed • Being able to make subtle changes in direction at speed • Body height • Maintaining speed into contact • Aiming for “small bits” or space.

Tackle DefenceContest • Enter from the back with head up. • Be aggressive in hitting the tackle contest or contesting the ball • If contesting the ball, stay in a low body position on the feet and lock chin up and NOT on the chest • 2 schools of thought with stealing the ball, either 1 leg over and grab the ball OR reaching over in a low position behind the tackled player • Match body height with attacking players / get in low • If attacking support player comes at speed there is the possibility of pull them through and stepping to the side. • Once contact is made with an opposition player the defender should used leg drive and hit the player the same as in defense – low to high, pick a point and stick.

Attack • 1st player secures the ball • On the clean out players enter from the back in a low body position and use leg drive to win the tackle contest – the decision whether to hold or continue the drive is a team philosophy • If a defender has hands on the ball, the attacker matches body height and hits with the shoulder whilst getting the arm under the defenders arm to lift it off the ball • On the clean out, players must hit and stick in order to be effective. • Steady (control feet) before entering in order to get balance and then hit the tackle contest with leg drive and aggression. • The ball is where the game is – this is the zone to focus on when cleaning out-

Tackling Front On • The size of the tackler and the size of the attacker dictate how offensive the player can be. • Tackler should use footwork to take the space and force the attacker onto one side / into a zone • The defender should pick a target area to hit and aim to drive 1m through that target • Shoulder contact is essential • Footwork in chasing the feet up under the body will ensure that the defender doesn’t overextend on the tackle • Once contact is made there should be leg drive • Hit and stick (Aggressive in contact) • Finish in dominant position – team philosophy whether to put the player on the ground or try and hold them up and then drive.


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04.

Tackling Side On • Get in tight to the attacker • Pick target area and aim to drive through it • Shoulder contact is essential • Footwork in getting in a position to make the tackle is essential. Continue cutting off the angle rather than diving early. • Leg drive if possible once contact is made • Hit and Stick (Aggressive in contact) • Finish in dominant position if possible – defender on top.

Ball • Decision making in placing short or long relates to how effective contact was – option Presentations for presentation is team philosophy Long Place • Hit the ground while controlling the ball in TWO hands • Dynamically move body (shoulders & upper torso) into a good position to present the ball. • Two handed PUSH at a full arms length (also move torso) towards own team • Maintain control of ball until cleanout of ball distribution Squeeze ball – used when buying time. • Hit the ground and flatten out. • Chin up at all stages (look forward – NEVER look back under body at ball. • Ball sits at the back of the pelvis • Use 1 arm to push the ball into this position.

Mauling Traditional • Initial set up should have a blocker on each side supporting the platform • Ball carrier bends to lower center of gravity and offers a large target area – the chest / sternum. • Ripper links in on ball carrier. If ball carried has back to opposition and the ball is in the left arm, ripper seals with left shoulder. • Blockers bind in tight so there is no gap between ball carrier and blockers and slightly forward so they are bound across the front. • Option for ball movement after the 1st player is a team philosophy. • Leg drive is essential to get the maul moving / keep it moving.

Hammer • Attack space to the fringe of defender (attack arms – not chest) • Transfer ball away from contact • Lower body height • Maintain square hips and leg drive through contact • Support player to ‘latch / hammer’ onto ball carrier (side of ball) • Support player to assume the same body shape as the ball carrier and continue leg

drive.(Source: ARU HPU)


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05.

‘Individual Non-Negotiable Core Skills’

‘Individual Skill Technical Coaching Points’

Skill Coaching Points

Kicking Box Kick • Step Back at the base of the ruck / maul • Opposite arm to leg will aim at the desired trajectory • Contact with the ball can be on the end or in the bottom 1/3 for height or slightly above the middle for low running kicks. • Finishing position should be kicking leg nearly touching the opposite hand. • Chest slightly over the ball until contact is made. • Hard foot – it should be locked out

Drop Punt • Kicking leg over and then through the ball • Upper body over the ball – just prior to contact opening the hips and straightening the upper body • Both hands on the ball • Contact point is the base of the ball • Kicking foot is locked out

Torpedo Punt • Upper body should be over the ball – foot locked out • The drop of the ball is vital – it must be consistent and should fall the same way each time. • Holding the ball – It doesn’t matter how the ball is gripped as long as the ball drop is consistent. • In order to minimize the error margin between the ball drop and contact, lean slightly forward. This will narrow the gap between the ball and the foot as well as getting the upper body weight over the ball. • Why do we tilt the ball sideways – the reason for this is to open up the “sweet spot”. This runs down the spine of the ball and across the centre of the ball. • J shape Vs U shape. We use the term J shape to describe the kicking leg and the path that it has ackrow . In order to get power the leg and pelvis twist slightly yet on contact they straighten through the ball. The finishing position is where the kicking leg doesn’t come across the path of the non-kicking arm. Kicking in a U shape means that the player is kicking across the ball and the power is therefore dispersed.

Kicking Cont...


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J Shape trajectory as seen from above

U Shape trajectory as seen from above

06.

Kicking Cont... Place Kick • Body weight must be forward at the start and during the kick. • The approach should be the same on all kicks. • The place foot should be no more than 30cm away from the ball (a foot length). • The place foot ankle should be aligned with the ball – If it is too far in front the ball is sliced as the leg hasn’t reached full extension – too far behind and it is hooked as a result of already going through the kick too early – these factors are also influenced by the plant foot being too wide as this can promote a slice. Too close can promote a hook. • The kicker should pick a point on the ball to focus on before they kick (a particular lace). This is now the focus. • Shoulders and chest should remain closed during the kick – opening the shoulders and chest promotes rotation, which promotes kicking across the ball. • Flexibility in the hamstrings, ankle joint, hip flexors and abdominals is important. • Kicking leg should not cross over the opposite arm. The pelvis should not drop during the kick as this takes away the power and control of the kick. • Tilt of the ball either forward or external is a personal choice in order to open up the “sweet spot”. • Contact should be made with a locked foot

High Ball (Bomb) • Kicking position can either be front on or side on • Opposite arm to leg will aim at the desired trajectory • Contact with the ball can be on the end or in the bottom 1/3. • Finishing position should be kicking leg nearly touching the opposite hand. • Chest and head over the ball until contact is made to ensure weight transfer is through the ball. • Flexibility in the hips and abdominal strength are needed to execute this type of kick. • Foot should be locked out

High Ball (Torpedo Bomb) • Starting position is body weight over the ball • Ball is held in 2 hands and the angle of the ball is the same as the torpedo kick except the nose of the ball is facing up. • Contact is through the middle of the ball. • The ball is held at or above waist height to ensure the desired trajectory • Flexibility in the hips and abdominal strength are needed to execute this type of kick. • Foot should be locked out Grubber • Ball to be kicked on the end 1/3 for end on end effect or as per torpedo punt for the uneven bounce. • If distance is desired the kick should be executed with the player starting over the ball and then fully extending so the finishing position is leaning back • Opposite arm will counter balance the kicking leg • Foot should be locked out

Drop Kick • The plant foot should be in line or slightly behind the ball • Ball drop should be consistent – if body weight is forward it means that weight is transferred through the ball as well as cutting the risk of the ball drop not being consistent • Foot should be locked out. • Kicking leg should touch the opposite hand post kick • Contact on the ball is the bottom 1/3


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07.

Restart (drop kick) • Plant foot should be slightly behind the ball • Ball drop should be consistent – if body weight is forward it means that weight is transferred through the ball as well as cutting the risk of the ball drop not being consistent – as contact is made the head still faces down yet the leg comes up under and through the ball • Ball drop should be the same as drop kick yet allow the ball to bounce rather than making contact just after it has hit the ground • Foot should be locked out. • Kicking leg should touch the opposite hand post kick • Contact on the ball is the bottom 1/3 or the base of the ball.

Throwing • Stance should allow thrower to be balanced / stable yet there should be no lower body movement as this will provide a cue for the opposition • Thrower should be able to throw 5-18m from this starting position • Elbows should be at shoulder width in order to minimize the margin of error as opposed to splayed elbows • Elbows should be locked out post throw. • Fingers out post throw • Thumbs down post throw to ensure full extension / follow through. • Grip on the ball should have the fingers spread and slightly on the back side of the balls centre.

Jumping • Ability to react from a static jump / dynamic jump • Start with outside leg up in a split position – the outside leg should face in towards the lineout • Arms bent at chest level with the hands open. • Knees slightly bent • Weight forward on the toes and balls of the feet.

Lifting • Start in a split position on the balls of the feet in order to react / get in tight quickly(supporting) • Hands open and up – fingers spread • Knees slightly bent and the upper body leaning forward • Lifter gets in as tight as possible on the jumper and gets to full extension • Legs are at shoulder width and slightly split to ensure balance during and after the lift • Lifter picks the target area on the jumper and focuses on getting a grip and then lifting in the same way as doing a squat.

Scrum • The front row is the 1st group to set up with the hooker and loose head binding 1st. • Locks then bind up and enter under the buttocks of the front rowers. • There should be as little a gap as possible in the hips of the front rowers where the locks join in – it should be tight. • Loose head prop binds onto the hookers far side jersey around the lats area. Tight head prop binds on the hookers waist at the top of the shorts. Hooker binds over the top on the waist of both props and pops the shoulders out so that they can move after engagement. • Tight Head prop leads the scrum in. • Binds to oppositions are negotiable – short / long / up / down. • Locks and ackrow follow the hit in and don’t bounce.


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08.

Catching High Ball • Arrive when the ball is reaching the mark to ensure momentum if a leap is required or to hit the ball at speed • Elbows and hands up so they are in the peripheral vision. • Elbows in • If under pressure side on so that if a tackle is made the defender hits all the hard bits – hip, elbow, shoulder. • Eyes on the ball at all times • Fingers spread to ensure maximum grip on the ball and for a pass to be executed quickly.

Re-Starts • Catcher begins in a split position on their toes in order to react quickly • Hands up at chest level and open – thumbs pointing at each other. • The choice of getting to the zone is a provincial one – either greet the ball as it r eaches the zone with momentum or get there early, set and then jump • Catcher should have arms at full extension and watch the ball all the way to the hands through the hole between the hands. • After the ball is caught, bring it down and place in tight to the body in order to ensure ball security.

Agility • Running / defending on the balls of the feet • Ability to turn the foot when changing direction • Lowering body height slightly when changing direction • Acceleration / not losing speed with directional changes

Handling • Catching the ball with hands out and fingers spread. • Ability to reach for the ball at speed • Keeping the hands up running for a ball that is thrown low • Hands up with palms facing the ball for a ball that is high with focus on the ball into the hands. • Staying on the balls of the feet for a bouncing ball so that if it bounces up they can attack it and if it moves laterally they can react.

Running • Aim for holes and to a shoulder rather than hitting the defenderLines • Maintain FULL speed into the hole / angle / running line/ Angles • Leg drive through the contact if there is any. • Lower body height slightly as defenders approach – ball in outside arm. • Ability to catch and pass at top speed • Accelerate out of angle changes at speed. • To run every line like they are receiving the ball in order to fix defenders. • Ability to pick the ball up under pressure and in contact • Basic ground skills – control ball on the ground, pick ball up and fall with the clean out once ball is stolen. • Ability to clean an opposition player out – pick a target, make contact the same as in defense and stick • Ability to move a player who is in a low position and on the ball – match the body height and hit the player with the shoulder and throw the arm under the players arm to twist them.


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Maul • Correct locking procedure – if the ball carrier has the ball in the left arm then the next player binds on them with their left shoulder. • In contact keep the feet with a lower base of support and continue leg drive if possible. • Ball presentation – ½ turn to offer a target on the chest and also to keep the leg drive. • Support players shoulder is tight on the ball carrier in order to provide greater leverage on the rip.

(Source: ARU HPU)

Subsequently, if a coach can plan each training session appropriately, then it will be beneficial to the players if the coach can correct their technique throughout the session. It is through coaching the skill, and not the drill, that coaches become successful and this is the essence of developing a core skill program for any club or team.


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2004 Coach Education Series © - Catch & Pass

BALL HANDLING ‘Improving the element of catch and pass’

Ball handling refers to the ability to control the ball with the fingertips (catch) and distribute (pass) with control and the correct amount of force / power to the desired distance. This can be done with either one hand or two. The following is a list of individual ball handling activities that can be implemented in your training to:

Improve hand-eye speed and co-ordination Isolate and Improve hand speed and finger-tip control Identify the correct force to apply when passing Improve footwork patterns and movement Improve peripheral vision and reaction time

Fingertip Control / Ball Familiarisation Pressure from the fingertips applied through receiving / controlling the ball. ALL activities should be done without noise on the ball e.g. slapping sounds

ACTIVITY DISCRIPTION VARIATION COACHING POINTS DURATION Finger patting Controlling ball in

fingertips while patting from left to right. No Sound

Continue patting in front of face, above head and below knees. Increase the distance between hands. Look forward the entire time.

Soft hands – Fingers spread. Look forward at a point, not at the ball.

Set targets for: 3 x 30sec 3 x 45sec 3 x 60 sec

Around Body Transfer ball around waist while maintaining control with fingertips. No Sound.

Transfer ball in both directions. Change direction on whistle.

Soft hands –Fingers Spread

10 x Left + 10 x Right 15 x Left + 15 x Right 20 x Left + 20 x Right

Figure of eights Transfer ball around and through your legs forming a figure of eight. No Sound

Go both directions and again change direction on the whistle. Look forward not at the ball.

Soft hands –Look forward & control ball in fingertips. Fingers Spread.

Set targets for: 3 x 30 sec 3 x 45 sec 3 x 60 sec

Front to Back (Through legs)

Start with ball between legs and one hand holding from front and the other from the back. Quickly change hands and catch ball before it hits the ground. No Sound.

Swap hands in the starting position, look forward not at the ball, sing while doing. Start with both hands at the front and now both hands have to catch it behind legs.

Soft hands –Fingers Spread. Look forward at a point, not at the ball.

Set targets for: 3 x 30 sec 3 x 45 sec 3 x 60 sec

Single arm throws

In pairs, sitting opposite with the soles of the feet touching. Throw ball to and from each other. Must control and catch with one hand (fingertips) and return to partner using only one hand.

Throw diagonal (right hand to right hand). Perform kneeling and throw to each other’s extremes.

Soft hands –Fingers Spread.

10 x Left + 10 x Right 15 x Left + 15 x Right 20 x Left + 20 x Right

or 3 x 30 sec 3 x 45 sec 3 x 60 sec


Passing Speed Passing speed refers to the time in which the ball takes to reach the desired target from the point of

leaving the hands. Players should be encouraged to strongly grip the ball (with two hands) and swing their arms towards the target. Upon releasing the ball, players should point to the desired target to ensure ball travels straight. Players need to understand the difference between a hard and soft pass and when to apply each in game situations.

ACTIVITY DISCRIPTION VARIATION COACHING POINTS DURATION Wall Throws Standing 3m from a

wall, throw tennis ball against the wall and catch using only one hand. Face the wall.

Change the distance between player and wall. Use two hands. Stand side onto the wall (left / right). Change ball to use football.

Use a firm throw and react to catch the rebound.


Shazzams Standing opposite your partner, using only one hand pass the ball to each other. Ball must start from a stationary position on the hip and be pushed (using one hand) towards the target (partner)

Use two balls at once and mix up which hand you are using – left and right.

Toes, knees, hips & shoulder all square and facing partner, no step. Push ball to target and finish with passing (push) hand pointing at the target.

Set targets for: 10 x left + 10 x right 20 x left + 20 x right 30 x left + 30 x right

Circle passing Groups of 6-8 in a circle begin passing 2-3 footballs around. Once players are confident with this add in another ball.

Add in an extra ball (i.e. 5 balls – 4 players) and decrease the size of the circle. (smaller is harder)

Soft hands –Soft passing, no spinning and hands up.


Blind Passing In pairs, standing opposite each other (vary distance), pass the ball with eyes closed and react to support player’s instruction on passing distance.

One-handed ‘shazzams’ and two handed passing. Jog up and down field, closing eyes (to pass) once you have caught the ball.

Feel how much power you are using when passing the ball. Pass ball and point at target.



Reaction Time (catch & pass) This refers to the ability to quickly react to a moving ball and catch it successfully while maintaining

fingertip control and in some cases continuing by quickly passing to a desired target using the correct force and accuracy.

ACTIVITY DISCRIPTION VARIATION COACHING POINTS DURATION Over Shoulder lobs.

In pairs, standing back to back with one ball. Take turns to lob the ball over shoulders (left & right) for their partner to catch and return.

Start with players communicating to partner where ball is coming from (i.e. left). Then no communication. Shorten the height of lob (i.e. making it harder)

Hands up, eyes open and react to catch two handed. Soft hands – NO NOISE / NO SLAPPING. Give constant feedback.

10 x left + 10 x right 15 x left + 15 x right 20 x left + 20 x right Then mix it up.

Clap passing In groups of 6, start by standing in a circle facing each other with one ball. Pass ball to anyone. Player receiving must clap once before catching the ball.

Increase to two balls and / or two claps.

Hands up and watching the ball. Fingers spread and forward of body.


Wall throw reactions

In pairs and one behind the other facing a wall. Player at the back throws ball (any) against the wall and the front partner must attempt to react to the ball coming off the wall and catch it.

Vary the distance between players and the wall, vary the type ball thrown.

Hands up, fingers spread, eyes open and watching the wall. Catch two handed and move feet quickly if required.

10 x left + 10 x right 15 x left + 15 x right 20 x left + 20 x right Then mix it up.

Marco / Polo

Player ‘A’ starts with a ball and support players (B & C) stand on each side (2m away) also with one ball between them. Activity begins with player ‘A’ throwing their ball in the air; at the same time Player ‘B’ passes the ball to Player ‘A’ who must pass it to player ‘C’ before catching their own ball again. Repeat from other side

Perform activity while walking / running forward. Only use peripheral vision (look forward only).

Hand up, fingers spread. Look at targets then only look forward.

Time trials (how many can you do in 30 sec etc)


CATCH & PASS ‘Appling the elements of ball handling to decision-making’

Once the skills of ‘Ball Handling’ have been introduced and our players are confident and comfortable with controlling a ball through a number of situations, we can introduce the elements of Catch & Pass. These include the following: Pre-catch:

Hands Up & Fingers Spread (thumbs pointed in towards each other) Hands facing ball and elbows bent Head Up (chin off chest), eyes open and looking towards the ball. Elongated stance (one foot forward)

Catch:

Reach for the ball while maintaining slightly bent elbows Watch the ball into the hands and ensure fingers are spread around ball for control Soft hands (no slapping), control ball with finger tips

Pass:

Turn head quickly to view target Transfer ball (comfortably) across body without:

o Dropping hands o Changing running line o Bringing ball into chest

Maintain bent elbows Release ball & Finish by point both hands towards the desired target

Figure 1 – Pre- Catch Figure 2 – Catch Figure 3 – Pre-Pass Figure 4 – Pass Styles of Passing The game of rugby union requires the use of a number of different ‘styles of passing’ to effectively advance the ball forward. These styles include:

Clearing Pass Pop Passing Short Pass (0m – 4m) Long Pass (4m – 15m)

Clearing pass The clearing pass is commonly used by the scrum-half to get the ball from the tackle contest (tackle, ruck or maul), scrum or lineout to a first receiver, who’s role is to continue advancing the ball forward by running, passing or kicking (midi, U19 & seniors only). The clearing pass should be a direct pass that has an element


of speed and distance, as to effectively provide the first receiver with time, space and a low level of pressure. Some coaching points to consider include:

Back foot (furtherest foot from target) in tight to the ball. Bent knees and backside down with weight transferred from the back leg through to front leg

upon sweeping the ball off the ground. Ball to be pass directly from deck Fingers to point at target immediately after releasing ball After the pass, the support line is the follow the line of the ball.

Short Pass The ‘short pass’ is the most common passing style used in the game of rugby union and can be used in all areas of the game from simple back play activities to forward phase play structures. The short pass is characterized by the ability to quickly transfer under pressure, and lack of spin that is required. All players (of all ages) should be encouraged to master the skill of the short pass in the early stages of learning the game. Some coaching points to consider include:

Elbows bent Fingers spread around ball to for control Hands follow the ball after pass and immediately point at desired target NO NEED TO SPIRAL (no spin)

Long Pass The ‘long pass’ is an effective way to spread the point of attack quickly and is generally isolated to back play/ general play and counter attack (unstructured possession). Naturally the modern game requires all players to have the ability to make accurate long passes. The ability to do this with a high degree of accuracy is a skill that requires regular practice. Due to the amount of force that is required to pass the ball great distances, the hand positions on the ball is of high importance. Some coaching points to consider:

Elbows bent (receiving pass) and move to full extension while passing the ball Out side leg back (leg closet to target) when passing in order to avoid passing across the body Fingers spread around the ball to ensure control Bottom hand (front) provides direction while top hand (back) provides pass power Spiral pass is the fastest Immediately after releasing the ball (arms at full extension) point both hands towards the

desired target. Upper body over ball

Pop Pass The ‘pop pass’ is the most effective pass to perform that will allow players to maintain high speeds while effectively catching the ball. The length of a pop pass can vary; however will generally be no longer than a couple of meters or perhaps even straight up in the air. It is ideal for switches & circle passes. Some coaching points to consider:

Elbows bent and use fingers and wrist to propel ball to space. Fingers spread around the ball to ensure control Ball is passed (gently) up vertically into a ‘space’ to allow support players to run onto it, as

opposed to passing directly at a player. Fingers will dictate the trajectory / positioning of the ball.

2004 Coach Education Series © - Open Scrimmage

Game Sense Approach- Open Scrimmage

‘Situational Attack v Defence’ Game Sense activities, which are commonly referred to as Open Skill drills, are regularly used for training and implementing the tactical & technical elements of rugby. Essentially they are decision making ‘Mini-games’ .The Waratahs are no exception when it comes to practicing in this manner. ‘Open Scrimmage’ a term commonly referred to by the Waratahs is an Open Drill that can be performed over a number of phases or until the coach says otherwise. The elements of phase attack- including ruck, & maul, defence, and general play are combined to capture a typical game sense situation. The purpose of a drill-based environment is to allow the coach to have control over numbers of attackers and defenders; reaction time and speed of drill; the recovery time and the possible attacking options available to the players. A coach would be encouraging the players to practice possible plays and technical skills they are trying implement within the team, whether it be for a particular game or a regular theme. Open Scrimmage drills will also allow the coach to give constructive feedback to either individual players or select groups, such as the defenders, attackers, ball distributors, & primary supporters. Training Activities explained No 1. Is a typical Open scrimmage situation that may involve a number phases at the coaches discretion. 1. D3 D4 D5 D1 D2 HB S3 S4 1R S1 BR S2

D D D D D HB S1 S2 S3 1R BR S4

Figure 1a: Break down scenario with a two-pass play to a ball runner.

Figure 1b: Following on from 1a players then play next phase and react accordingly.

Figure 1a- Activity begins with a clearing pass from a halfback to a 1st receiver who passes to a designated ball runner. In this case the coach has a break down / tackle zone set up with markers where D2 makes the tackle. The emphasis is then placed on both the defenders D3, D4, & D5 as well as supporters S1, S3 & S4 to make the correct decision and act on it. The coach therefore must decifer and gives feedback on decisions made. Key coaching points will be focused on reaction time to break down & effectiveness at the tackle. Figure 1b- Carrying on from 1a the coach may decide to progress to another phase of play. Both defending and attacking players are then forced to react to the next situation. The emphasis at this point may differ from the previous situation. Key coaching points would include; depth and alignment of attacking players (1R & BR); quality of pass; timing of run and angle of run; defensive positioning & alignment and decision making of support players. In this case 3 defenders were required to secure possession and S4 is supporting the ball runner in a standard pocket position.

2004 Coach Education Series © - Open Scrimmage

No 2. Is an extended version of the above involving more players, possibly an entire team or squad. 2. pole C1 HB A5/8 A4 A5 A6 A7 A A A1 A2 Ruck D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D D pole C2 Figure 2a- Shows the set up using a typical whole team scenario, involving a defensive and attacking coach. A7 A6 A5 A4 A5/8 HB A1A2 D1D2 D3 D4 D5 D6

A2 A A A4 A1 D1 D2 HB D3 D D

Figure 2b- Shows the second phase in progress. Figure 2c- Shows the third phase set up, including the defensive structure, prior to the HB clearing pass.

Figure 2a- The activity begins with the cue of the coach. Prior to this both the attacking coach (C1) and defensive coach (C2) will nominate how many attackers and defenders are to be involved. Any left over players are to run around the poles before entering the play. A1, A2, D1 & D2 contest the ball of which the attackers must win. The halfback follows ready to make the clearing pass to A5/8. Figure 2b- The nominated attackers and defenders then come into play. In this case there are four from both attack and defence. Key coaching points would be alignment of attacking players; possible team phase plays being utilized and the defensive alignment of the defenders. Figure 2c- The focus of the third phase would be dependant on the decision making ability of all players as well as intense communication. It is important to note that left over players would now be re-entering the play as well. At this stage of the drill players would be typically out of position. A scrimmage activity such as the above, forces players to think and react on the run. Attackers are forced to possibly play out of position. If phase plays are thrown into the equation, they will also be required to pick the best option available depending on positioning of the defence. Coaches need to be confident that players are capable of performing the required technical and tactical aspects of training activity No1, before progressing to a multi phase scenario such as No2. Technical and Tactical aspects would include: Go forward in attack, taking the space in defence, tracking inside shoulder, covering all defensive roles at the break down; i.e. pillar, post & ball and completing phase plays under pressure; including picking the best option. Scrimmage activities are simply a combination of other related topics in this resource; Warm-Up (catch & pass); Phase Play Attack; General Play Attack and defence. Players need to be competent in each of these topics in order to perform Scrimmage effectively.

2004 Coach Education Series © - Phase Play Attack

PHASE PLAY ATTACK “Continuing the go-forward through phase play attack”

Phase play attack can be described as the continuous movement of ‘advancing the ball’ forward through catch and pass or contact elements (tackle, ruck or maul). While phase play attack is less structured than that of set piece, it is still important to nominate roles and responsibilities for all players. For example, who are the ball runners, primary supporters and ball distributors? When attacking a phase defence it is important to nominate a primary supporter to assist in ensuring the ball is taken forward and regained at the tackle, ruck or maul. This section will cover a number of options available for the attacking team. Players should have identified roles. Every player should be able to perform all phase play attacking options at any given time in a match. Rehearsed Attack (game snaps) ‘Appling the elements of ball handling and decision-making to go-forward’ A large percentage of a teams attack comes through phase play, therefore it is important to ensure all players are confident with their phase play attacking options. The waratahs’ refer to these as ‘Game Snaps’. These are the running structures that all players are required to know & understand. These should be able to be performed at any stage in the game with any player in any position. It is also important to understand that in back play, set piece plays are generally made up of a number of game snaps (phase play attacking options) combined. For example a dummy switch, cut pass could very easily be a set piece. There are a number of ‘game snaps’ that should be rehearsed for phase play attack. Some of these include:

Cut Passes Switch Passes Circle Passes Inside Pass Unders Overs Blockers Sliders

Cut Pass A ‘cut pass’ is a pass that is given in front of one (or many) player(s) to an attacker standing wide. The receiving player has the option of changing direction (before receiving) either on an ‘IN’ or ‘OUT’ line (figure 1 & 2 below). Players are required to align slightly deeper to allow reaction time and space (able to apply more speed). The speed of the pass will need to be increased (possible spiral) so it is not in the air for long periods of time. This will in turn deny defenders time and space. The cut pass is effective in moving the ball quickly to a wider point on the field to attack. D1 D2 D3

9 A1 A2 A3

D1 D2 D3

9 A1 A2 A3

Figure 1: Cut Pass – 13 in line Figure 2: Cut Pass – 13 out line


Circle Pass A ‘circle pass’ is a pass given back to the primary supporter. The ball carrier should attack the inside shoulder of the closest defender while popping the ball into space for the inside support player who crosses behind and angles out. The player receiving will need to straighten up hard to expose the space created. The circle pass can be used effectively to combat a slide or drift defence as the ball carrier is angling back at an inside shoulder. The style of pass is a simple pop pass, requiring limited force or spin and should be directed vertically in front of the nominated support player (ball receiver).

D1 D2 D3

9 A1 A2 A3

Figure 3: Circle Pass Switch Passing A ‘switch pass’ is a pass that is thrown by a ball carrier that is angling out (away from the mass) and towards an outside shoulder of a defender. The ball is popped to an outside support player who crosses behind and angles in (towards the mass) and attacks the inside shoulder of the same defender. The style of pass is much the same as that of the circle pass, a simple pop pass thrown vertically into the space in front of the desired receiver. The switch pass is designed to move defenders around (break strong defensive structures) or create hesitation by putting defenders in two minds. If done correctly defenders will be forced to close shoulders, hence creating space to attack. The penetration is not between defenders, but through the space where the defender was originally standing. While the core principals of the switch pass remain the same, there are a number of variations to this attacking phase option. These include 1. Standard Switch, 2. Skinny Switch (options) & 3. Early Switch (dummy). The ‘Standard Switch’ is performed by the ball carrier running an ‘S’ line towards their opponents outside shoulder while the closest outside support player switches in behind and IMMEDIATELY straightens to attack the space where the defender was originally standing (figure 4 below). The standard switch is aligned to the traditional mindset of moving a defender. The ‘Skinny Switch’ is performed by the ball carrier running straight to the outside shoulder of the next defender (D2) where he has a number of options. The ball carrier has the option of either switching with the closest outside supporter; if this does occur the outside supporter must then straighten up or give a short ball to the outside supporter who then must straighten up. Therefore A2 must make a decision on whether to run the skinny switch line or stay on the outside line. The ‘Early Switch’ has a purpose in creating a number of options after the switch or dummy switch occurs. If the switch occurs A2 has the option of straightening and running into space with an attempt to make the advantage line. Alternatively the initial switch occurs well before the tackle line; therefore A2 has time to give the pass back to A1 or behind A1 to A3 running a change of angle.


If the ‘Dummy Switch’ occurs well before the tackle line, A1 will have time to pass back inside to A2 or outside to A3 on a change of angle. Alternatively A1 has the opportunity to straighten and take on the defence attacking D2’s inside shoulder. Simultaneously A2 should be running the ‘S’ line, which will impede D1’s defensive running line. D1 D2

9 A1 A2 A3

D1 D2 D3

9 A1 A2 A3

D1 D2 D3

9 A1 A2 A3

Figure 4 – Standard Switch Figure 5 – Skinny Switch (options) Figure 6 – Early Switch (dummy) Unders & Overs Unders and Overs are extremely simple to perform and are created by the ball carrier running either an inside (unders) or outside (overs) line on their opponent (Figure 7 & 8 below). It is important to note that the support players run the same line as the ball carrier. The passing styles are a little different, with the unders line being short, the pass will need to be soft and slightly passed back into space, while the overs line will require a flatter, more direct pass to the support player. Both players need a definite change of angle, attacker to draw the defence away and supporter to penetrate the gap. D1 D2 D3 9 A1 A2 A3

D1 D2 D3 9 A1 A2 A3

Figure 7: Unders (IN Line) Figure 8: Overs (OUT Line) Blocker & Slider Again the ‘Blocker’ and ‘Slider’ phase options are to disrupt the defence and create space by putting defenders in two minds and / or turning shoulders to provide a weak spot in a defence line. Both are running structures and not designated targets, hence the ball carrier (A1) should be able to pass the either player at the time of distribution. The ‘Blocker’ is the wider of the two plays, and focuses around the movements of the third defending player (Figure 9 below). The third attacker (A3) cuts sharply (after running straight) across in front of the second attacker (A2) and attacks the inside shoulder of D3 and the outside shoulder of D2. This is to create space on the outside of D3 due the closed shoulders. The second Attacker (A2) fades in behind A3 and straightens to attack the space provided by D3 who attempts the follow A3. The ball distributor is to pass the ball to either A2 or A3 depending on what the third defender does.


The ‘Slider’ is a similar running structure to that of the blocker in that the two attacking players involved crosses, confusing and creating doubt in the defence. The slider is focused around attacking the second defender (D2) as seen in figure 10 below. The Second Attacker (A2) fades / slides across in front of the third attacker and runs to the outside shoulder of the second defender (D2). At the same time the third attacker cuts in behind the A2 and attacks the inside shoulder of the second defender (D2). Again the ball carrier passes the ball to who ever the second defender has not followed and is running into space. D1 D2 D3

9 A1 A2 A3

D1 D2 D3

9 A1 A2 A3

Figure 9: Blocker Figure 10: Slider

ACTIVITY NAME: COMMITTING DEFENDER/PASSING NUMBERS: 7 + players EQUIPMENT:

Footballs Markers Shields Tackle bags Contact suits Agility poles Other:

1 3

Description • Attackers (A1-A4) begin in single file as do defenders (D1-D3)

holding shields ( ) in opposite direction. The coach (C) stands in between facing the attackers with ball.

• The first defender is approximately 3m from the coach with 2m between each defender.

• The attackers begin with approximately 1m between each attacker.

• The coach throws ball to left or right. Attackers react and all fan to that direction. Defenders fan out to take first 3 attackers. Last attacker should receive pass with no one in front. The first three attackers aim to commit the first three defenders.

Variations/Progressions • Progression is let the defence run their own pattern with the

attackers having to adjust. • Play on from contact to react to next phase and/or maintaining

possession. • Players may be added to both attack and defence for larger

groups. Start the activity with more attackers than defenders.

Coaching Points • The first aim of the activity is to have the players throw the

appropriate pass to get the ball to the outside support player whilst committing the defenders.

• Running straight (or to the inside shoulder of the defender) and with speed will enable the ball carrier to commit the defender and set up space on the outside.

• The first two passes may need to be angled slightly back in order to give the lateral support player enough time and space.

• The defence is structured so that the players can practice these skills whilst still having to make decisions in relation to timing of the pass and angle of run. Once the players can perform these skills under certain pressure then they should progress (see progressions).

Diagram

D3 D2 D1 C A1 A2 A3 A4 The coach has thrown the ball to their left facing the attackers.

G:\COACHING\COACHING RESOURCES\COACH EDUCATION - ACTIVITIES\Attacking-Tracking activities\COMITTING DEFENDER-PASSING.doc P-12+

ACTIVITY NAME: BBooddyy SShhaappee iinn CCoonnttaacctt –– BBaallll CCaarrrriieerr LLeegg DDrriivvee NUMBERS: 4+ EQUIPMENT:


4 10 4

Description • The first Group of Attackers (A1, A2, A3, A4) start facing

forward already in contact with the defender holding the hit shield (D1, D2, D3, D4)

• On the coaches call the first group of Attackers drive the pad holder back to marker

• When they reach the marker the Attacker goes to ground and long places the ball

• The second group of attackers then clean out the defenders

Variations/Progressions • Take away the second attacker until every one can maintain

body shape and present a good long place • Second group of attackers latch (hammer) and help drive shield

holder

Coaching Points • Start with the Attackers in a strong body position already

contacting the pad, ready to drive • Small powerful steps • Head should be in a fully extended position (chin off chest) with

no rotation. Looking forward, not down • The back (spine) should be straight while toes, knees, hips and

shoulders remain square • Shield holder to make the attacker work hard

Diagram

D1 D2 D3 D4

A1 A2 A3 A4

A5 A6 A7 A8

ACTIVITY NAME: CONTINUOUS TRACKING/DEFENCE DRILL NUMBERS: 2 - 10 EQUIPMENT:


1 4

Description Defender D1 starts with the ball. On the coach’s cue A1 and D1

run towards each other, D1 pops the ball to A1 on the way past. Both players round the opposite markers ( ). A1 then attempts

to score at the original starting end. At the same time D1 attempts to move up and put a two handed tag on A1.

A1 passes the ball to A2 and then becomes a defender. D1 lines up with the attackers. Once players have had a turn at defending or attacking they

continually rotate.

Variations/Progressions Progression is to build up the attacking players so it becomes a 2 on 1

situation (as seen in diagram B). Build on the number of defenders as well as attackers. So there is a 3

on 2 situation. Size of the grid may need to be altered. Another progression is to introduce the tackle in place of the two-hand

grab. Encourage players to attack inside as well as outside defenders, using

angles such as switches. For the activity to be more attack orientated use three attackers

against one defender. The defender starts with the ball and on the run past the attackers they choose to pass to any of the attackers who then turn and attack.

Coaching Points Players should perform attack and defence roles at pace. Attackers initial movement should be forward to commit

defenders (three quick steps). Defenders should be encouraged to move up quickly to deny

time and space of the attacker. The defender should also defend on the inside shoulder of the attacker, pushing them out.

In 1 v 1 situation, attackers should attempt to bet the defender with running angles and footwork. While in the 2 v 1, attackers should also attempt to commit (move) the defenders, creating space for support.

Defenders should never be beaten on the inside.

Diagram A B

D1

A1 A2 A3

D1

A1 A2 A3

P – 12+

ACTIVITY NAME: CCOONNTTIINNUUOOUUSS LLAATTEERRAALL PPAASSSSIINNGG –– 33 ssiiddeess ooff tthhee ggrriidd NUMBERS: 9-18 EQUIPMENT:

Footballs Markers Shields Tackle bags Contact suits Agility poles Other: Markers or tackle bags can be used for agility poles.

Description • Simple lateral passing drill using three groups (in the diagram

example there are three groups of three), the ball is laterally passed from 1 through to 3. While passing each group must cross from one side of the grid to the other, then turn, ready to go again.

• Grid should be approximately 10x10 meters. Grid size will vary depending on skill level, age and numbers.

• Group A begins with the ball running to the opposite side passing from A1 to A3. A3 passes laterally to B1 who then continues the process.

• B3 then pops the ball to C1, C3 completes the cycle by passing laterally to A3.

• The coach chooses how many cycles are run.

Variations/Progressions • Poles, markers or players maybe staggered to mimic defenders

within the grid. • Use different passes such as cuts, loops and switches. • Increase foot speed. • Change group numbers and or increase size of grid.

Coaching Points • Pass ball out in front of the player. • Player receiving pass should have hands up ready and facing

passer. • No spiral passes. • Verbal communication important. • Keep running straight. Beginning with outside foot forward will

assist with running straight.

Diagram

1 4

4

C3 B1

C2 B2 C1 B3 A1 A2 A3

ACTIVITY NAME: CCoonnttiinnuuoouuss PPrriimmaarryy SSuuppppoorrtt NUMBERS: 9+ EQUIPMENT:


Description • Attacker in the centre (A) passes to A1, A then becomes primary

supporter • A1 takes the ball into contact • A attempts to latch / hammer / cleanout • HB calls A1 and A to ground then passes to next Attacker in the

centre • A passes to A2 and the activity continues • Defenders use pads

Variations/Progressions Defenders wearing suits can run or pass Bring a third attacker into each grid

Coaching Points • Defenders must work constantly to align in the grid not

behind it • Attackers change angle of run to move into defenders weak

point • Defenders must move forward into contact • Line speed for defenders and attackers • Attackers attempt to stay on feet until called to ground

Diagram

1 8 4

A A A A A

D1 D3

HB

A1 A2

D2 D4

ACTIVITY NAME: CODE: DM1 Dynamic Mauling – Including Foot Speed

NUMBERS: 4 - 20

EQUIPMENT:


Description

1. Players (A) and (D) begin activity lying on their stomach facing the poles waiting for coach to say go.

2. On the go call, both players jump up, (A) spins and runs at (D), Using the correct foot work, avoids full contact and drives through weak point of defender (D) who is running straight at the poles (does not change line).

3. Once player (A) has avoided contact with (D), they must drive through weak point of (S). Players from (B1) & (B2) act as the latcher and anchor.

4. Players from (C1) & (C2) provide assistance to (S).

Variations/Progressions

1. Player (S) joins in as a supporter of player (D). Starting on the ground also and comes forward on the ‘go’ call.

2. Defenders can also start at (C1) and / or (C2) and make a tackle on player (A) after they avoid player (D).

3. Attacking support players can start at (B1) and / or (B2) and after running around one of the poles can track player (A) into a contact situation and position them selves to assist in the dynamic maul.

4. Players at (B) and (c) can swap roles (which will give them further to run to assist) and after running around opposite markers can enter the maul as the plugs.

Coaching Points

1. Speed - off the ground with ball security. 2. ‘Foot Work in a contact situation’ - to avoid the strong tackle

(T1) and push through the weaker area (T2). 3. Correct body shape in contact - keeping in mind the correct

techniques involved. 4. Speed of support players to latch and anchor onto ball carrier

and correct techniques involved 5. Ball transfer from ball carrier to anchor

Diagram

(S) (BP) (C2) (D) (C1)

(B1) (A) (B2)

4 16

4 4

Foot Speed for Rugby Union ‘Ladder Activities’

Foot Speed – Running

Activity 1. Name: Fast feet – One in. Activity: Using the speed ladders have your players start with one (1) foot in each frame. Coaching Points: 1. Concentrate on a fast leg action with

a dynamic and powerful foot strike on the ground.

2. Players should keep their heads up looking forward and not at their feet.

3. Encourage arm action or include a football.

4. Accelerate out of ladders for a short distance.

Feet Placement Left – Black / Right -

White

Figure 1 – One foot in each ladder.

Activity 2. Name: Fast feet – Two in. Activity: Using the speed ladders have your players put two (2) feet in each frame. Coaching Points: 1. Concentrate on a fast leg action with


2. Players should keep their heads up looking ahead and not at the ground.




White

Figure 2 – two feet in each

ladder

Ladder Activities continued………..


White

Activity 3. Name: Fast feet – two in, one out. Activity: Using the speed ladders have your players put two feet in each frame with a small lateral step outside each frame. You could progress this to ever second frame. Coaching Points: 1. Concentrate on a fast leg action with


2. Players should keep their heads up looking forward and not at their feet.


5. Accelerate out of ladders

Figure 3 – Two feet in each ladder and one foot out side

the ladder.

Activity 4. Name: Fast feet into contact. Activity: Using the speed ladders have your players put one (1) foot in each frame. Once at the defender (D), implement a small lateral (about 45°) andthen continue through next ladder. Coaching Points: 1. Concentrate on a fast leg action with

a dynamic lateral & inside foot strike on the ground to maintain balance and power through contact.

2. Players should keep their heads up looking ahead while lowering their bodies slightly.

3. Encourage ball transfer away from contact.


5. Practice both sides


White

D

Figure 4 – Foot speed in contact. Lateral step followed by an inside power step.

Ladder Activities continued………..

Activity 1. Name: Foot speed lateral – Two in. Activity: Using the speed ladders have your players face side on to the ladders and proceed through the ladder laterally putting two feet in each frame, l Coaching Points: 1. Concentrate on a fast leg action with

dynamic and powerful foot strikes on the ground

2. Keep hips square, and move lateral. 3. Players should keep heads up

looking forward and not at the ground.

4. Encourage arm action or introduce a ball.

5. Accelerate out of the ladders the way you are facing.

Figure 5 – Lateral movement through ladders. Two feet in each ladder while moving lateral.


White

Foot Speed for Rugby In recent history, foot speed has only been associated with athletics and track running with an emphasis being placed on training of foot speed. Foot speed also plays an integral part in rugby. In the modern game foot speed is classified as a highly important skill, which needs to be tought and practised when coaching teams and rugby players. Foot Speed is a requirement in rugby union in all areas of our game, these include:

i. Attacking ii. Defending iii. Tackling (leg drive) iv. Scrummaging v. Lineout (movement / feet placement) vi. Ruck / Maul.

Foot Speed for rugby can be broken down into three (3) main focus areas when coaching:

1. Foot Speed in Running 2. Foot Speed into / through Contact, and 3. Foot Speed to avoid Contact.

Foot speed in running (Acceleration / Deceleration) This focus of foot speed mainly deals with the ability to accelerate and decelerate, and looks at the dynamic contact of the foot with the ground to generate power and speed. The body shape of leaning forward will assist with the acceleration process while the shape of standing up will assist with the deceleration of a player. It is important to note that the speed of foot (strike frequency) should not change. Stride length and Frequency (rate of leg turn over) is used to measure the productivity of acceleration and deceleration. An increase in the amount of foot strikes allows you to contact the ground more often to generate power and more importantly, decrease the length of time your feet are in the air. Which results in less power, les stability and slower reaction time. Large strides early in acceleration require the feet to be off the ground longer than shorter strides. The result is less force production, which will have a direct effect on the acceleration process. Through the acceleration and deceleration process, it is clear that the foot contact with the ground is of prime importance. When looking at this we must take three (3) things into account; 1. What part of the foot makes contact with the ground? 2. How high should the foot / knee go in this action? And 3. What body shape should you apply?

Figure 1. Leg height & foot contact

To generate the most amount of power and speed while accelerating the ball of foot, not just toes, must make a dynamic contact with the ground while in a position directly underneath the body. The feet should be shoulder width apart while accelerating to give effective balance and stability. It is important to manage the foot / leg height of the stride while acceleration and decelerating as so once again, the power generator – the foot / leg, is not off the ground for long periods of time. While accelerating the body should be leaning forward to assist in generating power while in deceleration the body should be up in a taller stance. Foot strike frequency should remain the same

The ability to lower the center of gravity (abdominals) will assist in the accelerating process by allowing a greater horizontal force to be applied to the ground. Foot speed into / through contact This section deals with foot speed and foot placement of a player coming into & through a contact situation. The ability of an attacker to change the direction of the attack slightly and still be in a strong position when contact is made. It can be said that defenders have two tackle target areas on their bodies (shown in Fig 1.2), Target Area 1(T-1) and Target Area 2 (T-2).

T- 2 T-1

Figure 2. – Tackle target areas

The strong offensive tackle will be made through T-1, while the less aggressive and weaker tackle (if any) will be made through T-2. It is T-2 area the attacker should target, so that one of the key principles of rugby is applied-Go Forward. Foot speed into contact is the ability to change direction slightly and go from attacking T-1 to attacking T-2. This must happen within a meter so the defender has little time to react. The feet placement can be seen below with the attacker approaching the defender’s T-1 area and at the last second changes direction slightly to attack and make contact with the defender’s T-2 area.

C (P)

B (L)

A

The foot placement, speed and stride length of the attacker prior to and in contact is of high importance. This will allow the attacking player to remain strong and balanced. A – Approaching defender, attack player (T-1). B – Foot placement off normal line (outside foot), almost lateral (L) C – Inside foot down quickly (close to defender) and power through contact (P).

D

Figure 3 - Feet Placement in Contact How effective you are will depend on how quick the action of the lateral (L) step and the Inside power leg (P) occurs. Shorter stride length is required in approaching contact so that the time a player is on one leg (off balanced and generating little power) in contact is minimized. Along with this footwork in contact, things such as ball transfer (away from contact) and body height (lowering the center of gravity) must also be coaches as part of this unit.

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Foot speed to avoid contact This section deals with the ability to avoid contact through the effective use of foot speed. Foot speed to avoid contact uses principals from both foot speed in running (acceleration and deceleration) and foot speed in contact (changing direction). Foot speed to avoid contact can also be referred to as Agility or Evasion.

Figure 4

It is the ability to change direction with: 1. Vision 2. Speed 3. Balance This skill of changing direction will need to be done at a distance from the defender. This will increase the chance of contact being avoided or at leased is minimized; Speed allows little time for the defender to react and get in a strong position to make a tackle; Vision provides the attacker with an opportunity to make a correct decision; and Balance allows the attacker to accelerate with power after a change of direction has been made.

Foot speed is an extremely important part of modem rugby and once broken into the three focus areas can be easily applied to coaching rugby. Coaches need to identify the 3 types of foot speed and apply them to the correct situation within a game structure.

G:\COACHING\COACHING RESOURCES\COACH EDUCATION - ACTIVITIES\FOOT SPEED\Foot Speed - Agility (Colour Reaction).doc

ACTIVITY NAME: Foot Speed – Agility (Colour Reaction) NUMBERS: 1 - 10

EQUIPMENT:


Description Players start between the pink markers. The coach will call a colour, either red, green yellow or green. The player must follow that colour stepping off each the three

markers and accelerating to the line to complete the drill. Player to run with a ball in hand.

Variations/Progressions Complete the activity with a ball in hand and transfer the ball

when stepping, score the try over the line. Work in pairs one behind the other, the chaser has to attempt

to get a tag on the runner at each marker. Use evasion belts if available Place poles in the markers if available, players to transfer

ball away from the poles (simulating contact). While in pairs, only let the first player know the colour to

make the second must work harder. Second player to face the other way at start.

Coaching Points To be completed at 100% intensity, athletes must be warmed

up prior. Players must step off the outside foot and attempt to

accelerate between markers. Players need to accelerate immediately after a change in

direction Reaction time to the calling of a colour – head up to assist

with vision.

Diagram

14

ACTIVITY NAME: FFoooottwwoorrkk -- CChhaannggee ooff DDiirreeccttiioonn RRaacceess NUMBERS: 2+ EQUIPMENT:


2 6

4

Description • A1 and A2 sprint forward between the agility poles • They then turn and sprint around the next pole (the long

way) • Players should transfer the ball to the outside arm and

lightly palm the pole ie. A1 goes through the first poles and palms with left hand, transfers the ball and goes around the next pole palming with the right hand, A2 is opposite

• While A1 and A2 are rounding the second pole the coach calls ‘red’ or ‘blue’ the players must react and sprint to the cones

Variations/Progressions • Move the first two poles closer together to make it big enough

for one player, so the players must jostle for front position

Coaching Points • Attackers start in a split stance • Ball in two hands, transferring ball to outside arm and palm

agility pole • Players should lower their body height and shorten their stride

length as they change direction

Diagram

A1 A2

ACTIVITY NAME: FFoooottssppeeeedd IInn CCoonnttaacctt NUMBERS: 2+ EQUIPMENT:


2 8 2

4

Description • A1 carries the ball in two hands towards the hit shield (D1) • The hit shield is being held between 2 agility poles (1.5 meters

apart) • A1 must step and drive through the weak point of the D1 (thus

changing the point of attack from the chest (strong area) of the defender to the arms (weak area) of defender.

• A1 then passes to A2 who repeats the process. D1 spins around and faces A2.

• The agility poles are close enough that the attackers must make some contact with the hit shield to get through the gate without knocking the pole over

Variations/Progressions • Increase speed of activity. • Decrease running time (space between catching pass and

stepping through contact) • Running onto pop pass.

Coaching Points • The attackers should change their point of attack by 6 - 10

inches and drive through the weak point of the defender / pad (arms)

• Short, quick (dynamic) steps are required as so the attacker is not on one foot for long periods of time.

• The ball should be transferred away from contact to the outside arm

• Attackers should lower their body height as they go into contact to remain strong and balanced while in contact.

• Attackers should aim to drive through contact with their inside leg forward

Diagram

A3A2

D2

D1

A1 A4

ACTIVITY NAME: FFoooottssppeeeedd IInn CCoonnttaacctt NUMBERS: 2+ EQUIPMENT:


2 8 2

4

Description • A1 carries the ball in two hands towards the hit shield (D1) • The hit shield is being held between 2 agility poles (1.5 meters

apart) • A1 must step and drive through the weak point of the D1 (thus

changing the point of attack from the chest (strong area) of the defender to the arms (weak area) of defender.

• A1 then passes (flat lateral pass) to A2 who catches pass under pressure (close to defender D2) and applies the correct footwork to push through D2.

• A2 then passes (flat lateral pass) to next player at A1 who repeats the process.

Variations/Progressions • Increase speed of activity. • Decrease running time (space between catching pass and

stepping through contact) • Once player has gone through contact, they dive on the ground

and pop pass up to a support player who has followed the ball carrier through contact. The support player then pass a flat lateral pass to next player at A2.

Coaching Points • The attackers should change their point of attack by 6 - 10

inches and drive through the weak point of the defender / pad (arms)

• Short, quick (dynamic) steps are required as so the attacker is not on one foot for long periods of time.

• The ball should be transferred away from contact to the outside arm

• Attackers should lower their body height as they go into contact to remain strong and balanced while in contact.

• Attackers should aim to drive through contact with their inside leg forward

Diagram

A2

D1

D2

A1

ACTIVITY NAME: GGAAIINN LLIINNEE –– AATTTTAACCKK VV DDEEFFEENNCCEE NUMBERS: 12+ EQUIPMENT:

Footballs Markers Shields Tackle bags Contact suits Agility poles Other: Anything can be used as breakdown areas

Description • Six defenders ( ) play nine attackers ( ). • Three breakdown areas are marked and numbered ( ) and

two balls are placed at each. • If possible it is best to run this activity using the width of a rugby

field. • The coach calls a breakdown area from where the attacking team

will play the ball ie. 1, 2 or 3. The half back or acting half back will get themselves in a position to clear the ball or run.

• The defenders must defend the edges of the breakdown, having at least two defenders either side of the breakdown.

• The coach will count down the delivery of the ball to the attacking team who attempts to beat the defence.

• Once attack is over the coach will call another breakdown for the next attack to begin.

Variations/Progressions • Vary numbers of attack and defence as skill improves. • Change the position of the breakdowns incorporating short

sides of the field. • Vary/increase the number of breakdowns called by the

coach in each set to incorporate conditioning. • Incorporate contact and play a number of phases. • Design attacking plays or options to exploit defensive

weaknesses.

Coaching Points • The defending team must have a player either side of the

breakdown defending the immediate zone 1m off the breakdown (commonly referred to as ‘pillar’).

• The second defender out will mark the channel between halfback and first receiver.

• The third defender will mark the first receiver. • Communication is vital. The defending players, particularly the

pillar, must communicate verbally and physically (ie. raise an arm). The three defenders move forward together as a “wall”.

• The attacking team must align early and explore all options available.

• Defence should ensure they never get beaten on the inside and make the attacking team work hard to only break through on the outside. Defending players must not leave zone until the ball has moved two passes wide.

defence 3 1

2

attack

9

6 3

√

D 16+

ACTIVITY NAME: GGRRIIDD TTAARRGGEETT PPAASSSSIINNGG NUMBERS: 8 + players EQUIPMENT:


Description • Set up a grid 5m x 5m and line up players as indicated in the

diagram below. • While working in one grid, players are split into two even groups

who work together i.e. A’s with A’s and B’s with B’s. • A1 & B1 start activity by running forward with a ball, when they

get to a marker they must pass the ball across the grid to their partner i.e. A1 passes to A1 and B1 passes to B1.

• The grid continues with A1 then running forward and passing across grid to A2, and B1 doing the same but passes to B2.

• Continue

Variations/Progressions • Organisation of grid can be modified to suit player numbers. • Grid size can be altered (larger or smaller) • Change ball (football, tennis ball etc)

Coaching Points • All lateral passes need to be put into space for the support

player to run onto (attack) the ball. • Players should have hands up ready for the ball and should

begin with outside foot forward to initiate straight running. • Players work to have all lateral passes consistent whilst

attacking with speed and running straight. Passing speed needs to be maintained.

• Players need to communicate by calling for the ball when they are in a position to receive it.

• Groups need to work hard to realign, ready for the next run through.

• The grid can be used as a warm up activity gradually increasing the intensity as the body warms up.

• Quality of pass (speed and direction)

Diagram A3 A2 A1 B3, b2, b1 B1, b2, b3 A1 A2 A3

1 12

ACTIVITY NAME: HHaammmmeerr // LLaattcchh MMaauull –– SSttaattiicc SSttaarrtt NUMBERS: 10+ EQUIPMENT:


1 5

5

Description • A1 starts in contact with D1 – Not running into contact • The other attackers and defenders are all 2 metres behind their

man • On the Coaches call A1 attempts to drive forward and D1

resists. All the attackers and defenders join in • The attackers attempt to maul the ball to score a try • If they are brought to ground the attackers should attempt to

rebuild or pick and go with a support player (hammer / latch)

Variations/Progressions • Add more players and have options to run the ball after initial

maul goes to ground

Coaching Points • Ensure A1 is in Strong body position, facing forward ready to

drive • A1 to start with the ball away from contact • Attackers trying to remain facing forward and driving and

transfer the ball to the back

Diagram Tryline

D1 A1

D2 D3 D4 D5

A2 A3 A4 A5

ACTIVITY NAME: AAttttaacckk vv DDeeffeennccee ((HHPPUU ““SS”” DDrriillll))

NUMBERS: 5+

EQUIPMENT:


1 7

Description The coach calls a colour either blue or red. The colour called

immediately runs to the other end of the grid & turn becoming defenders. The remainder become attackers, attempting to score a try

between the black markers. The coach passes to first receiver who must run an ‘S’

line. The second receiver is encouraged to run a skinny switch

as an option. 5 should be accelerating into the space.

Variations/Progressions The coach to pass to any attacker. The coach to stand on the try line and roll the ball in. Introduce contact and two phases with emphasis on leg drive

through contact and being effective at the break down.

Coaching Points The onus is placed on the first receiver to react to the situation

and make correct decision. Options for the first receiver are switch with 2, hold and run

through possible space or draw and pass to 5 wide. All attackers must commit a defender by attacking the correct

shoulder. Outside support must concentrate on depth of support and

timing of run. Quality of pass is crucial. Players pre- planning should be discouraged.

Diagram c 1 2 3 4 5

For more information on Coach Education visit www.nswrugby.com.au

INDIVIDUAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

1. BALL HANDLING All drills can be performed with rugby balls (RB), tennis balls (TB) or netballs (NB). Drill

Explanation Workload

Drill 1: Finger Tip Drill a) arms out in front moving ball from side to side b) arms to side moving ball from side to side over head c) complete drill 1a with pitter patter feet

3 sets x 20 reps 3 sets x 20 reps 3 sets x 20 reps

Drill 2: Quick Hands a) legs spread shoulder width apart release ball between legs and regather with

hands behind legs b) same as 2a with eyes closed c) legs spread shoulder width apart one hand in front of legs holding ball other

behind release and regather ball whilst swapping hands. ie. Left hand from front to back

Right hand from back to front

3 sets x 20 reps 3 sets x 10 reps 3 sets x 20 reps

Drill 3: Over Shoulder a) pass ball over shoulder and catch behind back b) as above whilst running

3 sets x 5 reps 3 sets x 5 reps

Drill 4: Front and Back a) with a partner stand back to back. Throw ball over head for partner to react

and catch

3 sets x 10 reps

Drill 5: Overs and Unders a) pairs stand facing each other with ball, one passes high the other low. Start

approx 3 metres apart and move closer to decrease reaction time

3 sets x 30 reps



2. PASSING Drill


Drill 1: 3 in a Row a) Throw a spiral pass in the air as high as possible whilst catching without

moving feet from shoulder width apart

3 sets x 10 reps-left 3 sets x 10 reps-right

Drill 2: Partner Passing a) pairs stand facing each other with a ball 3m apart. Ball starts in players

right hand - on given cue both pass to each other using right hand only. Pass can be caught with two hands but passed only with right hand.

b) as above but with left hand c) as above - right hand with jogging on spot d) as above - left hand with jogging on sport e) as above with 2 handed passes whilst jogging

3 sets x 1 min 3 sets x 1 min 3 sets x 30 sec 3 sets x 30 sec 4 sets x 30 sec (2 L handed: 2 R handed)

Drill 3: 5m, 10m, 15m Passing Drill a) Players stand 5m apart pass to each other whilst walking b) as above but jogging c) as above but running 90% d) Players stand 10m apart pass to each other walking e) as above but jogging f) as above but running 90% g) Players stand 15m apart pass to each other walking h) as above but jogging i) as above but running 90%

2 sets x 100m 2 sets x 100m 2 sets x 100m 2 sets x 100m 2 sets x 100m 2 sets x 100m 2 sets x 100m 2 sets x 100m 2 sets x 100m



3. AGILITY / EVASION Drill


Drill 1: Pitter Patters Start 5m ------ x x x ------ 5m Finish x x Cones are set out as above. Approx 2m in length and 2m in width apart. Start line should be approx 5m from cone 1 and finish line approx 5m from cone 5. a) players start on line and do 5 stationary pitter-patters before exploding

to cone 1, when reaching cone 1 complete 5 pitter-patters and then explode to cone 2. Continued until reach finish line.

b) as above with ball in both hands. c) as above with ball transferring. ie. move to the left ball to right arm. move to the right ball to left arm.

3 sets (1 min walk back recovery between sets) 3 sets (1 min walk back recovery between sets). 3 sets (1 min walk back recovery between sets).

Drill 2: Reaction Cones

Blue White Green Orange Yellow Line 2 x x x x x White Blue Green Yellow Orange Line 1 x x x x x __________________________________ Start Line Start Line Ten cones (x) are set out as shown above (2 cones of each colour). Cones should be approx 5m apart. a) Player moves laterally along start line facing cones, on the call of a

colour accelerate out to that colour cone in line 1 changes direction at cone and accelerate to same colour cone on line 2.

b) As above but scoops ball up from colour cone called on line 1 and accelerates to same colour cone on line 2.

c) Player double foot bounds into start line at time of fourth contact on start line a colour is called. Same as (a).

5 sets (30 sec walk back recovery) 5 sets (30 sec walk back recovery)

5 sets (30 sec walk back recovery)



4. BALL HANDLING ABOVE HEAD Drill


Drill 1: Seated Drills a) pairs sit facing one another with balls of feet against each other using

one ball throws to partners right hand from your left. b) as above in (a) except throw to partners left hand from your right. c) use 2 balls at same time.

3 sets x 20 reps

3 sets x 20 reps

3 sets x 20 reps Drill 2: Finger Tip Drill

a) Arms held above head moving ball from side to side b) Volleyball sets with finger tip control push ball into air from above head.

Keeping hands up in front of face.


Drill 3: Wall Drill

a) Using netball stand arm length from the wall, throw ball at shoulder height against wall and regather (stressing finger tip control)

b) Using 2 netballs as above in (a) keeping the balls going. c) As in (b) hands must touch thighs in between each throw and catch

(may need to throw ball higher on wall to increase reaction time).

4 sets x 20 reps

(2 L handed: 2 R handed)


Drill 4: Soccer Throws

a) Facing partner throw soccer throw in style to partner who catches and throws immediately back.

3 sets x 30 reps



5. KICK RECEIPTS Drill


Drill 1: Chest Marks a) Have kicks put up to you. Catch ball at face level & bring quickly to

chest (key points: hands above eyes, turn side on at point of catch). b) As above (a) but leave ground to catch ball.

3 sets x 5 successful catches

3 sets x 5 successful catches

Drill 2: Overhead Marks

a) Have kicks put up to you; catch ball in two hands above face and bring

quickly to chest. b) As above (a) but leave ground to catch ball.

3 sets x 5 successful catches 3 sets x 5 successful catches

Drill 3: Low Ball Reception

a) Have kicks grubbered along ground to you; trap with feet and pick up. b) As above but pick up with hands at 50% speed. c) As above but attack and pick up with hands at 100%.

2 sets x 5 successful pick ups 2 sets x 5 successful pick ups 2 sets x 5 successful pick ups

Drill 4: Random Ball Reception

a) Have random kicks put to you with call on style of catch or pick up made

to you by kicker on approach.

3 sets x 5 success receipts



6. LINEOUT THROW NB: Measure out 2, 4 and 6 throw distances from target, clearly mark target. Key Points: a) Power from abs b) Arms point at target after throw c) Get off line after throw Drill


Drill 1: Flat 2 Ball a) throw in sets of 5 a flat 2 ball at target b) as in (a) but with eyes closed (learn to feel what ball is doing out of your

hand, open eyes once ball has left hands).

3 sets x 5 throws

1 set x 5 throws

Drill 2: Lob 2 Ball

a) as in (1a). b) As (1b) with eyes closed.

3 sets x 5 throws

1 set x 5 throws Drill 3: Flat 4 Ball

a) as in (1a). b) as in (1b) with eyes closed.

3 sets x 5 throws

1 set x 5 throws Drill 4: Lob 4 Ball


3 sets x 5 throws

1 set x 5 throws Drill 5: Lob 6 Ball


3 sets x 5 throws

1 set x 5 throws Drill 6: Random Calls

a) Move around at random between lines 2, 4 and 6 and throw a mixture of lob ball and flat ball in your own time.

3 sets x 5 throws

Drill 7: Throw from Knees

a) Players gets on knees on ground / mat and throws to partner standing on chair. concentrating on abdominal control and use.

3 sets x 5 throws



7. THE CLEARING PASS Drill Explanation Workload Drill 1: 3 in a Row

a) Throw a spiral pass in the air as high as possible whilst catching without moving feet from shoulder width apart

3 sets x 10 reps-left 3 sets x 10 reps-right

Drill 2: Partner Passing

a) pairs stand facing each other with a ball 3m apart. Ball starts in players right hand - on given cue both pass to each other using right hand only. Pass can be caught with two hands but passed only with right hand.

b) as above but with left hand c) as above - right hand with jogging on spot d) as above - left hand with jogging on sport e) as above with 2 handed passes whilst jogging

3 sets x 1 min 3 sets x 1 min 3 sets x 30 sec 3 sets x 30 sec 4 sets x 30 sec (2 L handed: 2 R handed)

Drill 3: 4 Corner Grid

A B x x C set up 10 x 10m square with x centre cone (c) D E x x a) Halfback to start on cone A, pass to partner on B, who catches and puts

ball down; once passed from ground halfback runs around cone C and pass from cone B to partner on E; who catches and puts ball down; once pass from ground run around cone C and run to E continue drill around square.

8 sets x 1 lap,4 passes)(4 L to R : 4 R to L)(15 sec recovery between sets

Drill 4: Reaction and Lineout Clearance Pass Drill

o o target target a) Partner holds two balls above with out stretched arms. Athlete in

crouch position faces partner : once a ball has been dropped athlete reacts to catch and quickly passes at target (ie. ball dropped to left throw at left target).

b) as above but athlete on toes doing pitter-patter in preparation for ball drop.

2 sets x 5 passes

3 sets x 5 passes



8. JUMPING SKILLS NB: Ensure athlete has supportive footwear and is completing drills on pliable surface

thoroughly warmed up. Drill


Drill 1: Double Foot Hops a) Lateral double foot hops - ie. side to side over cone aiming

at maximum jump height and minimum ground contact time.

b) Front to back double foot hops - ie. front to back over cone

as above in (a).

3 sets x 8 jumps (30 sec recovery between sets)


Drill 2: Tuck Jumps

a) Tuck jumps aiming at max. jump height and minimum

ground contact time.


Drill 3: Unassisted Lineout Jumps

a) Using exact pre-jump movement patterns for 2 jump, or 4

jump, or walk back 2 and 4 jump complete 5 maximal effort replications with 10 sec recovery between jumps. Mixing up type of jump randomly.

3 sets x 5 jumps (1min recovery between sets)

Drill 4: Basketball Rebounds

a) Using a wall and round ball. Jump and release ball high

onto wall once you hit ground re-jump and 2 handed tap ball back up to wall whilst at peak of jump. Repeat 4 times.

3 sets x 4 jumps (1min recovery between sets)



9. PELVIC STABILITY NB: For all of the exercises listed below, unless stated otherwise, start by placing your hands under the small of your

back. The initial movement for each of the exercises is to push your back down into your hands. You must attempt to keep the same pressure on your hands at all times through the exercise while breathing normally. As soon as you feel the pressure ease, stop the exercise and start again. The idea is to be able to maintain a strong abdominal contraction for about 60 seconds while being able to breathe normally.

Drill


Drill 1: In lying with thighs vertical and knees bent to 90 degrees, push you back into your hands, maintaining the same pressure while you breathe normally. Try and hold for 30 seconds to start. As this becomes easy, keep the contraction going for up to a minute. Breathing must remain in normal rhythm throughout the exercise.

2-3 sets x up to 1 min

Drill 2: In lying with thighs vertical and knees bent to 90 degrees, push you back into

your hands, maintaining the same pressure while you breathe normally. while maintaining your contraction, lower 1 leg towards the floor and then back up again. Still with the contraction on repeat the movement with the other leg. As soon as the pressure through your hands diminishes, readjust your position and start again. Repeat 10 times each leg. Breathing must remain in normal rhythm throughout the exercise.

1 set x 10 each leg

Drill 3: In lying with thighs vertical and knees bent to 90 degrees, place your hands

on the front of your thighs. While pushing your back into the ground, press your knees towards your chest and stop the movement from happening with your hands. Hold the contraction on for 30 seconds.

3 sets x 30 sec

Drill 4: In lying with thighs vertical and knees straight, push your back into your

hands, maintaining the same pressure while you breathe normally. Try and hold for 30 seconds to start. As this becomes easy keep the contraction going for up to a minute. Breathing must remain in normal rhythm throughout the exercise.

3 sets x up to 1 min

Drill 5: Assume a push up position weightbearing through your hands and feet,

making sure that your body maintains a good straight position. Hold the position for 30 seconds.

3 sets x 30 sec


INDIVIDUAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

10. BALANCE / PROPRIOCEPTIVE AWARENESS Drill


Drill 1: Line Run a) Player to carry ball in two hands and run at 50-70% along sideline for

22m. Feet must land on the sideline (not beside it). b) As above except feet are not allowed to touch sideline and requires ‘fast

foot speed’. c) As above in (a) feet touching on the line however a randomly called

‘stop’ is made (approx. 2-3 each length) and athlete must stop on foot they have landed on when call is made a pause and compose balance for 5 seconds.

4 sets x 22m (15 sec recovery)

4 sets x 22m (15 sec running)

4 sets x 22m (15 sec running)

Drill 2: Spinner

a) With feet shoulder width apart a series of (5) calls are made (ie. 90,

180, 270, 360 degrees). Athlete jumps and spins appropriate degree, lands and quickly regains balance.

b) As above but call is made while athlete is jogging forwards or

backwards.

4 sets x 5 spinners (30 sec recovery)

2 sets x 5 spinner (30 sec recovery)

Drill 3: Knee Slap

a) Partners are crouched position. Keeping a wide base and low centre of

gravity must attempt to slap partner behind knee.

3 sets x 30 seconds (1min recovery)



11. THE PUNT KICK Drill


Drill 1: Leg Swings Whilst keeping body upright, and abdominals contracted; a) front to back swings gradually increasing range of motion. b) side to side swings gradually increasing range of motion.

2 sets x 10 swings each leg


Drill 2: Hip Raises

a) Standing upright with knee bent to 90 degrees and thigh raised to

parallel. Hold then raise slightly before returning to parallel repeat aiming to strengthen hip flexors to increase strength/power of kicking muscles.

2 sets x 30 raisers each leg

Drill 3: Ball Drops

(a) Complete ball drop phase of kick attempting to replicate every balldrop identical.

5 ball drops right hand 5 ball drops left hand

Drill 4: Partner Kicking

a) Begin 15m apart from partner and aim to kick 10 successful spiral punts

consecutively (left and right footed alternately) onto partners chest. b) Move to 25m apart from partner - as above. c) Move to 35m apart from partner - as above.

2 sets x 10 kicks

2 sets x 10 kicks

2 sets x 10 kicks Drill 5: Catch and Kick

a) Receive pass from partner and quickly kick ball into 5m channel aiming

at distance, correct technique and timing the ball (left and right footed alternately).

3 sets x 10 kicks



12. GOAL KICKING AND RESTARTS Drill


Drill 1: Leg Swings Whilst keeping body upright, and abdominals contracted; a) front to back swings gradually increasing range of motion. b) side to side swings gradually increasing range of motion.



Drill 2: Hip Raises

a) Standing upright with knee bent to 90 degrees and thigh raised to

parallel. Hold then raise slightly before returning to parallel repeat aiming to strengthen hip flexors to increase strength/power of kicking muscles.

2 sets x 30 raisers each leg

Drill 3: Goal Kicks

a) 10 kicks from directly in front - 20m out. b) 10 kicks from 10m to side - 20m out (5 to the left - 5 to the right) c) 10 kicks from 15m to side - 25 m out (5 to the left - 5 to the right)

1 set x 10 kicks

1 set x 10 kicks

1 set x 10 kicks Drill 4: Drop Kick - Restarts

a) 10 restarts to area 1 - aiming for maximum hang time and accuracy. b) 10 restarts to area 2 - aiming for maximum hang time and accuracy. c) 5 restarts to area 3 - aiming for maximum hang time and accuracy. d) 5 restarts to area 4 - aiming for maximum hang time and accuracy.

1 set x 10 kicks

1 set x 10 kicks

1 set x 5 kicks

1 set x 5 kicks



13. BODY SHAPE - SCRUMMAGING Drill


Drill 1: Individual Body Position Feet shoulder width apart, bend knees to 90°, lift hips up and open chest, look forward leading with your chin (chin off chest) NB: Hooker’s have feet slightly elongated with strike foot (right foot) half a step in front and feet close together.

10 x sets of 10sec holds

Drill 2: Knee slaps

Start by facing your partner and placing you right hand on each others shoulder.

a) While maintaining strong body shape, attempt to slap the back of your partners right knee. b) Change slapping arm

5 x 15 sec. (30 sec. Recovery) 5 x 15 sec. (30 sec. recovery)

Drill 3: 1 v 1 Scrummaging

With a partner starting on you knees, offset and engage before rising to feet. a) Both turn right then left – Important to go wide before narrow with your steps b) Crab walks sideways (one person goes left, the other Right) c) Forward and Back (take the pressure and then apply the pressure)

6 x 15 sec. (30 sec. recovery) 6 x 15 sec. (30 sec. recovery) 6 x 15 sec. (30 sec. recovery)

Drill 4: 2 v 1 Scrummaging

Ease into engagement, assume strong body position and bind onto opposition player/s a) Draw the binds (squeeze and draw the opposition players in towards yourself. b) Involve movement, sideways, forward & back as above

5 x 15 sec. (30 sec. recovery) 10 x 5 sec. (30 sec. recovery)

P-12+

ACTIVITY NAME: LLAATTEERRAALL PPAASSSSIINNGG AANNDD SSUUPPPPOORRTT CCHHAANNNNEELL NUMBERS: 8+ EQUIPMENT:

Footballs Markers Shields Tackle bags Contact suits Agility poles Other: 4 footballs can be used (one at B1, B2, B3, B4)

Description • A passing channel is created using eight markers ( ). The size of the

channel needs to be suitable for the skill level/age of the group. • The attacking players (A1-A4) face up the channel. • B1 and B2 begin with a football. • The attacking players run up the channel and upon reaching B1 at the

first marker A1 receives a lateral pass. The ball is passed along the attackers.

• Once B1 has passed the ball they support inside the ball so they receive a pass outside of A4. B1 passes the ball to B3 ready for when the attackers run back through the channel.

• The sequence is continued at B2 with a lateral pass to A1. • Once B1 and B2 have passed and supported, the attacking players

turn and run back through the channel receiving lateral passes from B4 and B3.

Variations/Progressions • The attacking players can place the ball at random. The

supporting player from the outside (B1-B4) must support on the inside so that once the ball is placed there is no time wasted by the supporting player to pick up the ball and continue to the other side of the channel.

• Numbers can vary to accommodate the size of the group/team. • Decreasing the space between receiving passes from the

outside will increase the pressure of the lateral passes thrown by the attackers and the support play of B1-B4.


passer. • No spiral passes. • Verbal communication important. • Keep running straight. Beginning with outside foot forward will

assist with running straight. • Support players need to support on the inside of the ball and

should attempt to go forward at all times and not run an arc backwards in order to get to the outside of A4. This is made easier when the attacking players take the ball straight and at pace.

Diagram

7-10m B1 B2 A1 A2 A3 A4 B3 B4

25-30m

2 8

ACTIVITY NAME: HHPPUU -- OOppeenn SSrriimmmmaaggee DDrriillll NUMBERS: 15 EQUIPMENT:


Description

1st receiver (1R) throws second pass from ½ back to ball carrier (BC) – play two pass game. BC challenges defender (D1) in full contact within 5m x 5m grid.

Depending on the outcome of the tackle contest the next attackers and defenders to the contest will need to make a decision. Initially the first support player (S1) will clean out 1st defender (D1) so

that a situation is set up for the next support players (S2 – S5) to make a decision as to their role at the tackle contest

The coach © will dictate the actions of the defenders that are lying down in front of him

Variations/Progressions Increase the amount of attackers & defenders involved Increase the number of phases required Focus on team based phase options

Coaching Points

Look for quality Decision making under pressure Tackle contest roles & techniques (footwork, contact, hammer,

cleanout etc) Go forward in both attack and defence Support roles and responsibilities.

Diagram D3 D4 D5 D1 D2 A1/2 1R S4 S3 S2 BR S1

1 8

7

ACTIVITY NAME: PPaassss GGeett BBaacckk PPaassss GGrriidd NUMBERS: 5+ EQUIPMENT:


2 4

Description • (A) starts with the ball and passes to (B) who immediately

passes ball back to (A) who is running towards (B). (A) then cuts the corner of the grid and passes the ball to (C).

• (B) then runs to (C) and receives a pass back from (C) and then passes to (D).

• (C) runs to D etc

Variations/Progressions • Change direction of the grid to ensure players are passing from

both sides • Increase / decrease the size of work area (grid). • Increase the number of players and balls involved. • Increase speed – set targets for number of passes in a

designated time period

Coaching Points • Players should have hands up (fingers spread) ready for the

ball. • Communication – call for pass • Soft hands and correct passing style (i.e. Pop pass or lateral

pass) • Pass ball across the body and point fingers to target after

passing.

Diagram C D

B A Start

Module 2 – Preparation for Contact

Level 2 1

PREPARATION FOR CONTACT

WRESTLING TECHNIQUES APPLICABLE TO RUGBY UNION

• ATTACKING THE INSIDE - Dominating the Space. • PREVENTING THE BALL CARRIER FROM GOING TO

GROUND • TACKLE TECHNIQUE - Spreading the Impact. • CHANGING BODY POSITION UNDER FORCE - Ball Presentation Under Force. • BALANCE & STABILITY - Strong body position prior to contact.


Level 2 2

ATTACKING THE INSIDE

For the defender to be in the most dominating position it is important that they are as close to the ball carrier as possible while in contact. If a defender can get an arm ‘through’ the ball carrier by ‘attacking’ the inside (under the arm), this will allow the defender to control the situation and take the space. This will prevent the ball carrier for either going to ground or effectively presenting the ball post tackle. ACTIVITY 1 – GETTING ON THE INSIDE. Coaching Points:

- Players should practice this movement of ‘Attacking the Inside’ while standing very close to each other

- The movement should be very dynamic and continnous - Single arm first, then double arm action. - 30 sec intervals with a 30 sec rest period.

ACTIVITY 2 – DOUBLE LOCK. A double lock is achieved when one player successfully gets on the inside of their opponent and locks them in to a position that prevents them from breaking out. This represents the tackle situation in a game where the ball carrier is dominated and the ball transfer is disrupted or non-existent.

Coaching Points: - Stance should be the same as above,

wide base close to opponent. - In 30 sec intervals, both players must

attempt to complete a double lock on theiropponent.

- Players will need to be extremely dynamicand in a strong / balanced position toachieve this.


Level 2 3

PREVENTING THE BALL CARRIER FROM GOING TO GROUND If a defending player can lock up a ball carrier and prevent them from going to ground then they stand a high chance of preventing the ball transfer or at worst disrupting and slowing the process down. This can be achieved by simply ‘attacking and getting the inside’ of the ball carrier while being in a strong body position and dynamic. ACTIVITY 1 – HOLDING PLAYER UP V GETTING TO GROUND Coaching Points:

- Starting position, one player starts with a single arm lock (getting on the inside) - On cue, that player must prevent his opponent from getting to ground. - This can be achieved by performing a double lock while in a strong body position. - The other player must attempt to break the lock and get to ground as quickly as

possible.

1. Starting Position

2. Attacking the Inside

3. Holding Player up off the ground 4. Player breaks lock and gets to ground


Level 2 4

TACKLE TECHNIQUE – SPREADING THE IMPACT To avoid injury and increase the possibility of performing a successful, strong impacting tackle, players should spread the contact area across the chest, front of shoulder and arms. It is important to encourage players to ‘Attack’ the inside (under arm) with a strong arm and then squeeze in on the target. This will allow players to ‘stick’ to close to the ball carrier and chase the hit. ACTIVITY 1 – SKIP AND HIT

ACTIVITY 2 – ATTACK INSIDE OF BALL CARRIER Coaching Points:

- Using a ball, have defenders attack inside of ball carrier (under ball carrying arm) - This will expose ball and at worst disrupts the ball presentation at post tackle - As above, attacking the inside needs to be extremely dynamic (fast, strong &

powerful) to achieve the desired outcomes of dominating the tackle contest. - The next player in simply latches onto ball and continues to drive ball carrier

backwards.

Coaching Points: - Defenders head is up and looking

forward - Step lead foot ‘to or through’ your

opponent and make chest, front ofshoulder and arm contact.

- Opposite foot – Opposite shoulder - Attack inside of opponent by

punching strong arm through underarm around opponents back.

Player 1 attacks the inside of ball carrier to disrupt the ball.

Player 2 locks onto ball and provides assistance by way of leg drive.


Level 2 5

CHANGING BODY POSITION UNDER FORCE For a ball carrier to successfully present the ball on the ground post tackle, they will need to work under force. This activity is extremely specific for this skill. Once a player is tackled, they must be dynamic in their movements, to get themselves in the best position possible to present the ball. ACTIVITY 1 – WORKING UNDER FORCE

Starting Position

Coaching Points: - In pairs, 1 player on knees and forearms

while the other player is draped over theirback (dead weight).

- On coaches cue the player on the groundmust assume the position call by the coach (e.g. left, right, back etc) and then return tostarting position as quickly and dynamicallyas possible

- Introduce a ball and have the player controland present the ball under force.

- The aim of the player on the ground is themove dynamically and powerfully whileunder force (player lying on top)


Level 2 6

BALANCE & STABILITY It is important that players in contact remain balanced and stable to avoid injury and provide the best possible platform for their team. To become balanced and stable players need to establish and maintain a solid wide base (feet shoulder width apart), lower their center of gravity by bending the knees (keeping shoulders above hips) and move with short, quick steps as to ensure both feet are on the ground for the majority of the time in contact. ACTIVITY 1 – FACE SLAPS

ACTIVITY 1 – PERIPHERAL VISION 90°

Coaching Points: - In pairs, each player holds their partners right

wrist - At the coaches cue, players are to attempt to

slap others face. - This activity is more about feet movement and

balance / stability and not the face slap. - Each player must ensure they remain stable

and balanced - At no time should the feet come together or

cross over. Feet should remain shoulder widthapart or wider.

- Step away, then towards.

Coaching Points: - Grids 5m x 5m - 3 players, one in the middle. - Outside players shuffle up and down the line. - Middle player must remain stable and in line

with them. - Feet must go wider as a first reaction, then

crab - Use pointing arm to keep 90° between left an

right arm Variation - Introduce a ball, players on the sides to pass the

ball to player in the middle while moving backand forth.

ACTIVITY NAME: Quick Passing / Defending

NUMBERS: 15

EQUIPMENT:


4 9

4

Description 1. Attackers ( ) at (A) start the activity by running forward to the

pole and around it facing forward the entire time, and then return back to marker. 2. Once the first player returns back to marker, player (B) then

passes ball into activity. All players must return to marker before they are able to join in.

3. Once the ball is thrown to first player at (A), Defenders( ) from (D) are put onside and must try to prevent attackers from scoring a try over the try line, which is marker by the poles. 4. Once the attackers have been tagged or the try is scored, then the process begins again.

Variations/Progressions 1. Increase the number of defenders. 2. Decrease the distance between poles and markers as so attackers have less time and space with the ball, which would increase the intensity and pressure. 3. Once player (B) passes ball into activity, they become active and also become attackers trying to score passed the poles. This would increase the work load of the defenders marking it harder to defend against.

Coaching Points 1. Catching and Passing – hands up and reaching for the ball, then transfer straight across the body and release. Quick Passes 2. Footspeed – Accelerate from marker and hit the pass at speed. 3. Creating Space – Running straight or Angles to create space for outside and inside support runners. 4. Communication – defenders must communicate there roles as so they can attempt to defend successfully. Attackers must also communicate to effectively score the try.

Diagram

10m (D) TRY 10m (B)

(A)

ACTIVITY NAME: SSccrruumm BBooddyy SShhaappee –– MMoovviinngg UUnnddeerr FFoorrccee NUMBERS: 2+ EQUIPMENT:


4

Description • S1 and S2 begin One vs One Scrummaging • The coach then calls the colour of a marker and S1 & S2

must push each other to that mark in a controlled manner • Coach ensures correct body position is maintained

Variations/Progressions • Can progress to 2 vs 1

Coaching Points • Small controlled steps • Head should be in a fully extended position (chin off chest) with


shoulders remain square • Chest should be open with shoulders back • Feet should be shoulder width apart and knees bent • High hips, but not below shoulders

Diagram

S1S2

ACTIVITY NAME: SSccrruumm EEnnggaaggeemmeenntt –– TTiimmiinngg aanndd PPoossiittiioonniinngg NUMBERS: 6+ EQUIPMENT:


Description • Players (P) begin in the middle of the grid and run around

passing the ball between each other running at pace • The Coach blows the whistle and the players sprint to a hit

shield • One player holds the hit shield while the other lines up on it • The coach then calls ‘Crouch, Touch, Hold, Engage’

(‘Slowly’ for Mini and Walla) • The players then engage the pad and drive it back one step • The coach blows the whistle and the activity begins again

Variations/Progressions • Players form groups of 3 and one holds the pad, one engages

the pad as a hooker and the last player feeds the ball in (halfback)

• Ensure the hooker strikes for the ball with the right foot in a sweeping motion

• Ensure the halfback feeds the ball in from the left

Coaching Points • The coach should walk around ensuring the players are in good

body position and are listening to the engagement sequence • Heads should always go to the left of the pad • Head should be in a fully extended position (chin off chest) with


shoulders remain square • Chest should be open with shoulders back • Feet should be shoulder width apart and knees bent • High hips, but not below shoulders

Diagram

4 6 6

P P P P P P P P P P P P

Hit shields

Coach Education Series © - Scrum

Effective Scrummaging The purpose of the scrum is to restart play quickly, safely and fairly, after a small infringement or a stoppage. In doing this, sixteen players are strategically positioned into a confined area. The scrum is both a physical and technical contest for possession of the ball. It is one of the few situations when players exert a physical force on their opponents who are not in possession of the ball. The following will look closely into the technical components of building a scrum, including feet placements, bindings, assembly sequence, engagement, roles and responsibilities, and most importantly the SAFETY aspects to be considered when coaching the scrum. The scrum has a number of LAW variations between Senior Rugby (20yrs and older), the Under 19’s Rugby (U13’s – U19’s) and Pathway Rugby (U7’s – U12’s).

Walla Mini Midi U19 Opens Contested No No Yes Yes Yes Numbers 3 players 5 players 6 players 8 players 8 players Push Non-push Non-push 1 meter 1.5 meters Unlimited Offside line 5m from last feet 5m from last feet Last feet Last feet Last feet

All the up to date laws of Rugby Union can be found at the NSW Rugby Union Website at www.nswrugby.com.au. The laws are enforced to assure the safety of all players involved in the contest. Body Shape The scrum is a technical component of rugby union where forces are generated and transferred through your body into other player’s bodies. All participants need to understand the correct techniques involved in generating and resisting these forces. The starting point for coaching the scrum is to understand the individual body shape required to achieve this. Body Shape is the absolute essence of good scrummaging. It allows you to use your force and the force of the rest of the scrum, more efficiently. It is believed that almost 99% of all scrimmaging problems can be related directly to the body shape of the participant(s). It is therefore in the interest of all concerned and especially those players looking to improve their scrummaging, that attention be focused on this key element. Body shape should remain consistent for all participants involved in the scrum; no matter what position they hold, from front row through to number 8. A number of coaching points to consider when instructing the correct body shape include:

A strong, balanced and stable base, which can be achieved by placing the feet approximately shoulder-width apart and toes level (this only differs for the Hooker). This will ensure stability if the scrum moves sideways while also allowing an excellent platform to generate power. If the feet placement greatly exceeds shoulder-width, there would be a substantial reduction to the capacity to generate and resist force, increasing the risk of injury. Toes, knees, hips and shoulders should be square and ALL facing forward.

Knee bend (100 – 110° approx) directly beneath hips will assist in generating and transferring

weight. Knees should remain directly in line with toes and hips.

High, steady hips will allow those players behind to apply force through a near vertical surface. The hips should NOT at anytime be higher than the shoulders.

http://www.nswrugby.com.au/


Straight back (parallel to the ground) will allow the transfer of forces generated by the lower body directly ahead through to the opposition scrum. Pull the shoulders back drawing the shoulder blades together and push out the chest, this will ensure you do not have a humped back.

Keep the head up and thrust the chin forward (off chest) so that the spine is in a straight line from

the head. “Look where you are going, not where you have been”

Activate the Abdominal muscles and breathe at a slow even pace. DO NOT hold your breath. All players will need to be able to adopt the correct body shape and maintain it for the duration of the scrum activity (including the assembly and engagement) involving generating force, resisting force, movement sideways, forward and backwards. Drawing the binds Now that we have a solid body position it is imperative that we ‘draw our binds on’. This simply means that where we are bound to someone, we need to draw him or her closer. In the assembly, and post engagement players are encouraged to draw on the binds (including those bound to opposition players). This could be seen as assisting the opponent, when in fact you are actually asserting more push and dominance. Not only does ‘drawing the binds’ apply force through the whole scrum it also assists in maintaining your own strong body shape. If all participants draw on their binds the scrum will become more stabilized, controlled and therefore SAFER and harder to wheel. This increased force can be seen when packing on a scrum machine. If the entire pack draws on their binds together the machine will move without utilizing extra force from the legs. Front Row Body Shape In the front row, drawing your binds on correctly will allow you to transfer your force and the force from behind, more efficiently. It will also enable you to transfer the weight onto your opponent whilst the scrum is still stationary. This is referred to as ‘Tapping the Weight’ and allows the front row to use extra push from behind only when needed. Obviously this is ideal when after the initial engagement, the front row can tap the weight off in preparation for the feed. Then, as the ball comes in, they can dynamically add more force and have an explosive shove. This ‘Body Shape’ is fundamental to all aspects of contact and is essential for the success in the tackle, ruck, maul and scrum. It is recommended that considerable time be devoted to mastering the adoption and the use of this technique. Exercises involving 1 v 1’s or preferably 2 v 1’s will give much better long-term results than practicing a full scrum with players who have not yet mastered individual body shape.


Scrum Assembly A team should have a set procedure for assembling the front row and scrum. The following order is recommended and the coaching points are clearly listed below. Once the mark is established, the hooker should be the first in position, followed by the loose head prop, tight head prop, locks, flankers and finally the number 8. Mark (of infringement)

Hooker Loose head

Tight head

Locks

Flankers

Number 8

Engagement Building the Front Row Front row players should not assemble directly opposite their opponent, but opposite the slot that they will move into on the engagement. This is referred to as ‘Offsetting’ and will ensure that the majority of force generated will be absorbed through the shoulders rather than the head or neck. Hooker (No2) The Hooker is the center of the scrum and consequently the organiser (captain) who through action and instruction builds the scrum around him or herself. They are the first to the ‘mark of infringement’ and should take ownership by placing the strike foot just back from the mark. Listed below are a number of coaching checkpoints to consider:

1. Hooker assumes the leadership role of the scrum activity. 2. Takes ownership of mark – strike foot on mark and do not move. 3. Adopt a narrow stance (feet close together) with strike foot slightly (10cm) in front of rear foot. This

narrow stance will not only allow the props to anchor but will also leave enough room for the locks to secure their heads between the hooker and props.

4. Place hands on head, chin off chest and looking forward. 5. It is recommend that this age group build the scrum standing up and allow the referee to call the

crouch.


Hookers’ call for scrum formation: “Props In” - Props bind in. “Seconds In” - Second row binds on. “Back row on” - Back row binds on. (only in MIDI) NB: The hooker should be vocal and positive with his scrum assembly instructions Loose Head Prop (No1) The loose head prop is the first to join the hooker in assembling the scrum. This props is referred to as ‘Loose’ because their head placement is outside that of the opposition prop opposing them and consequently impact is only on their right shoulder. Listed below are a number of coaching points to consider:

1. Approach from behind the hooker. 2. Plant right (inside) foot adjacent to the hookers back foot. This foot does not move and all adjusting

should be done with the left foot. 3. Feet pointing directly forward, square up hips and outside foot. 4. Feet shoulder width apart and adjacent to each other. 5. Take a chest high bind on hooker and close off all space between loose head and hooker. 6. DO NOT hide shoulder, remain square with toes, knees, hips and shoulder all facing forward.

NB: Hooker to bind over the shoulders and under the armpit of the Loose Head Prop Tight Head Prop (No3) The Tight Head Prop is the next player in the scrum assembly process and binds onto the other side (right) of the hooker. This props is referred to as ‘Tight’ as their head placement on engagement is between the opposing prop and hooker. It is the Tight Head Prop that receives the most amount of force from the opposition scrum. Listed below are a number of coaching points to consider:

1. Approach from behind the hooker. 2. Plant left (inside) foot adjacent to the hookers front foot. This allows the angle for the tight head to

lead the scrum into engagement and gain a good body position to provide a stronger anchor for the scrum (This ‘off set’ angle also ensures that each front row player will have a slot to put their head). The inside foot should not move once planted and all adjusting should be done with the right foot.

3. Toes pointing directly forward, square up hips and outside foot. 4. Feet shoulder width apart and adjacent to each other. 5. Take a low bind (waist / shorts) on hooker and close off all space between tight head and hooker. 6. DO NOT extend further than is comfortable. Remain Square with toes, knees, hips and shoulders

all facing forward.

NB: Hooker to bind over the shoulders and under the armpit of both the Tight Head Prop and the Loose Head Prop.

Figure 1.


Building the Second Row (locks) It is the primary focus for the locks to obtain a solid contact on the backside of the prop directly in front of them, and a secondary objective to get a tight grip on the adjacent lock partner. This can be achieved by binding onto the prop prior to the lock partner. Listed below are a number of coaching checkpoints to consider: Locks (4 & 5)

1. Locks to approach from the outside of the prop in front of them. 2. The lock must first take a grip on the top and the front of the props shorts then rotate around to the

shoulder support, allowing the grip to slide if need be. This should eliminate the locks applying pressure and movement onto the prop by reaching forward in an attempt to close the gap.

3. It is important that there is no gap between the shoulders, arm, head of the lock and the prop. 4. Once the locks have bound onto the prop in front and the shoulder position is achieved, they bind

onto one another and place their head between the hips of the hooker and prop. 5. Toes should be pointing directly forward and inside knee on the ground. 6. Look forward at all times and DO NOT lean on front row until engagement.

Under 19’s Variation

7. Locks to approach from the outside of the prop in front of them. 8. The lock must first take a grip on the top and the front of the props shorts then rotate

around to the shoulder support, allowing the grip to slide if need be. This should eliminate the locks applying pressure and movement onto the prop by reaching forward in an attempt to close the gap.

9. If the locks roll their wrist up (little finger to the sky) it will raise the elbow enough to enable the flankers to get a solid shoulder contact onto the props in front.

NB: Locks might want to go to one knee in the assembly process, but should attempt regain feet prior to engagement. Building the Back Row The back row consists of two breakaways (flankers) who bind onto the sides of the scrum parallel to the locks, and a number 8 who binds onto and provides support behind the locks. It is crucial that players in the back row understand the importance of actively assisting in the generating and resisting of forces within the scrum activity as opposed to merely binding on and providing no or little resistance. Essentially the scrum consists of two strong units (prop, lock and flanker), bound together at the front by the Hooker and at the back by the Number 8. Listed below are a number of coaching points to consider when building the backrow on the scrum.


Flankers (No’s 6 & 7)

1. The flankers primary focus is to provide a solid shoulder support to the backside of the prop similar to that of the locks main objectives.

2. The body shape of the flankers should be identical to that of the locks adjacent to them. Hence, toes, knees, hips and shoulders all square and facing forward.

3. The flankers bind over the back of the adjacent lock and on the outside hip of the corresponding prop in front.

4. Ensure that flankers are not pushing, twisting or angling in or out throughout the assembly and engagement phases of the scrum activity.

Number 8 It is important that the number 8 provides a solid shoulder contact to support the locks and assist in driving forward after engagement. Once the locks and flankers have assembled ready for engagement, it is the responsibility of the Number 8 to correct any deficiencies in the scrums shape and to ensure all body shapes are correct and in a strong position ready for engagement. The Number 8 should assume the same body position as that of the locks and flankers with a strong base and flat back. Listed below are a number of coaching points to consider.

1. The Number 8’s primary focus is to provide a solid shoulder support to the backside of the locks similar to that of the locks main objectives.

2. The body shape of the number 8 should be identical to that of the locks in front of them. Hence, toes, knees, hips and shoulders all square and facing forward.

3. The number 8 binds around the waist of the locks. 4. The Number 8 must ensure that all players in the scrum are in the correct position and

have assumed the correct body shape prior to engagement. This may mean that they have to physically move players (lift hips, square up hips etc) prior to engagement.

All positions should be bound at the same height, pulling each other back on to the supporting shoulder and going forward together. Engagement Sequence The Engagement is the most important feature in the scrum when dealing with safety and injury prevention. It is for this reason that all players MUST follow the referee’s calls and apply all the correct techniques. When engaging, the head should be looking forward for the spot to engage and should be ‘off set’ (head in line with shoulder) and not directly in line with the opposition players. The chest should be pushed through, and the shoulders square. The engagement sequence includes: Senior Law:

CROUCH HOLD ENGAGE Under 19 Variations:

CROUCH TOUCH HOLD ENGAGE


Crouch - The assembled scrum prepares for engagement by crouching (lowering the height of the scrum). It is important to note that shoulders should NEVER become lower than hips. All members involved tighten their grips (drawing the binds) and weight is on the balls of their feet. Touch – (under 19 law only) The props must touch their opponents upper arm to judge the distance before lowering their arm and prepare for engagement. Heads are up and looking forward, concentrating on their target for engagement. Hold – This refers to holding the crouch position still, thus ensuring that the scrum is stable prior to engagement. The front row concentrate on their targets and head and chin is up. Engage – The back 5 in the scrum drive the front row firmly into the opposition maintaining good shoulder contact. Props take an outside bind on the opposite player and draw them in towards themselves. A scrum should adopt a ‘hit and stick’ approach with abdominal muscles on, to ensure no (or little) foot movement after engagement. Unless the scrum is securely bound prior to contact, the engagement will have a concertina effect. That is, the Front Row will engage, and then the second row followed by the back row. This can be quite dangerous in that the scrum becomes totally unstable with participants relying on each other The number 8 in ‘Midi Rugby’ binds onto and provides support behind the locks. It is crucial that those playing number 8 understand the importance of actively assisting in the generating and resisting of forces within the scrum activity as apposed to merely binding on and providing no or little resistance.

Figure 1: CROUCH Figure 2: TOUCH Figure 3: HOLD Figure 4: ENGAGE

Unless the scrum is securely bound prior to contact, the engagement will have a concertina effect. That is, the front row will engage, and then the second row followed by the back row. This can be quite dangerous in that the scrum becomes totally unstable with participants relying on each other to remain on their feet. Hooking the ball (on own feed) The hooker is the player responsible for the hooking of the ball once it is put into the scrum. This is done by striking the ball with the right foot (while all weight is on the left) and guiding the ball back through the locks. If the props binds are correct, the hooker should have little problem striking and tilting the hips. Once the ball has been won, it is important for the hooker to re-assume the strong body position and assist in the transferring of forces into the opposition.


The channels for ball distributions are clearly identified in figure 1.

Channel 1 – Travels down the inner left side of the scrum to the left of the number 8. It is a quick strike with the intention of clearing the ball quickly. Channel 2 – Is a quick strike, which while controlling the ball is directed down the middle of the scrum. This is probably the most common channel. Channel 3 – Requires a longer sweeping action to bring the ball back down the right side of the scrum. This channel gets the ball away from the opposing scrum half. Mayday Scrum The "MAYDAY" call is a safety technique put into operation when a scrum is considered by a player to be collapsing, or has collapsed, or when a player believes that he/she is in a potentially dangerous position. It was considered necessary to have a recognised call Australia wide which would allow people to have an understanding of what actions they should take when one of the above mentioned situations occurs in a scrum. The following is a description of the process to be followed by players, when the "Mayday" call is heard. Referees should be acutely aware of the process, as they may well be the person who can talk the players through the correct disengagement sequence. Before each game you should check that the referee is aware of the mayday scrum procedures. The injured player should not be moved after the "Mayday" call. All other players should follow the sequence below.


MAYDAY SCRUM PROCEDURE • The player makes a loud call, "MAYDAY". The referee should immediately blow

the whistle. • The back 5 (locks, flankers and No. 8) should immediately stop pushing to release

pressure on the front row. •

• • • •

All players should then lower to their knees in a controlled manner. This takes the majority of the weight off. There is then a pause. The second movement is to lower the top half of their body. The front row then softly land on their face, which is termed a "face plant". Having collapsed into this position and taken the weight off, none of the parties should look sideways. Rotation and flexion is the cause of many injuries.

• For example if the hooker is injured, neither front rower should look sideways to see how the hooker is, because that will also expose them to the same or similar injuries.

• • • • • •

•

Don't look sideways, just collapse straight to the ground. The call is then made by the referee, "DOES ANYONE HAVE A PROBLEM?" Certainly do not try and move the player. Leave them exactly where they are. If there is no reply the referee asks the players to number off; 1, 2, 3, 4, etc The props should release their bind on the opposition On the referees instruction:- 1. The number 8 then moves back and away. 2. The flankers then release their binds and move outwards and away. 3. The locks then release their binds and move outwards and away. 4. The prop forwards then release their bind on the hooker and move outwards and

away. As the hooker is in the centre of the scrum, this will leave the two hookers on the ground.

• •

This leaves everyone released and free. If everybody moves free of another player, then there will be no further injury to any player in trouble.

• The player left on the ground is then left in that stable and still position, until medical assistance arrives.

• Certainly do not try and move the player. Leave them exactly where they are.


PROBLEM SOLVING FOR SCRUMMAGING POSITION PROBLEM COMMENTS SUGGESTIONS HOOKER 1. Striking with Left (closet) foot The perceived reasoning behind striking with the closest

foot is that it supposedly gives the striker a closer and therefore quicker shot at the ball. Whilst this could be used occasionally on an opposition feed it is more productive to strike with a sweeping motion to gain more control of the ball. As they progress to higher levels the movement of the ball into the different channels is all-important and demands a good deal of skill.

Left foot back in line with loose head prop. Have Hooker slightly twist left foot so toes are facing the ball. This will allow hooker to easily strike with the right foot.

PROPS (Tight + Loose)

2. Binding to tight with hooker Both Props should not turn or twist the Hooker into a tight bind. This not only limits the hookers’ ability to strike but has the added effect of illegally 'burying' or 'hiding' the Props shoulder.

Ensure all shoulders are out (exposed). Have all props square on and slightly loosen grips. Grips will naturally tighten once wrists are rolled on engagement.

LOCKS 3. Locks unable to place head between prop and hooker

If the Hooker is to tight with the prop, then the locks might have some difficulty in positioning their heads between prop and hooker.

Have the Hooker twist his pelvis without moving the feet and then back once the Locks have joined, OR have locks position head between prop and hooker at knee height and then move head up to hip height.

4. Props not receiving sufficient support from locks.

Check that the grips are tight and the arm is taking up the full spread of the Props backside. The smaller the gap between the Locks arm and Prop the better the support Check that the Lock is not binding on the Props thigh area.

Have locks assemble by inserting a thumb into the top / front of the props shorts and assume their position. This will allow the thumb to slide if it is to far around. Once in position the lock should grip the shorts and twist wrist up.

BACK ROW 5. Number 8 not binding onto locks

Emphasise the need for the 8 to not only bind the Locks together but to also provide more support by pulling them back onto his shoulders. The No 8 should adjust the Locks if need be, to create an even flatness.

Remember, he is practically the only one who can visualise the body height of any of the participants. He therefore holds the responsibility of correcting any deficiencies prior to engagement.


Scrum Related Injuries (risk factors) Probably the most important single factor in preventing scrummage injuries is to ensure that players involved in the front row have the appropriate body-type for the position. Front row players must have short squat necks and strong solid bodies. Although mini rugby (uncontested) allows for a variety of players to be in the front row, by the time players are playing midi rugby they should have the specialized body type. Other factors in preventing injuries include:

1. Front row trained (technically prepared) 2. Experienced (live scrum experience including 1 v 1 & 2 v 1) 3. Size and power (physically developed) 4. Mentally prepared (comfortable in scrummage position)

Acute Spinal Injuries (Mechanisms of scrum injuries) In rugby generally, and in particularly within scrums, the most commonly reported injury mechanism is ‘Hyperflexion’ of the cervical spine, with or without rotation. See figure 1

Figure 1 – Hyper flexion of the cervical spine resulting in fracture dislocation

2004 Coach Education Series - Scrum

Scrum Training Activities ‘Training Body Shape’ For players to effectively scrummage in a game, they will need to train under the same conditions. These include live scrums where there are external forces that need to be absorbed and power that needs to be applied. While scrum machines are efficient in training the early stage of body shape, it does not give a realistic measure as to how the player will perform under external pressure (opposition force). The following activities are designed to allow players involved in the scrum to practice individual & unit (loose head + hooker, tight head + Lock etc) body shapes under game conditions. There is a progression in the activities that should be followed to ensure all players are confident, comfortable and competent before progressing to harder activities. One vs One Scrummaging

Figure 1 – 1 v 1 Working individual body shape Two vs One Scrummaging

Figure 5 – 2 v 1 behind hooker / loose Figure 6 – Activity Formation Figure 7 – 2 v 1 After tight head has head prop. ‘Drawn the binds.

Figure 2 – Activity Formation

Figure 3 2 v 1 - Entire frontrow at work. (End shot) Figure 4 2 v 1 - Entire front row at work (Side Shot)

1 2

3

1

3

2004 Coach Education Series - Scrum

Two vs Two Scrummaging

Figure 8 – 2 v 2 (Hooker & Loose Head + Tight Head & Lock) Figure 9 – Activity Formation Three vs Three Scrummaging Figure 10 – 3 v 3 Units body shape (end view) Figure 11 – Activity Formation

Figure 12 – 3 v 3 Units Body Shape (side view) It is important to note that for all the above activities the coaching points should be directly related to improving the individuals & units body shape. There are other core principals to consider including, binds (and drawing the binds), foot placement and movement, head positioning and communication. As in all live scrum training, the coach needs to verbally control the engagement to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the players involved is upheld.

1 2

3

4

1 2

3

4

5

7


STATIC NECK STRETCHES

These Spinal Exercises will strengthen you and Your Game

All rugby training programs should always include the most vulnerable part - the neck. Remember that a broken arm or leg can put you out for the season, a neck injury could put you in a wheel chair for life.

The following simple exercises, which will take a matter of minutes, will develop

the neck muscles and help against the chance of doing irreparable damage during a game or training.

The following stretches are strengthening neck exercises continued. These

involve a static stretch with slow and controlled movement

1. Static stretch, press head firmly forward. Hold for 15 seconds and change.

2. Static stretch, pull head back into hands. Hold for 15 seconds.

3. Static stretch, use both hands for added resistance. Complete both sides holding each stretch for 15 seconds.

4. Static stretch, pushing chin into firm hands. Hold for 15 seconds.


1. Apply pressure to the forehead with both hands. Continue applying pressure while simultaneously moving the head forward and back in a nodding action. Ensure the movement is slow and controlled.

2. Apply pressure to the back of the head with both hands. Continue applying pressure while simultaneously moving the head forward and back in a nodding action. Ensure the movement is slow and controlled. Complete 5 repetitions

3. Using one hand, apply pressure to the side of the head. Continue applying pressure while simultaneously moving the head toward and away from the shoulder. Complete 5 repetitions on both sides. On both sides.

4. Using both hands, apply pressure under the chin. Continue applying pressure while Simultaneously moving the head up and down in a nodding action. Complete 5 repetitions.


STATIC STRETCHING PROGRAM Static stretching should be completed at the end of all physical activity (training

sessions and competition) and should not be rushed. It is important to hold (not bounce) each stretch for 15 – 20 seconds with the

correct technique as listed below.

Thoracic spine and shoulder mobility exercise. Cross the arms and clasp hands in front of the body at shoulder height. Breathe in and as you exhale stretch the hands above your head. Breathe in again this time bending the elbows and bringing the hands down behind the neck. Release the hands so that just the fingers are clasping behind the neck. Stretch the arms up again, then repeat. This is an excellent exercise for reducing stiffness in the shoulders and thoracic spine.

Latissimus dorsi stretch. Sitting with one leg straight and one leg bent, lead forward at the hips and place oppisite arm as far down straight leg while other arm holds bent knee in close.

Wrist, shoulder and neck stretch. Place arm on a wall or door. Side tilt the head away from the outstretched arm. Pull the fingers back over the wrist.


Tricep Reach with one arm over the middle of thoracic region. Pull down on the elbow to create the stretch. Point bent elbow towards the sky.

Tricep Stretch, & Lattisimus Dorsi. Perform the tricep stretch then gradually bend away from the bent arm. A stretch will be felt in the tricep and lattisimus Dorsi of the same side.

Posterior shoulder and thoracic spine stretch. Sitting. Tuck the hands or cross the arms under one knee. Tuck the chin in. Pull up in the shoulder blades as you try to straighten the knee. Not recommended if you have back pain

Pectoral stretch. On all fours place the hands with extended wrists out in front, pull the shoulder blades together and let the middle back drop inwards. Keep the hips directly over the knees. Knees should not be touching.

Knee hug stretch For the hip, backside and lower back. Hug one knee up to the chest. Bring the forehead to the knee. Advance to keeping the outstretched leg off the ground. This will strengthen the abs as you stretch the hips.

Upper hamstring stretch Cross one ankle in front of a bent knee. Put both hands through and around the bent leg. Hug this knee up onto the chest. Counter resist the ankle against the knee to increase the stretch.


Spinal rotation stretch: sitting Pull bent leg across with opposite arm, feeling the stretch down bent leg through gluteus and lower back.

Adductor stretch Holding ankles, push down with elbows. To increase the stretch pull up with knees.

Quadriceps stretch

Keep knees together, push through with hips while pushing bent leg towards the ground.

Hip flexor stretch for quads and lower back

Kneeling with one foot behind, top of the foot against the wall. Flatten the back and shift the top of the thigh forward. Pull the abs up and inwards

Advanced Hip abductor stretch Holding a fence or solid object, bring the outside leg behind inside leg towards the fence. Stretch will be felt on hip facing away from the fence (Abductor).

Calf Stretch Leaning against a wall. Lift the arch of the foot slightly. Keep the hip and knee in a straight line and lean forward. Do not let the arch collapse to a flat foot position as this may cause over-stretch. Stretch each leg separately.


Achilles Stretch Leaning against a wall. Slightly bend back leg, heel may raise off the ground. Feet, hips and knees should be facing straight.

ACTIVITY NAME: SSttrraaiigghhtt RRuunnnniinngg -- RReeaalliiggnnmmeenntt NUMBERS: 4+ EQUIPMENT:

Footballs Markers Shields Tackle bags Contact suits Agility poles Other: markers rather than poles

2 5

16

Description • A1 sprints through the agility poles / markers and passes to A2 • A2 catches the ball before the agility poles, runs through them

then passes to A3 after the poles • After A4 runs through the poles A4 runs around the first cone

and places the ball • All the attackers continue to pick up then place the ball until the

second cone • On the second cone the Attackers re-align, calling which gate

they have ie. 1, 2, 3 or 4 • Person on gate 1 holds until all are set and then begins again

Variations/Progressions • Vary the distance between the gates (agility poles) • Change the skill in between the cones ie. Inside support • Have a halfback pass the ball in to A1 • Replace gates with single poles that act as defenders, players

will need to change their running angle either in or out

Coaching Points • Treat the poles as gaps in a defensive line, players must be able

to get through these cleanly • Hands up • Run straight the players shouldn’t have to change direction to

get through the poles • Players should aim to build up to sprinting pace while catching

and passing • If there are too many dropped balls slow the pace down • A1 shouldn’t loop around in support until A3 has received the

ball etc. • Players need to look where they are passing and communicate

where they are when receiving

Diagram

A1 A2 A3 A4

ACTIVITY NAME: Tackle Contest - Effective Cleanout (incl. 2nd Phase)

NUMBERS: 6+

EQUIPMENT:


Description On coaches command, A1 – A3 run back onside (enter through

the gates) and perform a successful cleanout on pads R (bobcat – dig pad off ball) At the same time A4 – A7 re-align and get ready for 2nd phase

attack. 9 passes ball from last pad R to A4 who attacks D4 – D7 who

have re-aligned to defend 2nd phase. Once ball has been cleared A1- A3 support for a 3rd phase

attack. While the 3 players on pads re-align to defend 3rd phase attack.

Variations/Progressions Have R as a live tackle contest (ball carrier & defender) and A1

– A3 to effectively regain possession for A4 – A7 to use. Vary the style of cleanout required – bobcat (dig), lead arm,

traditional etc Introduce attacking phase options to be performed against

defence D4 – D7.

Coaching Points Cleanout – enter tackle contest R through gates and parallel to

sideline (as per laws). Steady, dip (squat) and cleanout using top of chest, front of shoulders and arms. Running lines of Supporters A4 – A7 in attacking activity. Defenders – tracking (inside shoulder) push forward while

keeping shape and applying the correct footwork and body shape.

Diagram D4, D5 D6, D7 D4 D5 D6 D7 A1 A2 A3 R R R A4 A5 9 A6 A7 A4, A5 A6, A7

2 12 1

6

Tackle Contest - Ruck

‘The Effective Cleanout’ The game of rugby union provides many opportunities to recycle the ball through the ruck. This tactical element is used to maintain possession and gain territory, two things, which are extremely important in our game. Now with the emphasis on going forward, and forward with speed, the importance of quick and effective continuity to the success of a team is paramount. Definition: A ruck is a phase of play where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet, in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground. Open play has ended. The Ruck – ‘The Effective Cleanout’ The Ruck can easily be broken down into three (3) coachable components including:

1. The ‘Ball Presentation’ – Long Place, Short Place, Tunnel Ball etc. 2. The ‘Effective Cleanout’ – Clearing opposition players away from the ball to successfully

recycle possession. 3. The ‘Ball Distribution’ – Varity / Usage of ruck ball.

Short Place Long Place

When instructing the cleanout, it is important to simulate the activities of the game as much as possible. This includes the height, position and actions of the defending players at the breakdown, i.e. defenders should be encouraged to position themselves as low to the ground as possible and over the ball in a position to attack possession. Some coaching points to consider when instructing the ‘Ruck Cleanout’ include the following: Body Height – For a player to successfully perform a cleanout, they will need to assume a low body (lower than that of the opposition players involved). Body Shape – Players in contact need to adapt a strong body shape to assist in providing stability and strength through the contact situation. Hips must be square (facing forward) and below shoulder height while the head is up and looking forward. Lead (Punch) Arm – If an opposing player is over the ball and attacking possession, players are encouraged to enter the cleanout with a lead arm ‘punch arm’. The punch arm is to be extended forward under (attack inside) the opposition player, which will lower the shoulder / body height and contact will be made under defending player. The lead arm will also separate the ball from the body of the opposition player who is attacking possession.


Hit, Stick & Chase – The cleanout should be coached with the same elements as the tackle in relation to the hit, stick and chase. Once the hit has been made, players should stick (and draw player in towards themselves) and then chase the hit by applying short, quick steps.

Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5

Figure 6

***************************************************************************


Waratah Hammer ‘Advancing the ball through maul style contact’ Traditionally the general play maul has rarely been used to go forward great distances as it has always been coached as a slow moving element with a strong technical structure. Accentuate the go forward principal of rugby through mauling and you have the essence of effective modern day ‘Waratah Hammer’. While this new style of mauling has a less technical approach in the building and the structure, the roles and responsibilities certainly are just as important. Players’ roles focus around driving forward as a primary role with ball transfer / security as a secondary concern, however still extremely important.

Definition: A maul occurs when a player carrying the ball is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball carrier’s teammates bind on the ball carrier. All the players involved are on their feet and moving towards a goal-line. Open play has ended.

Using the concepts already identified in ‘foot speed into contact’, it is imperative that the ball carrier attacks the weak point of the defender to effectively create the correct platform for the structure and creation of the ‘Waratah Hammer’. The formation of the maul is done at speed while advancing forward and remaining square the entire time, which differs from traditional general play maul, that are established with a hit ‘n’ turn action. Some coaching points to consider when instructing the Waratah Hammer include the following: Foot Speed into Contact – Players need to attack defenders weak point as to assist in go forward process. Into and through contact it is required that all players who are actively involved, continue to provide leg drive through small powerful and dynamic steps, which will also assist in the balance and stability of the ball carrier and supporters through contact. Body Shape in Contact – Players in contact need to adapt a strong body shape to assist in providing stability and strength through the contact situation. Hips must be square (facing forward) and below shoulder height while the ball must be away from the primary defender. See Figure 1 Hammer – The second player in Hammers (latches) onto the ball carrier and keeps the momentum and drive going forward. It is important to assume the same strong body shape and get a solid contact onto the ball carrier with chest, shoulder and arms. The hammer binds onto the ball carrier on the side away from the defender and secures the ball with the outside arm / hand. See Figure 2

Figure 1 – Ball Carrier Figure 2 – Ball Carrier + Hammer In most cases this style of mauling will breakdown after the hammer has driving the ball carrier into and through contact resulting in ruck ball going forward. If the ball carrier and hammer manage to hold their feet through contact, additional players (anchors & plugs) may join in and provide leg drive to assist in maintaining go forward. Some coaching points to consider include: Anchor –The third attacking player into the maul binds on between the ball carrier and the hammer and provides further leg drive to keep the structure moving forward. While the maul is moving, the anchor performs a ball transfer by reaching through and securing the ball. At no time does the process stop moving forward. See Figures 3 / 4

Plugs – The next players into the maul also have a primary focus on leg drive and go forward and join by using the same body shape and contact as the hammer and anchor. It is important to ensure that the plugs bind onto the anchor and provide support behind the ball carrier and the hammer. The plugs position their heads on the inside of the structure. The plugs need to draw the binds and square everything up. See Figure 5

Figure 3 – Anchor (leg drive) Figure 4 - Anchor (ball transfer) Figure 5 - Plugs

2004 Coach Education Series © – Warm Up

Warm-Up & Cool Down

‘Adam Leech (AIS Coach)’ The warm-up and cool down are fundamental elements required for the effective preparation of a team / individual before training or playing and for the recovery process post exercise. The major physiological benefits include:

To increase blood flow to the muscle groups to be used in the activity. This increases the supply of oxygen to the muscles and enhances the removal of carbon dioxide. To increase muscle temperature. Increasing muscle temperature to 39 – 40 degrees increases

flexibility, increase metabolism and increase neural fixing rate, i.e. optimal states for muscles to move quickly and efficiently. To prepare the main muscle groups and muscle specific for the coming activity, i.e. stretching and

moving muscles / joints and rehearsing movement patterns to be used shortly in activity / game. To distribute hormones such as adrenalin which help prepare the body for exercise. This involves

the re-directing of blood flow away from the unnecessary areas to the areas that require it such as muscles. To assist the athletes arousal level so that their mind is familiar with the relevant motor programs

for the activity / game. The warm-up and cool down are both performed in the interest of injury prevention and to enhance

performance. A poor warm-up will result in poor performance and an increased risk of injury. Types of warm-up

General Warm-up o This is used at the beginning of any warm-up where all athletes go through the same

routine of jogging, stretching, passing etc….

Drills Warm-up o This can be used for pre-competition or for pre-training and concentrates on an element of

skill repartition mixed in with an appropriate stretching program.

Games Warm-up o Again this can be used for pre-competition or for pre-training and concentrates on the

elements of decision-making and reaction as while it physically warms the athlete up, it also puts them into a game related situation which is excellent for mental preparation prior to training or playing.

Specific Warm-up

o After the general warm-up the team may break into backs and forwards and perform warm-up drills that are specific to their positions. The specific warm-up normally concentrates on those body parts vulnerable to injury and those, which will be dominant in the subsequent exercise.


When should we warm-up? On cold days the warm-up should not end more than ten minutes before the kick-off or activity, and on extremely cold days (freezing temperatures) the warm-up could be performed in the change room. Alternatively, in warm climates, the warm-up could be either shortened or finish up to twenty minutes before kick-off or activity. Most important, at all times athletes should avoid significant deceases in muscle temperature as the game / activity approaches. A good indicator of optimal muscle temperature is when the athlete begins to sweat. When and why cool down? The cool down should occur immediately after activity (as part of the recovery process), while the athletes are still warm. Recovery time is very important as it helps:

Maintain joint mobility Enhance the removal of lactic acid Prevents then severity of blood pooling (corks, bruising etc) Transfer excess heat from muscles to the environment in relatively cool conditions, and Returns the body to a normal functioning state

Cool downs are especially important when teams are expected to play several games during a short period of time. Intensity and duration of warm-up The warm-up should progress with a gradual increase in exercise intensity. Jogging and stretching should ideally progress through to sprinting and explosive exercise. This is to ensure the recruitment of all muscle fibre types (first slow twitch, then fast twitch). Most importantly the warm-up should not significantly erode the energy store in the muscle (i.e. glycogen) or produce large amounts of lactic acids, as this may produce early fatigue during the game The coach should allow enough time for general, drill and/or game and specific warm-up, which should include an appropriate stretching component. If the warm-up is too long it will decrease the time the team has for the final preparation in the change room, or if it is too short the athletes may loose their focus and concentration. The focus of the warm-up may change depending on the circumstance. If the warm-up is before a game the focus may be to arouse the athletes so that their mind is on the game they are about to play. However, if the warm-up is before training, the focus may be to re-enforce a skill. In either situation the aim of the warm-up will be to prepare the body for the ensuring activity.


Stretching as part of the warm-up and cool down By first increasing the muscle temperature to 39°, flexibility will improve by up to 20%. This can be done in the general warm-up with some jogging and skill work. Stretching exercises as part of the warm-up and cool down will increase the immediate flexibility of the muscles and joints (i.e. a short term adaptation), prepare muscle fibres for the coming activity, and will contribute to improved athletic performance. For muscles to attain full power they must be ‘optimally’ stretched. Similarly, ligaments and tendons must have a certain length to allow a joint to move through its full range of motion and function efficiently. There are two (2) main styles of stretching, which can be used as part of a warm-up and cool down. These include:

Static Stretching Dynamic (Active) Stretching

Static stretches should be held for approximately fifteen to twenty seconds, Followed by a short rest period (as the muscle relaxes), the player can move further into the stretch. There should be no pain, bouncing or jerking movements during the session. Static stretches while somewhat effective to the warm-up process should only be used in the cool down while the muscles are warm and able to be lengthened. Stretches held for more than 30seconds focus on connective tissue, which is appropriate for increasing flexibility and range on movement, however defiantly should not be used in the warm-up. Dynamic or Active stretches are more suitable for pre-activity / game as it warms the muscle up through rehearsing movement patterns which will be used shortly in the activity / game. More information can be found later in this module. There are a number of theories on how to use stretching as part of the warm-up and cool down. As a general rule, from pre-activity, dynamic stretching can be performed in conjunction with a minimal amount (if any) static stretches. This will prepare the body for the dynamic and explosive movements to be preformed during the game or training. While for post-activity / game, static stretches is recommended to relieve muscles of soreness and cool down to normal functioning state while assisting in muscle flexibility. Benefits of stretching Athletes should stretch regularly to:

Maintain a certain level of flexibility Ensure full range of movement Decrease the incidence of muscle tendinous injury Contribute to improved athletic performance Promote the development of body awareness Optimise the learning, practice and performance of many skilled movements Aid relaxation Reduce muscular tension


Types of stretching

Static Stretching o Involves stretching to the furthest endurable position of the muscle length with no pain,

then holding the position for 10 seconds to 3 minutes. It:

Is a safe method of stretching Requires little energy expenditure Involves only the individual.

Passive Stretching o Involves an external force being applied to a relaxed muscle. It:

Utilizes the use of a ‘buddy’ Must be used cautiously, bearing in mind not to over stretch and tear the muscle Is suitable for improving flexibility.

Active Stretching o Uses the muscle itself to create the movement. It:

Develops active flexibility and control of the available movement. Warms muscles / joints up through the same range of movement that will be

used during the activity or game. More information can be found later in the module.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching o Taking a muscle to its end of range the contracting the muscle against resistance and

then moving into a newly acquired range and then repeating the action. It:

Is an effective way of increasing flexibility Is the hardest to perform Requires a partner for some stretches, and May cause injury if it is done incorrectly.

Ballistic Stretching o Involves explosive movements to stretch, i.e. kicking, bouncing etc. It:

Is not as safe as static stretching Involves the rehearsal of motor patterns Is not useful for developing or improving flexibility, but may important in some

sports, which require explosive movements at the end of a comprehensive warm-up prior to activity or game. (Professional advise should be sought before using ballistic exercises)


Example of a warm-up structure WARM-UP (PRE-GAME) 0 min – 2 min Light activity

Jog up / down the field GENERAL WARM-UP

2 min – 4 min Increase intensity of run Structured running shuttles (include ball) GENERAL WARM-UP

4 min – 9 min Dynamic Flex (stretches) GENERAL WARM-UP 9 min – 10 min Drinks break 10 min – 12 min Footwork

Ladders (fast feet) 3 sec static stretch holds

GENERAL WARM-UP

12 min – 16 min Skills and Drills Drill activities for skill repartition DRILLS WARM-UP

16 min – 17 min Drinks break 17 min – 30min Game specific

Lineout / scrum / backs Core skills (ruck / maul)

SPECIFIC WARM-UP

Rugby drills for warm-up The use of drills through a grid structure is a very effective way of introducing sport specific skills into a warm-up. The luxury of using a grid allows teams to successfully practice the required skills in a confined work area. The following is a list of ways in which a grid system can be used to practice skills during a warm-up situation.

Perimeter Confinement Cross over Channels

It is important to remember not to introduce NEW drills into a pre-game warm-up if they have not been done before, also be careful not to introduce activities that are too intense where the body has not prepared for that level of activity. Complex activities performed at speed prior to full completing the stretching program can be more harm than good. Rugby games (challenge games) for warm-up The use of challenge games in a team warm-up can be extremely effective in warming athletes up both physically and mentally. Through the physical activity the athletes are also put in situations of decision making, which is very relevant to game conditions. More information on ‘Challenge games for Rugby’ can be found later in the module. Some example include:

Rugby Baseball Two Ball Touch Rugby Gridiron Ruck Touch, etc Shadow Rugby Hammer Touch

ACTIVITY NAME: WWaarrrr’’ss DDrriillll NUMBERS: 8+ EQUIPMENT:


2 4

Description • P1 starts with the ball, runs forward and passes to A1 who

passes to A2 • P2 receives the ball and passes to P4 running in the

opposite direction • A1 and A2 must touch the ground between the cones, turn

around and receive the next pass • A1 and A2 are under constant pressure to catch and pass,

turn and get back into a position to receive the next pass

Variations/Progressions • Change direction of the grid to ensure players are passing from

both sides • Increase / decrease the size of work area (grid). • Increase the number of players and balls involved. • Increase speed – set targets for number of passes in a

designated time period


passer. • No spiral passes. • Verbal communication important. • Stay running straight, particularly A1 and A2 as they fatigue • Keep the work rate high

Diagram

P6P5

P3 P4

P1 A1 A2 P2

ACTIVITY NAME: BBaallll HHaannddlliinngg ((CCoonnttiinnuuoouuss 33 vv 22)) NUMBERS: 9+ EQUIPMENT:


1 6

Description • 3 v 2 continuous attack and defence • The first group of attackers (A1, A2, A3) run forwards commiting the

Defenders (D1, D2) and pass laterally to beat the defenders • The third attacker (A3) then passes to the second group of attackers

(A4, A5, A6) who then attack in the opposite direction • The next defenders (D3, D4) are the players opposite the ball carrier

(A4) and first receiver (A5) • Repeat the process for the desired time period

Variations/Progressions - Make the grid wider so the players must pass further - Defenders change starting positions - Attackers can run or pass laterally

Coaching Points • Foot speed off the line • Hands up ready to catch the ball • Split stance to begin • Running lines to commit the defender (inside shoulder) • Continuous attack and defence • Ball handling under game related pressure • Defensive roles of tracking

Diagram

A3A2

D2

A4 A5A6

D1

10m

A1

D4 D3

ACTIVITY NAME: CCaattcchh aanndd PPaassss ((22 vv 11++11)) NUMBERS: 4+ EQUIPMENT:


1 4

Description • A1 and A2 aim to beat D1 and D2 • Activity starts when D1 passes the ball to A1 who advances into

the grid in the hope to beat D2 who is now a defender. • A1 runs forward and commits D1 then Passes to A2 • D2 must run around the cone and attempt to stop A2 & A1. • A2 then makes an inside pass to A1if required


- Increase the size of the grid - Limit the style of pass allowed (eg no spiral passes)

Coaching Points • Foot speed off the line to take the space • Attackers to commit defenders by attacking shoulders and

providing space for the support players. • Catch and passing skills under game related pressure • Vision and decision-making under pressure

Diagram D1

D2

A1 A2

ACTIVITY NAME: Footwork (speed) NUMBERS: 2+

EQUIPMENT:


Description Set up a series of 10m grids that are 5m in width. To players A1 & A2 start at the end of the channel on the

corner markers. On the coaches call, A1 accelerates down the side of the grid

while A2 chases them. A2 must remain on there side of the grid until a point and

then cross over to make a two (2) handed tag on A1.


Have A1 carry a ball Change the distance i.e. add in grids and have the players

run further

Coaching Points

Starting stance – one foot in front of the other and leaning slightly forward. Quick, short steps while body leaning forward in acceleration. Use of arms and head up and looking forward.

Diagram

10m 10m A1 A2

8

ACTIVITY NAME: Footwork (coaches call) NUMBERS: 2+

EQUIPMENT:


Description In two (2) 10m x 10m adjacent grids the player commences

in the centre at one end of the grid When instructed, players run down the centre of the first grid. As players approach the end of the first grid, coaches need to

call out LEFT or RIGHT. On this call, players are to react quickly and change direction

to run to the corner marker at the end of the grid that is on their LEFT or RIGHT (depending on coaches call)

Variations/Progressions • Introduce ball activities at the end of the grids (i.e. place, roll,

pass etc) • Increase the number of grids as so more players are working at

once

Coaching Points

Initiate Running speed with short, quick steps Lean forward when running Maintain foot work (speed) when changing direction by

shortening stride length Carry ball in 2 hands

Diagram A1 A2

9

ACTIVITY NAME: Lateral Pass (short / long) NUMBERS: 4+

EQUIPMENT:


Description 4 Players (X) start at the end of a 10m (wide) x 20m (long)

grid and on coaches instruction begin running forward performing a controlled (short) lateral pass. Once the 4 players reach the end of the grid, they are to

quickly move to the 4 wide markers and turn to face were they have come from. As soon as the ball carrier gets to the marker they begin

moving forward performing a controlled (long) lateral pass.


Only allow the spiral pass to be performed on the way back with the wide controlled passing. Add switch and cut pass to the short passing channel. Add in a defender for the short passing grid.

Coaching Points

Run straight and pass across the body. Control the lateral pass by performing correctly without

moving of the straight line running. Soft hands and reach for the ball Look at your target and transfer across your body. Pass ball out in front of target and not behind

Diagram

X X X X

8

ACTIVITY NAME: Attack/defence (2 V 2)

NUMBERS: 4+

EQUIPMENT:


2 6

Description D1 starts with the ball and sprints forward. D1 then passes to D2 who places the ball next to the middle

marker D1 and D2 sprint to the next markers then turn around and

defend (two handed tag) A1 and A2 can start as soon as D2 places the ball A1 and A2 sprint forward, pick up the ball and begin

attacking, attempting to score a try

Variations/Progressions • Increase or decrease the size of the activity • Add more attackers or attackers and defenders • Increase the level of contact

Coaching Points • All players must sprint to cut down the space • Defenders must communicate their roles as so they can attempt

to defend successfully. • Attackers must also communicate to effectively score the try. • Attackers must maintain depth

Diagram

tryline

D1 A1

D2 A2

ACTIVITY NAME: Attack v Defence (2 v 1) Grids NUMBERS: 6+

EQUIPMENT:


4

Description In a 5m x 5m grid, 2 attackers (A1 & A2) commence on the

side of the grid attacking 1 defender (D1). The activity starts with the defender (D1) passing the ball to

the Attacker (A1) who immediately attacks in the grid with the support player (A2). They must score (at the end of the grid passed the defender

D1) without being touched or making and error. Once the try is scored everyone changes roles and the

activity starts again.


Increase to 3 v 2 once players are confident with the 2 v 1.

Coaching Points

The ball carrier should attempt to run at the face or the side away from the support player in an attempt to make him commit to the call carrier. The support player should run at ‘space’ but should be

moving forward when receiving the pass If the defender commits to tag the ball carrier, then the ball

carrier should pass The ball carrier can go them selves if the defender does not

commit.

Diagram A2 Tryline

A1 D1

ACTIVITY NAME: Footspeed Attack / Defence (warm up)

NUMBERS: 15

EQUIPMENT:


Description 1. Attackers ( ) start the activity by running 2m forward but to the left, touch the ground (or marker), then run 4m to the right, touch the ground and then return back to starting marker. 2. Once player returns back to marker, they must hit the ground

before jumping straight back to their feet, Player (A) passes ball into activity.

3. Once the ball is thrown to first player, Defenders ( ) are put onside and must try to prevent attackers from scoring a try over the try line, which is marker by the two markers. 4. Once the attackers have been tagged or the try is scored, then the process begins again or the next group starts.

Variations/Progressions 1. Increase or decrease number of attackers and defenders. 2. Decrease the distance between attackers & defenders as so attackers have less time and space with the ball, which would increase the intensity and pressure. 3. Once player (A) passes ball into activity, they become active and also become attackers trying to score passed the markers. This would increase the work load of the defenders marking it harder to defend against. 4. Player (A) passes or kicks ball into activity and to anyone and from either side. 5. Defenders hold hit shields; attackers have 3 phases to score.

Coaching Points 1. Catching and Passing – hands up and reaching for the ball, then transfer straight across the body and release. develop correct passing technique 2. Footspeed – Accelerate and Deceleration to and from markers and then hit the ball at speed. Develop correct timing and support lines. 3. Creating Space – Running straight or Angles to create space for outside and inside support runners. 4. Communication – defenders must communicate there roles as so they can attempt to defend successfully. Attackers must also communicate to effectively score the try. 5. Work at a high rate of intensity and under pressure with defenders.

Diagram

25m 20m (A)

5m

4 9 4

2

ACTIVITY NAME: AAttttaacckk vv DDeeffeennccee ;; SSuuppppoorrtt iinn ddeepptthh ++ ccoovveerr ddeeffeennccee NUMBERS: 5 minimum EQUIPMENT:


1 5

23

Description A1 begins with the ball, attackers must run through the gates. On the coaches call A1,A2 & A3 attempt to score the try at the

far end. D1 & d2 attempt to prevent them with a two handed tag D1 is a lateral defender & D2 is defending from a front on

position. This activity requires all players to participate with maximum

effort.

Variations/Progressions Increase pressure with 2 v 2 Introduce contact with players wearing suits/ shields Change starting positions of defenders and or attackers. Play two phases.

Coaching Points A1 must take the ball forward at speed and be decisive A2 & A3 must react to A1’s movements At least one supporter should maintain depth

Diagram

D2 D1 A1 A2 A3

TR-10+

ACTIVITY NAME: AAttttaacckk vv DDeeffeennccee AAccttiivviittyy ##11

TTRRAACCKKIINNGG//DDEEFFEENNCCEE DDRRIILLLL NUMBERS: 2 - 15

EQUIPMENT:


3 6

Description Two grids A & B, the middle attacker must attack in one or the

other. Middle attacker begins with the ball (A2) with the aim of scoring

at the far end using either A1 or A3 for support. Simultaneously pressure is put on by a defender (D1) , who

must react to the attackers choice of grid (Two hand tag only). The diagram shows A2 attacking grid A, committing D1 and

passing to A1 who scores. Middle attacker must make intentions clear to defenders as to

which grid they are attacking. Activity is continuous, players are to rotate as attackers and

defenders regularly.

Variations/Progressions 3 v 2 situation, two attackers start on the middle marker picking

up a third attacker from grid A or B. Two defenders begin on the middle marker, with the emphasis

being on tracking inside shoulder. Both supporters should be changing the running angle &

attacking at space. Variation maybe for two supporters to start on the outside

markers with the ball carrier beginning on the middle marker.

Coaching Points Middle attackers to practice moving forward first at pace to

commit defenders by fixing inside shoulders. Support runners to support in depth at pace & if possible

practice a change of running angle. Defenders should move forward putting pressure on the ball

carrier. Defenders should practice tracking inside shoulder of attackers

& shouldn’t be stepped inside. Quality of pass & communication is the key to success, pass out

in front of support.

Diagram

A4 A5 A6 A1 A2 A3 D1 D2

TR-10+

TR-10+

ACTIVITY NAME: BBaallll PPrreesseennttaattiioonn -- SSttaattiicc SSttaarrtt ((ccoonnttaacctt)) NUMBERS: 3+ EQUIPMENT:


1 5

2

Description • A1 starts in contact with D1 • D2 starts 2m behind D1 • On the coaches call A1 drives forward, staying on feet as long

as possible • When forward momentum begins to stop A1 must go to ground

and work to present the ball with a long place

Variations/Progressions • Have a second attacker start who cleans out the defenders • Start 1m away from contact

Coaching Points • Start with the Attackers in a strong body position already

contacting the pad, ready to drive • Ball should be away from contact • Small powerful steps • Head should be in a fully extended position (chin off chest) with


shoulders remain square • When on ground A1 should turn abs and buttocks on and

attempt to change body position to make as long a place as possible

Diagram 3m 3m

D1 A1

D2

ACTIVITY NAME: CODE: BP1 Ball Presentation – Including Foot Speed

NUMBERS: 4 - 20

EQUIPMENT:


Description

1. Players (A) and (D) begin activity lying on their stomach facing the poles waiting for coach to say go, player (D) is holding a hit shield.

2. On the go call, both players jump up, (A) spins and runs at (D), Using the correct foot work, avoids full contact and hits ground just past player (D) who is running straight at the poles (does not change line).

3. Once player (A) has avoided contact with (D), they must hit the ground and perform the correct ball presentation.

4. Player (S) can be used as a supporter of player (D) and attempt to turn player presenting the ball.


1. Player (S) joins in as a supporter of player (D). Starting on the ground also and comes forward on the ‘go’ call.

2. Defenders can also start at (C1) and / or (C2) and make a tackle on player (A) after they avoid player (D).

3. Attacking support players can start at (B1) and / or (B2) and after running around one of the poles can track player (A) into a contact situation and attempt to recycle the ball.

4. Players at (B) and (c) can swap roles (which will give them further to run to assist) and after running around opposite markers can enter the tackle contest.

Coaching Points

1. Speed - off the ground with ball security. 2. ‘Foot Work in a contact situation’ - to avoid the strong tackle

(T1) and push through the weaker area (T2). 3. Correct ball placement - keeping in mind the correct

techniques involved. 4. Strong dynamic movements on the ground to place ball in

best situation for attacking player – long place or tunnel ball. 5. Abdominal on to avoid being turned while presenting the ball

Diagram

(S) (BP) (C2) (D) (C1)

(B1) (A) (B2)

4 16 4

4

ACTIVITY NAME: OONNEE OONN OONNEE CCOONNTTAACCTT//BBAALLLL PPRREESSEENNTTAATTIIOONN NUMBERS: 5-10 EQUIPMENT:

Footballs Markers Shields Tackle bags Contact suits Agility poles Other: Contact suits optional

1 4

Description • An attacking player (A1-A4) begins on each side of a 2-3m grid

marked out by four markers ( ). • A defender ( D ) begins in the centre of the grid. • A1 takes the ball into contact with D. D attempts to hold up the

ball carrier. If in the contact both defender and ball carrier go to ground then the defender tries best to put themselves in a position to play the ball (ie get to their feet)

• A1 attempts to present the ball as best as possible (maintain the ball) for support players arriving.

• After tackle or ball presentation is completed, A1 becomes the new defender and the ball is passed to A2 to become the new attacker. D takes the original position of A1.

• A2 takes the ball into contact with A1 as the defender. The sequence continues in a clockwise direction around the grid.

Variations/Progressions • Set up two or more grids for numbers greater than 5/6. • To create a situation of two attackers v one defender see

diagram B). Once A1 initiates contact with the defender, the player to their immediate right, A4, rounds a marker and supports A1 in maintaining the ball. To continue the sequence A1 becomes the defender, A4 returns to their starting position, D takes the original position of A1 ready to support A2 once they move to initiate contact with the new defender in the centre of the grid.

• For greater numbers two defenders can be used in the centre of the grid working against two attackers as in the example of diagram B).

Coaching Points • Players are to prepare for contact by :

• Lowering body height by bending at ankles, knees and hips maintaining a straight back and head up looking forward

• Both defender and ball carrier should have lead foot as close to each other as possible, if not past. Upon contact foot speed, balance and stability should be key coaching points.

• Ball carrier should not lead with the ball into contact. If two hands can be kept on the ball then this will be the safest way of maintaining possession before presentation.

• Ball carrier must control contact with defender and sometimes the ground before using delivery techniques.

• Contact situation is not over until ball carrier has best delivered the ball or the defender has got to their feet and is in a position to play the ball.

Diagram A) B)

A1 A4 D A2 A3 2-3m

A1 A4 D A2 A3

2-3m

C-12+

ACTIVITY NAME: BBaallll PPrreesseennttaattiioonn –– UUnnddeerr ffoorrccee NUMBERS: 6+ EQUIPMENT:


2 4 2

2

Description • A1 carries the ball forward, steps the agility pole then goes to

ground • As A1 goes to ground D1 lies on top of A1 with a hit shield • A1 attempts to change body shape and long place while D1 is

lying on top • A2 attempts to clean out D1 • This can all happen pretty simultaneously

Variations/Progressions • D1 attempts to steal the ball and A2 must effectively clean out

before the ball is stolen

Coaching Points • Ball carrier to keep ball in two hands, transfer ball to outside arm

to palm the pole then go to ground with the ball in two hands (don’t stick arms out to break fall)

• A2 must maintain feet while cleaning out D1. This may mean bobcatting (lifting) D1 off A1.

• A1 must turn abs on and change body position to get the ball as far away from the defenders as possible.

• Ball carrier musn’t roll onto their backs when going to ground (turning abs on and changing body position should change this

Diagram

D1 D2

A1 A2

A3 A4

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