Practice Plan 1: Introducing Rugby - Create a fun introduction to rugby - Teach players how to pass, catch and run with the ball Introduction: 5 Min - History of Rugby and Fun Facts Skill: 5-10 Min - Basic Pass Skill: 5-10 Min - Ball Familiarization Skill: 10 Min - Receiving the Pass Game: 5-10 Min - Circle Passing Skill: 5-10 Min - Running with the Ball Game: 5-10 Min - Freeze Tag Game: 5-10 Min - Relay Races Game: 15-20 Min - Ultimate Rugby Make sure players are having fun and becoming familiar with the rugby ball and their teammates. Players should learn the basics of passing and catching (forming a W with their hands). Introduce scoring during the games. Have them yell TRY! every time they score. Holding the Rugby Ball Scoring a Try Basic Passing Receiving the Ball Running with the Ball Rugby Try Grounding Pass Space Try Zone PASSION Passion is a feeling of intense enthusiasm for something, finding a passion for rugby will make playing exciting and enjoyable.
Practice Plan 2: Advanced Passing - Develop players passing and receiving skills - Teach players about scoring Introduction: 5 Min - Review of rugby history and basic rugby skills, for example scoring a try Skill: 5-10 Min - Review of Basic Pass Skill: 10-15 Min - Receiving the Pass (Progressions 1 and 2) Skill: 10-15 Min - Types of Passing Game: 10-15 Min - Cold and Hot Potato Game: 10-15 Min - Just Score Game: 15-20 Min - Ultimate Rugby II Make sure players remember the steps for basic passing and receiving. Focus on teaching what situations require specific types of passing. Different Types of Passes Receiving From Different Angles Free Pass Spin Pass Pop Pass INTEGRITY Integrity is about playing an honest and fair game. It is central to the fabric of the game.
Practice Plan 3: Support and Team Passing - Teach players how to support the ball carrier - Show players how to avoid a defensive tag by passing Introduction: 5 Min - Review Passing Skill: 5-10 Min - Types of Passing (Progressions 1 and 2) Skill: 10-15 Min - Running in Support Game: 10-15 Min - Freeze Tag with Progressions Skill: 15-20 Min - Draw and Pass Game: 15-20 Min - Just Score (Progressions 1 and 2) Game: 15-20 Min - Ultimate Rugby Make sure players are always moving into support positions for the ball carrier. Teach players to make the defender commit to them before passing the ball. Teach players about progressing to ultimate rugby with three steps or unlimited steps. Passing and Receiving Drawing Defenders Support Communication Drawing a Defender Support SOLIDARITY Solidarity is about having mutual support within a group. Rugby provides a unifying spirit that leads to life long friendships, teamwork, and loyalty which transcends all differences.
Practice Plan 4: Flag Defense - Teach players to perform the full process of a defensive flag pull - Teach players to actively engaging in play while on defense Introduction: 5 Min - Review support and introduce the flag pull process Skill: 5-10 Min - Defense with Flags Game: 15-20 Min - Stars and Stripes Game: 15-20 Min - Flag Fury Game: 15-20 Min - USA Eagles II Game: 15-20 Min - 3 v 3 Flag Rugby Make sure players are always going through the full process of a flag pull. Now that players can pass, catch and defend, have them try out the full Rookie Rugby rules in a 3 v 3 game. Defense Progress up to 5 v 5 if players are ready. Offload DISCIPLINE Discipline is reflected in rugby through the adherence to the rules, and following rugby s core values.
Practice Plan 5: Offense as a Team - Have players work as a team to move the ball forward - Have players move forward and use evasion techniques to get past the defense Introduction: 5 Min - Review flag defense and go over offensive shape and its importance Skill: 10-15 Min - Offensive Shape Game: 15-20 Min - 2 v 1 Rugby Skill: 10-15 Min - Running in Support (Progression 1 and 2) Skill: 5-10 Min - Game: 15-20 Min - Just Score II Game: 15-20 Min - 5 v 5 Flag Rugby Make teamwork your main focus and have players communicating to make offensive attacks. Correct player s field positioning so that they are always in support of the ball carrier. Support Running with the Ball Offensive Shape Make sure players are moving forward during all play and not running back towards their own goal line to avoid defenders. Triangle Shape Offense Evade RESPECT Respect is a feeling of admiration for someone that is elicited by their qualities. Respect for teammates, opponents, referees, and those involved in rugby is essential.
Practice Plan 6: Defense as a Team - Teach players to work as a team on defense to keep the offense from advancing Introduction: 5 Min - Review of offensive shape and introduce the importance of defense as a team Skill: 10-15 Min - Defensive Shape Game: 5-10 Min - Mirrored Lines Game: 5-10 Min - USA Eagles II Game: 5-10 Min - Great Escape Game: 20 MIn - 5 v 5 Flag Rugby Make sure players are all working together to keep a flat line while on defense. Make sure communication is constant so that the defense is working as a team. Defensive Line Communication Playing with Flags Have players perform the full flag pull process every time they pull a flag during practice. Flat Line Defense TEAMWORK Teamwork is working together to achieve a goal. Working as a team will enrich a players life and make their collective game better.
Practice Plan 7: Uncontested Scrums - Teach players how to scrum Introduction: 5 Min -Introduce the purpose of scrums in rugby Skill: 15-20 Min - Uncontested Scrum Game: 10-15 Min - 4 v 4 flag rugby with uncontested scrums Game: 10-15 Min - Instructor s Choice Game: 20 Min - full scrimmage with uncontested scrums Keep the game safe, make sure players understand that there is no pushing, even though they are in contact with the other players. Break up the intensive learning with fun games, then review the scrum process during the full scrimmage at the end of practice. Give all players a chance to practice every position in order to foster an all inclusive environment. Uncontested Scrums Crouch Touch Uncontested Scrum Knock-On Set ENJOYMENT Enjoyment is the good feeling that come from having a good time. It is the reason why people play rugby. Make sure to have fun when training and playing.
Practice Plan 8: Uncontested Lineouts - Teach players how to perform uncontested lineouts so that they can progress into full contact lineouts in the future Introduction: 5 Min - Introduce the purpose of lineouts in rugby Skill: 15-20 Min - Uncontested Lineouts Game: 10-15 Min - 4 v 4 flag rugby with uncontested scrums and lineouts Game: 10-15 Min - Instructor s Choice Game: 20 Min - full scrimmage with uncontested scrums and lineouts Keep the game safe, make sure players understand that there is no lifting in lineouts for Rookie Rugby. Break up the intensive learning with fun games. Make sure to review the lineout process during the full scrimmage at the end of practice. Give all players a chance to practice every position in order to foster an all inclusive environment. Uncontested Lineouts Lineout Out of Bounds SPORTSMANSHIP Sportsmanship is fairness in following the rule of the game. Rugby was built from camaraderie with teammates and opposition. Always play the game with dignity and respect.
Practice Plan 9: Kicking for Rookies - Teach players how to perform kicking during a game in order to develop a crucial rugby skill Introduction: 5 Min - Introduce the purpose of kicking in rugby Skill: 15-20 Min - Kicking for Rookies Game: 10-15 Min - 4 v 4 flag rugby with uncontested scrums, lineouts and kicking Game: 10-15 Min - Instructor s Choice Game: 20 Min - full scrimmage with uncontested scrums,lineouts and kicking Break up the intensive learning with fun games. Make sure to review the kicking progressions during the full scrimmage at the end of practice. Give all players a chance to practice every position in order to foster an all inclusive environment. Kickoffs Penalty Kicks Open Play Kicks Punting Kickoff Drop Kick LEADERSHIP Being a leader on the rugby field means supporting your teammates, having respect for your opponents, and playing your hardest.
Practice Plan 10: Advanced Play - Teach players how advance their game knowledge and skills Introduction: 5 Min - Help players create 2-5 personal goals for rugby Game: 15-20 Min - Ultimate Rugby Game: 30 Min - full scrimmage with uncontested scrums,lineouts and kicking Help players identify areas of improvement and encourage them to focus on improving. Have players work to play as a team and support each other. Continuous Flow Teamwork Goal Setting USA Eagles Rugby World Cup Olympic Rugby Sevens EXCELLENCE Excellence is the quality of being outstanding. Striving to always improve and be the best player you can be will bring you excellence in your play.