We don't play against fresh air so why do we train against it
We need something to base decisions on.. to simulate match conditionsInvolve opposition in stages gradually and mostly give the attackers the advantage to get higher success rates
To introduce pressure
Vary numbers in defensive unitVary how the ball is delivered to themVary size of gridVary distance between offence and defense and how defense comes into play eg 1 then 2 then 3 or 6 all at the same time etcthink of the situation you are trying to prac and set the defenders accordinglyVary what the defense can do ..eg not move, touch, full on tackle, stay in one area, not drift etc..
Some other thoughts on the type of drills or training that you do. From the coaching methods page in the library
The 'top down' approach has several advantages in that it starts with the fundamental concepts of the game and introduces the rules and structure of the game as needed. Skills are developed as a consequence of participation rather than as a separate entity leading toward the development of the total player. 6 Vs 6 8 Vs 8 10 Vs 10 15 Vs 15
. that there is often a void between the drill and the game. Some players have difficulty juxtaposing the two - they don't see how the drill relates to the game situation. Moreover, they sometimes play , they play technically sound, but without flare and there is little explosive play.
They are going through the correct motions, but lack passion in their play.
.that a player who learns a skill under game conditions , has a much more robust technique under pressure than a player that learns a skill in an artificial coaching environment.
This is not to say that there is no room for technical coaching, but that it is secondary to the game.
..to have them play a lot, and then use that platform as a basis for small technical improvements, as opposed to teaching them skills and then putting them into the gameNow these games are not complete rugby games, they are controlled by the coach, they are designed to recognize and attack space!
....is have no positions except for a SH. Then configure the field and number of players to either emphasise utilization of space or continuity (wide if using space, or thin if recycling).
The lack of positions allows all players to develop all skills Take it a step further when we look at utilizing space , by configuring the defense initially to either be bunched (offense should look to spread the ball wide) or by having them spread out (offense should look to penetrate), once it gets going you can show the players how attacking a spread defense by penetration, bunches it, and vice versa.
See last months moves for more on this
As an example, you can do 15v15 on a normal width field for use of space. 10v10 in 10m channel for focus on recycling. At the early stage it is easier to reduce the numbers and get everyone involved.
It is important to have a coaching objective and then design the game around it. Plus you can be consistent on what you want them to learn
In this method, as a coach, you will see many things that the players do not do well, but you must be focussed on one thing, just like you would be if you were practicing that skill in a traditional drill.
Drills..offense follows defense
1 line of defenders jogs down field followed by a line of attackers who are given the ball by the coach running with them .When he wants he calls now gives the ball to attackers and defenders turn and defend
defense follows offense
1 line of attackers starts on goal line and runs to 22m line, defenders start..where? ..maybe dead ball line and follow attackers , the defenders can be arranged in any shape or formation and/or the order they can enter the drill and participate and/or the degree of contact
As soon as the attackers reach the 22 they turn and try to score.
They ,both off and def, quickly get their heads up scan and decide the course of action.
Different starting positions .... start them on their backs then they get up and go on their fronts , with 2 whistles one for offense to go one for defense to go..start them further apart and vary who gets up first to go.
In this method, as a coach, you will see many things that the players do not do well, but you must be focussed on one thing, just like you would be if you were practicing that skill in a traditional drill.
And don't forget this..
The basic concept is to have the players who are not physically doing the drill lined up in such a way that they can see the drill being done and participate verbally and maybe even physically if needed.
And by using 1 ball there is lots of communication going on to get the ball back to the start so the next group can go.