Preparing for a rugby game requires strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, incorporating the right drills into your training can make a significant difference in your performance. In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 rugby drills and games that will help you get rugby game ready. These drills will focus on attacking drills, backs moves, passing & handling drills, contact drills, kicking & catching, and fitness games. Let's get started!
1. Attacking Drills
Attacking drills are essential for any rugby player. They not only improve your strength and speed but also your decision-making skills on the field. One of the most effective attacking drills is the "tackle and recover" drill, which helps players improve their tackling technique and recovery speed after a tackle. By practicing this drill regularly, you can increase your chances of successfully taking down your opponent during a game.
2. Backs Moves
Backs moves are a critical aspect of rugby that require speed, agility, and strategic thinking. Drills like "the dummy run" and "the loop" can significantly improve your backs moves, making you a more valuable player during the game. By mastering these moves, you can create more opportunities for your team and put more points on the board.
3. Passing & Handling Drills
Passing and handling are fundamental skills in rugby. Drills such as "the pop pass" and "the spin pass" can help you improve your passing and handling skills, allowing you to move the ball more efficiently during a game. By incorporating these drills into your training routine, you can enhance your ball control and increase your team's chances of scoring.
4. Contact Drills
Contact drills are a vital part of rugby training. They help players prepare for the physicality of the game and improve their tackling, rucking, and mauling skills. One effective contact drill is the "hit and drive" drill, which teaches players how to effectively engage with an opponent and drive them back. By practicing this drill, you can become more comfortable with contact and improve your performance in games.
5. Kicking & Catching and Fitness Games
Kicking and catching are crucial skills in rugby, and fitness games are an excellent way to improve these skills while also boosting your overall fitness. Games like "kick and chase" and "catch and return" not only enhance your kicking and catching skills but also improve your endurance, speed, and agility. By incorporating these games into your training, you can become a more well-rounded rugby player and be better prepared for your next game.
Top 5 Attacking Drills for Rugby Players
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Two-on-One Drills: This drill involves two attackers and one defender. The defender must try to tackle one of the attackers while the other attacker tries to get past the defender. This drill helps players work on their decision-making skills and their ability to make effective tackles.
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Overload Drills: This drill helps players to improve their attacking skills by creating an overload situation. The attacking team has more players than the defending team, forcing the defenders to make quick decisions under pressure.
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Line Break Drills: This drill helps players to practice breaking through the defensive line. It involves an attacker trying to break through a line of defenders who are trying to stop him.
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Offload Drills: Offloading is a crucial skill in rugby that allows the attacking team to maintain possession of the ball after a tackle. This drill involves a player being tackled, but before they hit the ground, they pass the ball to a supporting player.
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Decision Making Drills: This drill involves setting up different scenarios for the attacking players to react to, such as varying numbers of defenders or different defensive formations. This helps to improve the attacking players' decision-making skills and their ability to adapt to different situations.
Remember, the key to improving your rugby skills is consistent practice. By incorporating these drills and games into your training routine, you can become a more formidable player on the field. Now, get out there and