British lions - team play 3

team play practice in a semi-opposed style assists the players in learning their roles and responsibilities

British Lions - Team play

The practice of a semi opposed team run is important for understanding by the players of their roles and responsibilities

British Lions - Play from scrum - continuity 2

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

British Lions - play from wheeled scrum going left

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

British Lions - play from scrum with wheel practice

Using the wheel effectively opens up areas of space on the pitch to attack

Lions 09 - Phase Play

This team play practice requires the team to be able to attacke with width and focusing on ball retention

3. Half Back Play Continued

A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. The scrum half is the key link between the forwards and the back line. A good scrum half will know how to vary the play and take advantage of any opportunity that the opposition may offer
The fly half is the heart beat of the side and should be a key influence on the way the team plays the game. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, so they need to develop tactical awareness, accurate passing, kicking accuracy, vision, leadership and resilience

My Dream Lions Team

Lions 09 Strike Moves 3

Developimg attack plays through the backs

British lions - support & attack drill 1

This drill illustrates how attack can go from narrow channels to wide play very quickly, and players should practice this continually

Sevens - Patterns of Play 3

Working in units and working through phases is crucial to modern day sevens and in this clip the White team show great technique and patience to work their way up the field to score. Key factors : Ball retention - Communication - Work in units - Accurate passing - Patience - Stamina

Women's - Patterns of Play 3

Women's - Patterns of Play 3

Lions 09 Attack plays 2

A clip on attacking options from the 2009 Lions

Lions 09 Backs support lines 3

Lions 2009 support drills, with a progression

Lions 09 Backs defence 3

A clip with a progression on defensive systems from the 2009 Lions Tour

Lions - play from scrum - continuity

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

Lions 09 - Team Defence

Practice of team defence is important for reinforcing effective systems of defence that require aspects such as communication, pressure and drifting

Team patterns play from lineout

Developing play from the lineout should have options and progressions

Lions - 3&5 man scrum practice

A progression from the 3 man scrum - developing body shape and positions

HSBC - Gatland Appointed Lions Coach

Former British & Irish Lions Jason Robinson, Gavin Hastings and former Wales international Jonathan Davies commenting on the appointment of Warren Gatland as Head Coach of the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia.

British Lions - tackle then Jackal then clear out

Many of these drills require repetition, here we see how the importance of good body shape in contact can be practiced as both the jackler and those clearing out the tackle

British Lions - tackle then jackal then clear out

This technique proved so successful they adjusted the rules to prevent its use, what was the rules change and can you coach it?

British Lions - scrum practice 2

Progressiing the scrum practice always requires the underlining of the basics of the unit skill

Men's - Patterns of play 3

Lions 09 lineout 3

Lineout variation and practice

Lions 09 - backline defence inown 22 option 3

Where you are on the pitch can determine you defensive system

Infringements Clip 3 - Cynical Play

Lions 09 - 3-man Scrum Practice

Develop the front row as a foundation for the building of the scrum

British Lions - tackle then jackal

It is important to practice not only the body shape of the defender but also those doing the clearing out of the defender

Foul Play Clip 3 - Lineout Interference

Quins Defence - Tackling in units 3 v 3

This exercise is part of a tackle technique progression and pitches 3 attackers v 3 defenders. As in match play the attacking players will present different challenges to the defenders. The coaches can choose to alter the conditions to put more or less pressure on the players

Step 5 - Introducing the 3 v 3 Scrum

Lions Memories - Part 1/2

Geech - Bringing a Lions Squad Together

British Bulldogs - Defence game

The classic schoolyard game. Played full contact but with tackle pads. Attackers must get to the other side of the field without dropping their ball or being pinned to the ground by defenders with tackle pads.

PRINCIPLES OF PLAY

Everything should refer back to the Principles of Play.

Player Profiling

Team Profiling

Team Selection

Game Planning


Do we have the players; team, game plan to:

Contest Possession

Go Forward

Support

Provide Continuity

Apply and cope with Pressure

Warren Gatland as Lions Head Coach

New Rules of Play - U9s

When viewed as a training session the New Rules Of Play are very straight forward and this clip should explain most of the changes and what you should be doing as a coach

Broncos 3 - Develop waves of attack

The first wave of attackers identify space and punch through the first line of defence. The ball carrier looks to move the ball quickly and away from covering defenders. This exercise tries to copy game situations as players cover their team mates in defence

Team defence Session

The team warm up with individual tackle techniques, progress to unit work and then onto full team exercises from set piece play

Half Back Play - Under 13 and 14

A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. The scrum half is the key link between the forwards and the back line. A good scrum half will know how to vary the play and take advantage of any opportunity that the opposition may offer
The fly half is the heart beat of the side and should be a key influence on the way the team plays the game. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, so they need to develop tactical awareness, accurate passing, kicking accuracy, vision, leadership and resilience

Gavin Hasting's Lions XV

Men's - 3 v 2 1

A passage of play that shows how to attack with more attackers than defenders, a 3 v 2. The winger shows that strong running and determination can break tackles. Click on the practises in this section for coaching ideas

L2 - Support Line Breaks

Skill Practice Description • The objective is to increase the commitment to supporting a line break. • The teams play continuous touch, grip or tackle. • Stage 1: when a score is made all attacking players must touch the try line within 3 seconds or the try is disallowed and a turn over is awarded. • Stage 2: when a try is scored all attacking players must touch the ball on the ground within 5 seconds or the try is disallowed and a turnover is awarded. • Play starts again direct from the try line. • The coach may split the defence so cover defenders can challenge the effect of support play once the first line has been breached. Key Coaching Points • Encourage supporting players to angle toward the line break and not stay wide and lateral. • Encourage all attacking players to react and support a line break. • Speed of reaction. • Communication and team work

New Rules of Play - Under 10s - Scrum Coaching

The introduction of the scrum for both mini players and coaches can be confusing. This clip explains the the reasoning behind the 3 man scrum and the technical points that ned to be taught

Geech - Selecting a Lions Squad

3 v 2 How to Fix Defenders

Running straight & fixing defenders is a skill that all players must learn and learn at an early age. The top players regularly practise this skill to maintain accuracy. This is the building block to scoring tries

Back Play from Set Piece - Attack from Line Out

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, the appropriate strike call needs to be made and space attached.
Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running support lines will assist the offload and turn defenders.

Back Play - Attack From Scrum - Younger Youth

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, young players should be encouraged to develop their decision making from a non-prescriptive environment.
It’s not a matter of going through a strike move repertoire. Its a matter of attacking the space between the two teams and running support lines that will assist the ball carrier

Back Play - Attack From Scrum - Older Youth

It’s not a matter of going through a strike move repertoire. It is more about specific selection from the repertoire in order to attack identified targets according to the opposition and game situation
Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running a support line will assist the offload and turn defenders

Team Selection Challenges

Team selection is a huge part of success at top-level rugby, with coaches decisions around their own style as well as the strengths of their opposition. In this video, Premiership coaches discuss the challenges of selection

L2 - Kicking Development

Skill Practice Description • The teams start with kicking netball i.e. the kicker cannot run and cannot be interfered with. • The player with the ball kicks to work the ball up field and a clean catch behind the goal line is 1 point • Other ways to score are by a drop goal awarding 3 points. • If a breakdown occurs the coach can award a free kick. • The ball carrier can choose to kick to a team mate or try for a target. • The targets can only be aimed at when the targets are in the other half of the pitch. • If the target is missed, possession goes to the other team. • Progression; the kickers must be ‘running’ when kicking the ball. • They must kick within 5 - 8 metres of running. They cannot just keep running with ball in hand. • Players can chip and catch for themselves. • This gives more opportunity for free kicks to be awarded through breakdown in play. • Allow players to discover personal techniques of kicking with both right and left foot. Punt, • Grubber etc. • Discourage throwing the ball up and develop the drop. • Identify those with consistently low outcome percentages and address the relevant technical factors

New Rules of Play - Under 7s

The new rules of play are explained in simple terms and coaches from Saracens provide practical examples. All of your clubs under 7 coaches would benefit from this video clip

What makes a winning team

We asked Premiership Coaches what they thought made a winning team. You may be surprised by some of the answers

Attack from broken play

The Oaklands College defence closes in to a loose ball, and Filton are able to exploit a 3 v 2

Lions 09 strike moves 10

developing plays in attack

Team patterns from scrum

Play from the scrum is essential and this is one option

Attacking in waves of 3

The ability to realign quickly is important to developing the back play and counter attacking. Coaches can vary the numbers and timing of the first pass to make this exercise easier or more demanding. Key factors : Run straight - Comunicate early - Uniform distance and depth - Catch & pass in one movement - Hips straight - Hands & armes across the body - Realign quickly - Aerobic fitness

CCRU - Principles of Play - Build Pressure

By competing for possession, going forward and supporting, the continuity will apply pressure to the opposition.
Remember that a team cannot apply pressure to the opposition unless it is prepared to apply pressure to itself

Lions 09 - backline defence in own 22 option 2

Defensive systems change according to where the team is on the pitch

Lions Strike Moves 1

Developing attack plays through the backs

Back Play from Set Piece - Attack from Scrum

It’s not a matter of going through the strike move repertoire. It is about selecting appropriately from the repertoire according to the opposition and game situation.

Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running support lines will assist the offload and turn defenders.

Back Play - Attack From Line Out - Older Youth

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, the appropriate strike call needs to be made and space attacked
It’s not a matter of going through the strike move repertoire. It is about specific selection from the repertoire in order to attack identified areas of the opposition and game situations

Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running a support line will assist the offload and turn defenders

Lions 09 - backline defence in own 22

Where you are on the pitch can deterrmine the defensive system you play

Lions 09 strike move 11

Developing back play in attack

Sevens - Full Lineout 3

Accurate skills are the key to lineouts in seven's, a combination of movement, lifting and throw combine to make an effective restart for the attacking team. The shape of the attacking side is pre planned to create a mis - match with a faster player v a slower one. key factors : Pre call the move - Fast feet - Strong core for jumper - Support from both players to lift the jumper - Jumper to jump - Accurate throw - Support he jumper to the ground - Offload pass to scrum half

Lions 09 Strike Moves 07

Developing attacking plays through the backs

Lions 09 strike moves 6

Developing attacking plays through the backs

Lions 09 strike move 5

Developing play in backs

Lions 09 strike move 8

Developing play through the backs

New Rules of Play Under 10s

The New rules for the Under 10's are not compulsory for all clubs however they are explained in this video clip and there are some good practical examples. If you do not apply these rules then you can still use them for some conditions for training

Rules of Play - U7s

The rules for the Under 7's in England have changed. The new rules focus on having a game coach who has far more flexibility in making games fun and positive. Official matches are now 4 a side which makes sense. View this video to see how this works in practise

L2 - Continuous Rugby

Skill Practice Description • Play 7 v 7 Continuous Rugby i.e. after a score, the team who has just scored, keeps possession and immediately starts attacking the far try line. • This allows attacker to play against broken defences (defence not spread in a flat line across the field of play). • This will help players to use evasive skills and maintain continuity, with more passing before being tackled (3 second recycles after a tackle or it becomes a turnover). Key Coaching Points • Communication • Quickness of attack at a disorganised defence • Skills to attack space • Footwork and evasion skills • Scanning skills Relevance to the Game • Great for coaching counter attacking and challenging speed in organisation of both attack and defence. • Any player can be ball carrier and communication is vital as is decision making in identifying space and the best way to attack it successfully

New Rules of Play - Under 9s

The new rules have completely changed the focus for under 9's. Tackling technique, progressions and games to promote tackling are the main themes for this age. No rucks, scrums or line outs to worry about

Expert Conor O Shea - what makes an effective team

Conor O SHea discuss what makes an effective team

Interview - Conor O Shea team is Special

Step 1 - Playing Tag Rugby

How To Use Match Footage To Coach

British Lions Analyst Andy Keast provides some tips on how to use match footage to gain a coaching edge. In this clip we look at line out possession

Back Play from Set Piece - Back Play Intro

Back Play from Set Piece - Back Play Intro

3. Ruck Touch

Geech - Lions Tactics

Chapter 1 - Playing Tag Rugby

Introduction to TAG

New Rules of Play - Under 10s - Coaching Points

This video provides some detailed coaching points that the Saracens community coaches would recommend age groups coaches focus on in their sessions

L2 - Chaos Touch

Skill Practice Description • Two teams play touch with the rules as stipulated by the coach. • At any time during the game, the coach may blow the whistle. • The ball is passed to the coach and players run around whichever corner cone they are closest to, although it must be of their own try line. This ensures all players come back into the game at different times. • The coach can reintroduce the ball to either side and play resumes. Key Coaching Points • Looking for space on the pitch. • Ability to make intuitive decisions. • Innovative economy of movement in order to preserve energy. • Competitive spirit and team commitment. Relevance to the Game • This is primarily pre-season conditioning game. • The demand on the players is to scan for opportunity or danger while under the pressure of fatigue. • The game also tests team spirit and commitment to each other

L2 - Chaos Touch

Skill Practice Description • Two teams play touch with the rules as stipulated by the coach. • At any time during the game, the coach may blow the whistle. • The ball is passed to the coach and players run around whichever corner cone they are closest to, although it must be of their own try line. This ensures all players come back into the game at different times. • The coach can reintroduce the ball to either side and play resumes. Key Coaching Points • Looking for space on the pitch. • Ability to make intuitive decisions. • Innovative economy of movement in order to preserve energy. • Competitive spirit and team commitment. Relevance to the Game • This is primarily pre-season conditioning game. • The demand on the players is to scan for opportunity or danger while under the pressure of fatigue. • The game also tests team spirit and commitment to each other

Lions 09 - Lions speed and tracking the player

Developing linespeed, footwork and tracking

Broncos 4 - 6 v 3 Identify space

Players to attack with "Heads up" and identify where colleagues have space. Supporting players to call early to the ball carriers. Defenders to stay tight to not let attack through the middle spaces easily

Tag Game - Team Tag Clip

Adds variety to TAG games and skills

Tag Game - Team Tag

Men's - 3 v 2 2

3. Chain Tig

IRB Men's - Offloads 3

A quick lineout allows players to attack a "broken field" defence. Running at space moves the defenders and the suport player comes from depth behind the attacker to score. Key factors : Loud communication - Accurate spin pass - Attacking space - Trail support - Pop pass - Quick running

Back Play from Set Piece - Mini Half Backs

Children should be encouraged to play in all playing positions. Rugby is a late specialist sport and the prop of today may be the scrum half of tomorrow.
If the coach constantly plays the strongest players at half back, this may restrict the development of other, later maturing players.

Expert - John Neal - Teams

John Neal discusses the attributes that make an effective team.

Stuart Lancaster: Importance of Playing Games

Stuart Lancaster explains why he thinks including game-play in rugby sessions is essential to player development.

Expert - Sir Ian Mcgeechan on Team Support

Learn more about how we support our team mates in pursuit of excellence

Passing 4 v 3 reset

A progression from 2 v 1 , 3 v 2 to 4 v 3

Using Games to Improve Support Play

Great tries are often the result of great support play. Coaches are now using more games in their training with set constraints put in to dictate what the coach wants to work on

Team Relay Races

Two examples of fun team relays that keep your players active with a competitive element. Suitable for adults, too!

Geech - Lions Coaches were Years Ahead

Were the Lions coaches ahead of the game. The 1997 coaches discuss tackle techniques that are only being implemented now