Training Report

This week saw 20 lads part take in training with a few missing due to injury and a few more absent through illness.

We started with a passing drill to warm up, the ball moving around the square with the person passing the ball running to the nearest cone in the middle and then running backwards to take the place of the person that he had just passed too. We then introduced more balls to get everyone moving more and nice and warm. The reason for this drill was to encourage support play, when you pass the ball momentum will carry you forward, so you will need to make a deliberate movement to get back to support.

We then split into 5 groups of 4, to concentrate on actions that need to be taken around the contact area. This is a vitally important part of the game and can be where many games are won and lost, whether you are the tackler, the person being tackled or the supporting attacker, everyone has an initial role to play:-

Tackler – You need to get to your feet as quickly as you can so that you can make a play for the ball – remember If you are the tackler you can initially compete for the ball from any side until the ruck has formed.

Person being Tackled – You will need to ensure that you present the ball back on your side using the “Jack knife” technique, this will mean that the ball is further away from the back foot of the ruck and closer to your support players.

Supporting Attacker – You need to expect that the tackler is going to be competing for the ball, so you will be looking to come in with a low body position, driving the defender upwards and backwards, it will not matter how big or strong they are they will be moved out of the way.

We then split in to backs and forwards to continue working on the set play aspects, the forwards using their time to master the line out and the backs working on holding a defensive line, and also trying to perfect the switch pass.

Next week will be a fitness based session followed by some rugby based fun and games. The more effort that gets put in during fitness will result in more time being spent on the fun and games.

Have a good week, remember to stretch (at least 3 times per week) and see you all next week (Santa hats optional)

Pony