UÇÊ u ĝÕ ĝ ĝĝĝĝĝĝĝĝĝĝĝĝĝUǼÊÕÿ
Touch Rugby a personal project by Rachel Cheng
Acknowledgements I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Kirk Kahu for being an incredible personal project supervisor/coach, guiding me and supporting me through the entire process of my project. He has been the root of my knowledge on touch rugby and I still continue to learn from his wonderful coaching. Another thank you goes to Mr. Liam O’Toole. While Coach O’Toole has been a new addition to our touch team, he has O’ definitely been a great contributor to my success in touch rugby this year. Without the help of Coach Ching, I’m afraid my project would not have been possible. Thank you for inspiring me with ideas for my project and providing me with the opportunity to coach the U14 girls. I would also like to recognize the U14 touch rugby girls, Monica, Danielle, Eve, Megan, Svasti, Shalyn, Eugenie, Jensen, Caitlin, Elise, Annie, Micaela, Luna, Alexandra, Gabrielle for being so coachable and delightful to work with. I hope you girls continue to play touch rugby! Last but not least, I would like to thank my parents for giving me endless support throughout my entire journey!
Works Cited: http://bit.ly/1y8WxNf
Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
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As an athlete, I take part in many sports, both in and out of school. This year, I have represented the Canadian International School of Hong Kong in U20 level girls volleyball and U20 level girls touch rugby. My passion for touch rugby developed at a young age, as I was granted the incredible opportunity to represent CDNIS at SEASAC (a varsity level international schools tournament based in Asia) in seventh grade. This is now my fourth year playing touch rugby, rugb and my growth in the sport has inspired me to create this coaching guide as the product of my personal project. Touch rugby is not only a developing sport in Hong Kong, but globally as as well. This is why my goal for this touch rugby coaching guide is to provide a source of knowledge on the sport, whether it is used by coaches or athletes. With this coaching guide, I was able to work with the U14 touch rugby girls, most of whom were new to the sport. This gave me an incredible opportunity to work closely with them over a period of just under a month, preparing p them for their SDRC tournament (in Guang Zhou, China) in which they placed second! In the process of coaching the girls and creating this coaching guide, I was able to expand on my own knowledge and further develop my leadership skills, putting myself in better shape as the captain of the U20 touch rugby team.
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3 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
QÙ® Îĝ ¼µÕě ZÙʵ¼ä ÊÎ The possession of the ball is changed (with a roll-ball) when: a) There is a dropped ball b) Dummy Half is touch while in possession of the ball c) Dummy Half attempts to score a touchdown d) A team’s 6th touch occurs e) A player steps over the field boundaries f) A Roll-ball is performed incorrectly g) A tap ball is performed incorrectly
OuÎÎ µ 1. A player my pass, throw, knock or otherwise deliver the ball to any onside player on their attacking team. 2. Passing forward is not permitted. (Penalty) 3. A player may not pass the ball after a touch has been made by the defensive team. (Penalty)
Z ĝZuÇĖ u®® 1. The tap-ball happens at the restart of play (game start, penalties, touchdown). 2. The ball must be placed on the ground, and tapped on the mark by an offensive player. 3. The ball shall not travel more than one meter and must be retrieved cleanly by the player that has performed the tap. 4. Any player from f the team may perform the tap.
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QÙ® Îĝ ¼µÕě Z ĝO µu®Õè 1. When a player/team is penalised, the non offending team shall restart the play with a tap-ball. 2. The tap is taken at the mark of the penalty. 3. The defensive team must retire ten meters from the mark, and may not advance until the ball is tapped. The penalty is taken when the following occurs: a) A forward pass b) A touch-and-pass c) Roll ball performed off the mark d) Defenders off-side at rollball (5 meters) e) Defenders off-side at tap-ball (10 meters) f) Deliberately delaying play g) When there are more than 6 players on the field at one time h) Falsely claiming a touch - ”Phantom Touch” i) Excessive force used when making a touch j) Misconduct
Q¼®®ĝ u®® 1. The roll ball must be performed on the mark while their shoulders are parallel to the opponent’s tryline. 2. The ball must perform the rollball between the player’s legs and shall not travel a distance of over 1 meter. 3. Overstepping the mark is not permitted. 4. Players may not deliberately delay the performance of the roll ball.
5 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
QÙ® Îĝ ¼µÕě Z ĝZ¼Ù 1. Players from both the offensive and defensive team are permitted to effect the touch. 2. Any contact of the body, clothing, hair, or the ball is conisdered a touch. 3. The team in possession of the ball is entitled to 6 touches, after this, it is a turnover.
Ù´´èĝ&u® 1. The Dummy Half is the player who picks up the ball after a team-mate has performed a roll ball. 2. If the Dummy Half is touched, it is an immediate turnover (roll ball). 3. The Dummy Half is not permitted to score touchdowns.
D Î ČDµÎ 1. After a touch has been made, the defensive team must retire 5 meters from the mark before advancing on the offensive team again. 2. Defenders may not move forward until the Dummy Half has touched the ball, unless stated otherwise by the referee. 3. At the 5 meter play, the defenders must retire to the try-line. Once this ball is back in play, all players on the defensive team must advance off of the line until the player is touched. a) If players do not advance off of the 5 meter line, an offside is called and the offensive team restarts play with a tap-ball.
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QÙ® Îĝ ¼µÕě U ® µ Î 1. If a player steps on or crosses the sideline, he/she is considered out of play and a change of possession occurs. a) This play restarts 5 meters in from where the player has stepped out. 2. If a touch has been made prior to the player stepping out, the touch will be counted.
D ÎÕÊÙ Õ ¼µ 1. Players of the attacking team are not permitted to obstruct defending players from attempting to effect a touch 2. Defending players are not to obstruct or interfere with players supporting the ball carrier
= ç ĝZ u´Î 1. A mixed team shall be made up of at least 2 people of each gender.
8uÕ ĝZ u´Î 1. A minimum of four team members must be present to start a game. 2. Late teams will subject to a penalty of one touchdown per 2 minutes. a) If this penalty exceeds 5 touchdowns, it will signal the abandonment of the game, and the offending team recording a default. b) The team present will be recorded as winning 5-0.
7 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
Z& Ä? ) 8 5-10m
Touchdown Zone
5m
5m line
70m
Halfway line
Substitution Area
10m line
Sideline
Touchdown Zone
50m
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ODU)Z)D>U
= ® Îĝ Middles are positioned in the middle of the field, between the two links. They are often the ones that drive the team forward and get their team near the touchdown zone. Middles are usually the fittest players on the team, have fast response and reaction skills. They should have knowledge on rucking patterns/defensive strategies, and have strong communication skills.
8 µ«Î The links are positioned between the middles and the wings. They are critical in controlling the wings and middles in defense, making sure they are properly aligned. Links should be able to accelerate quickly, and be evasive, allowing them to hit gaps at pace to create opportunities.
j µ Î The wings are the two players closest to the sidelines. They are usually the quickest players on the team, mostly responsible for finishing plays and catching other attacking wings. They should be reliable ball catchers, good defenders, and supportive of the links and middles.
9 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
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jľQ=Ė^O )´Ç¼ÊÕuµ ! µ Êu®ČZÊuµÎ Õĝ=¼ ® Õè
11 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
)´Ç¼ÊÕuµ ĝ¼ ĝuĝjuÊ´Ė^Ç Warm-ups are extremely important in any sport or exercise programme. The main purpose of a warm up is to increase body temperature and blood circulation, heating up muscles, tendons, and ligaments, in preparation for vigorous activity. This can decrease the likelihood of injury and muscle soreness, which is crucial to an athlete’s improvement and performance.
! µ Êu®ĝ=¼ ® Õè
The warm-up should begin with a light jog or mini-game that gets the heart pumping and blood flowing, improving the athlete’s physical readiness and mental awareness.
ZÊuµÎ Õĝ=¼ ® Õè
Transit Mobility increases the level of warm-up intensity, focusing more on transit movements. A common example of this would be dynamic stretches.
& ĝ6µ Î
Stretches the gluteal muscles, quadriceps, lower back, and ankles Procedure: Take an exaggerated high step, driving the knee as high as possible, while simultaneously pushing up on the toes of the opposite foot.
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Stretches the quadriceps and hip flexors Procedure: While running at a moderate speed, kick your heel back up to the area of your buttocks. Quickly alternate feet. (Maintain a slight forward lean)
8Ùµ ĖZå ÎÕ
Stretches the hip flexors, gluteal muscles, upper/lower back muscles, and activates core rotation. Procedure: Step forward, dropping your hip, making a 90º angle with your leg and thigh. Still in the lunge position, slowly twist towards the side of the extended leg. Repeat with the other leg.
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ZÊuµÎ Õĝ=¼ ® Õèĝ ¼µÕě
uÊ ¼ u
Stretches the abductors, adductors, and gluteal muscles. Procedure: On the balls of your feet, twist the body, bringing the outer leg infront of the trail leg. Bring the trail leg through and bring the lead leg behind the trail leg. Alternate the lead leg. (Remember to maintain squared shoulders)
8uÕ Êu®ĝU Ù ®
Stretches the gluteal muscles, quadriceps, calves, and hamstrings. Procedure: While squatting, make a quick step to the right with the right foot, and bring the left foot to where the right was positioned. When the left leg comes down, move the right again. Alternate leading legs.
DÇ µČ ®¼Î ĝÕ ĝ!uÕ
Stretches the groin. Procedure: Stand on the left leg and raise your right knee, turning it out and away from the body. Alternate legs. To close the gate, raise the knee away from the body, bringing the leg inwards.
8 ĝ6 «Î
Stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back. Procedure: While walking, kick one leg straight up infront of you and touch your toes to the opposite hand. Alternate legs.
ľµ«® ĝ&¼ÇÎ
Ankle injury prevention (Strengthens ankles and legs). Procedure: Find a point on the ground, and balancing on the ball of one foot, hop forwards, backwards, and to the sides. Repeat 5-10 times and switch legs.
13 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
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Z& ĝ ľU) U u®®ĝ&uµ ® µ O¼Î Õ ¼µ µ
15 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
u®®ĝ&uµ ® µ Proper ball handling skills are essential in any aspect of touch rugby. This ranges from passing and receiving to simply running with the ball. The most common grip of the rugby ball is the ‘cage grip’. This is when the ball is held in both hands, with the tip of the ball pointing upwards. Holding the ball with both hands makes it easier to pass to other and significantly decreases the chance of a dropped ball. The player should have his/her fingers spread sp across the seams for improved grip, and palms of the hands should not be used to control the ball, only the fingers. As a receiever, when preparing to catch the ball, both hands should be held up with fingers pointing to the sky, creating a target for the passer to aim at. When running with the ball, the grip usually changes. For example, in the case where a player is sprinting to the try-line, he/she should hold the middle of the ball with the dominant hand, and then tuck the ball under their arm. This squeezes the ball against the side of the body and the arm, a allowing the player to run quickly while still in safe possession of the ball. Following a touch, the player in possession of the ball must return to the mark of where the touch was made, and place the ball between their legs while being parallel with the sideline (stepping over the ball while facing the opponent’s score line).
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O¼Î Õ ¼µ µ On offense, the most effective positioning is the “V” shape. This positioning is very simple: the ball carrier is always the peak of the “V”. The supporting players should be positioned so that they are always deeper than the ball carrier, which is what essentially forms the “V” shape. Below are two examples of this offensive formation.
Ąó
Ąô
Why do we use the “V” attacking formation?
We use this formation as it guarantees that all players on the attacking team is onside. This means that the ball carrier has the option to pass to anyone. This also means that the receiver has more space to accelerate onto the ball, allowing them to gain more distance when driving up the field towards the opponent’s score-line.
17 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
ľ88ĝ&ľ> 8)>!ĝ Q)88ĝĄó Aim/Purpose:ĝTo practice running with the ball & evasive skills Instructions: 1. At the signal, Player A (with the ball) and Player B sprint towards the try-line. 2. Player A is the ball carrier. 3. Player B is the defender. 4. Player A’s objective is to score a touchdown 5. Player B’s objective is to touch Player A before they are able to score.
Equipment Needed (per station): Cone x 4
Rugby Ball x 2 or 3
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Qľ ĝZDĝZQm
ľ
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
19 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
ľ88ĝ&ľ> 8)>!ĝ Q)88ĝĄô Aim/Purpose:ĝTo practice the technique of a proper roll-ball Instructions: 1. Divide 5-6 players on cones that face each other.
2. Player A (first ball carrier) runs towards Player B (at the opposite cone) 3. Player B takes a small step forward 4. Player A initiates the touch and performs a roll-ball, going to the back of the line. 5. Player B picks up the ball and runs towards Player C, repeating Player A’s actions.
Equipment Needed (per station): Cones x 2
Rugby Ball x 1
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ZD^ &ĝĪĝ ^=O Note: When performing a roll-ball, The player should be in a semi-lunge position, holding the ball with the hand belonging to the direction that the player wishes to go, and initiating ini the touch with the free hand. The leg that is extended should correspond with the hand used to take the touch. The ball should be placed behind the heel of the extended foot. Example: When going left, bend down, lunging with the right leg, while holding the ball in the left hand. Initiate the touch with the right hand, and place the ball behind the heel of the right foot.
ľ
ľ
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
21 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
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OľUU)>! OÙÎ ĝOuÎÎ UÇ µĝOuÎÎ ĝĝUå Õ ĝOuÎÎ
23 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
O^U&ĝOľUU)>! The push pass is arguably the most-used pass in rugby. It is the most common method to pass the ball over short to moderate distances. The ball should be held with fingers spread across the seams of the rugby ball. The player should have a solid grip on the ball with his/her fingertips pointing towards the ground. The elbow should be raised upwards at a 90º angle. To pass the ball, the player should plant the foot opposite to the direction di of the pass. For example, if a player is passing left, the right foot should be planted. This opens up the hip to face the receiver/target, allowing for a more accurate and successful pass to be made. The player should release with a flick of the wrist, and finish with the hands pointing at the target. The receiver should be accelerating onto the ball, ensuring that more distance is gained.
O^U&ĝOľUUĝ Q)88ĝĄóÿ Aim/Purpose:ĝTo practice the technique of a proper push-pass Instructions: 1. Divide into groups of 4 players per station.
2. Player A starts with the ball. 3. Player A push passes to Player B, who then pushpasses to Player C, then Player D. 4. When Player D has the ball, turn around at the cone and pass back to Player C, then B, then A. 5. Repeat.
Equipment Needed (per station):
Cones x 8
Rugby Ball x 1
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Z& ĝO^U&ĝOľUU
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
ľ
25 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
O^U&ĝOľUUĝ Q)88ĝĄô Aim/Purpose:ĝTo teach the players that the ball travels faster than a person.
Instructions: 1. One station requires 5 players.
2. When Player A passes the ball, Player E begins to sprint towards Player D. 3. The objective is to pass from Player A to B to C to D before the sprinter gets to the same destination. 4. If done correctly, the ball should always get to player D before the sprinter. 5. Rotate players through.
Equipment Needed (per station):
Cones x 6
Rugby Ball x 1
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ľZĝZ& ĝOľUU
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
ľ
27 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
UO)>ĝOľUU U While spin-passes are another major passing skill in touch rugby, it is most often seen to be used by more experienced touch rugby teams. This pass differs from the push-pass as spin is added. These passes should be fast and powerful, spinning smoothly to the receiver, who is accelerating onto the ball. To spin-pass, two hands should be used to hold the ball. The player should open up the body to face the receiver. He/she should first hold the ball in a cage grip (refer to page 15), then adjust hand placement so that the power hand (the hand opposite to the direction to the pass) should be on the outside of the ball, and near the base. The supporting hand (the hand corresponding to the direction of the pass), should be on the inside of the ball, slightly closer to the tip. The pass should begin from the outer hip, travel across the body, and end with fingers pointing to the receiver.
UO)>ĝOľUUĝ Q)88ĝĄóÿ Aim/Purpose:ĝTo practice the technique of a proper spin-pass. Instructions: 1. Split the team up into pairs, facing each other.
2. Player A begins by holding the ball in one hand, with the other hand behind his/her back. 3. While facing Player B, pass the ball straight forward, attempting to add spin onto the ball. 4. When Player B receives the ball, repeat the actions of Player A. 5. After several repetitions, switch hands.
Equipment Needed (per station): Cones x 2
Rugby Ball x 1
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D> ĝ&ľ> ĝUO)> We ask the players to begin by passing the ball with one hand, as it solidifies the player’s spinning technique. It demonstrates the natural and comfortable method of adding spin to a pass. Notes: When passing the ball with the right hand, begin at the right hip. (Same with the left) The hand should begin under the ball. While extending the arm to perform the pass, rotate the hand so that it finishes above the path of the ball. (This should happen with the push of the ball)
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Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
29 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
UO)>ĝOľUUĝ Q)88ĝĄô Aim/Purpose:ĝTo practice the technique of a spin-pass Instructions: 1. One station requires 8 players.
2. When Player A passes the ball, Players E,F,G, and H shall begin to come up on defense. 3. The objective is to pass from Player A to B to C to D before the defensive line can touch a player. 4. The 4 players passing should aim to pass the ball quickly down the line, with proper technique. 5. Switch offensive and defensive lines. 6. Be sure that the cones are set up so that the players have room to run up as defense, and have enough space to perform longer passes.
Equipment Needed (per station):
Cones x 8
Rugby Ball x 1
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!
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
ľ
31 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
Uj)Z &ĝOľUU U The switch pass is a short pass, commonly used to confuse the opposition in touch rugby. It creates space and is a great method for changing the direction of the attack. To perform a switch pass, the player should hold the ball with a cage grip, keeping the ball at chest height. The player and receiver should both be running at an angle, so that their combined paths create the shape of an ‘X’. The pass should be executed where whe the two lines intersect. At this intersection point, the passer should turn, having their back facing the opponent, concealing the ball. The ball should remain vertical as the passer softly and quickly pops the ball up infront of the receiver. The receiver should be able to catch the ball without decelerating.
Uj)Z &ĝOľUUĝ Q)88ĝĄó Aim/Purpose:ĝTo practice the proper technique of a switch pass Instructions: 1. This drill requires 6 players
2. Player A begins with the ball, running at an angle 3. Player B follows shortly afterwards, running behind Player A at their intersection point. 4. Player A executes a switch pass, and runs to the opposite cone. 5. After Player B receives the pass, he/she runs to the opposite cone and passes off to Player C, who repeats. 6. After a few repetitions, switch the side of the ball carrier, and repeat.
Equipment Needed (per station): Cones x 4
Rugby Ball x 1
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Z& ĝUj)Z &
ľ
Variation:ĝPlayer A has the option to fake the switch, still doing all the necessary movements for a real switch, however, not releasing the ball, continuing to Player D.
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
33 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
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Q)i)>!ĝO8ľmU õĝ=uµĝ Ê ä ôĝ=uµĝ Ê ä
35 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
j&ľZĝľQ ĝ Q)i)>!ĝO8ľmUć Driving requires a number of key skills to be performed accurately, under control, and at speed. Players should be able to execute a dynamic roll-ball whilst initiating the touch (refer to page 20), along with the other important ball handling skills (refer to page 15) under pressure, with accuracy. What is the main objective of driving plays? To keep moving forward. Driving plays are usually started from a team’s own 5m line, on their half, or on a tap-ball from f the center of the field. The aim is to move up the field with pace, minimal risk, and maximum distance. The driving play is all about keeping the team’s momentum moving forward, in order to flow into other plays. Some teams elect to drive up the sideline towards their substitution box, allowing for efficient replacements. The team should avoid simple errors such as: going over the mark, hesitation, dropped balls, and leaving the ball on the ground for too long. Effective driving means that the ball carrier will always perform a quick roll-ball for the dummy half, so that time that the ball spends on the ground is minimal. Why do we do this? Quick driving plays reduce the time that the defensive team has in order to re-organize themselves, giving your attacking team the advantage. The dummy half should always deliver a clean pass straight off the ground to a receiver that is timing their run onto the ball, accelerating an appropriate time. There are two main types of driving plays: the three man drive and the two man drive.
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õĝ=ľ>ĝ Q)i The three man drive is the simplest and most common driving play to move the attacking team up the field. As stated in its name, it involves 3 players, and is used against a defensive team that comes up as a line. Teams use this play to target 1-2 players on a defensive team, aiming to tire the individuals out. When done at a fast pace, it is easy to catch the defense off-side, running through them to score a touchdown. When executed well, it usually takes 3-4 touches to reach the opponent’s 5m line.
ôĝ=ľ>ĝ Q)i The two man drive is typically used directly after there is a change of possession and a quick drive is required to kick start the forward momentum. This driving play involves 2 players. The two man drive is a good driving play to execute near the players’ substitution box, as it allows a maximum number of team members to be replaced in the least amount of time. It is common to begin a series of driving plays with 1-2 two man drives, then transition into a three th man drive.
37 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
Z& ĝZ&Q ĝ=ľ>ĝ Q)i Instructions: 1. Requires 3 players
2. Player A runs in and plays a rollball, and keeps moving forward. 3. Player B is the first dummy half and passes to Player C, who is accelerating onto the ball. (Note: receiver should be on a constant side, as it avoids confusion and guarantees efficiency) 4. Player B pushes out to the previous position of Player C. As Player B will be receiver after the next roll-ball. 5. Player C runs through, and plays a rollball 6. Player A is now the dummy half 7. Player B is now the receiver. 8. After the next rollball, Player B plays the roll-ball, Player C is the dummy half, and Player A is the receiver, and the cycle continues. 9. Repeat.
Equipment Needed (per station):
Rugby Ball x 1 Notes: - The player who initiates the touch is always the next dummy half. - The dummy half is always the next receiver. - The receiver is always the next player who goes in for the next touch.
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&DjĝZD
ľ
ľ
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
39 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
Z& ĝZjDĝ=ľ>ĝ Q)i Instructions: 1. Requires 2 players
2. Player A runs in and plays a rollball. He/she immediately returns onside. 3. Player B should execute a very quick dummy half, immediately passing it back to Player A. 4. Repeat.
Equipment Needed (per station): sta
Rugby Ball x 1 Notes: It is essential that Player A, the player who initiates the touch returns onside immediately, so that the defenders have limited time to reorganize themselves.
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&DjĝZD ľ
ľ
ľ ľ
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
41 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
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>U =uÊ« µ ĝm¼ÙÊĝ=uµ U ¼¼Õ Êĝ µÎ
¼Êµ Ê µ
43 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
=ľQ6)>!ĝmD^Qĝ=ľ> Instructions: 1. Requires 12 players.
2. Split the 12 players up into two groups of 6, in lines, facing each other. 3. One team shall be on offense, while the other team shall be on defense. 4. The offensive team is free to move around while staying on the same line. 5. The defending team must point and communicate to each other about who is marking which player. 6. After a period of time, switch offensive and defensive teams.
Notes: - Contrary to other invasion games such as basketball or soccer, players do not mark each other one on one. The team must be aware of any switches made by the opposition, and communicate accordingly. - When marking a player, your position and their position must correspond. For example: If a defensive player is 2 positions away from the sideline, then the offensive o player he/she is marking should also be 2 positions away from the sideline.
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&DjĝZD ó
ô
õ
ö
÷
ø
The red team is on defense, and the blue team is on offense. Players must understand that one must defend the player that reflects their position on the other team. For example, Player B will always mark the player 2 from the left. It is very likely that this player will change positions, therefore the defensive players must have sharp awareness of what goes on in their opposition.
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
45 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
U&DDZ QÄ? >U Instructions: 1. Requires 7 Players
2. Separate the 7 players, with 3 on offense and 4 on defense. 3. When signalled, the 3 offensive players do a 3 man drive into the defense. (Refer to pages 37-38) 4. The defense must communicate to each other about which player should be shooting up first, second, third, and so on. 5. At no point should two players shoot up together. This creates a large hole in the defensive line that is very easy to attack.
Notes: - This kind of defense is very effective against a three man drive. - Only one person should be shooting up for the touch at one time. The rest of the team should be retiring 5m as the shooter does so. - The two players positioned next to the shooter should shift in to cover the gap made by the shooter, preventing anyone from running through. - The shooter should be able to apply force/push on the attacker’s shoulders when effecting the touch. This will slow down their rollball process, and give more time to the player to realign themselves on defense.
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&DjÄ?ZD Why is this defensive play effective? This specific defensive play is effective against a three man drive because players 3 and 5 will already be onside when Player 4 takes the touch, meaning that the moment Player B touches the ball as Dummy Half, either Player 3 or 5 can shoot up immediately to prevent them from gaining any more mo distance on offense.
In this diagram, if Player 4 goes shoots up for the touch, players 3 and 5 need to shift in to cover the gap left by Player 4.
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Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
47 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
DQ> Q)>! Instructions: 1. Requires 5 players
2. Separate the 4 players into groups of 2. 3. One pair will be offense, and the other pair will defend. 4. The offense will attempt to create 2 on 1 situations. 5. The defensive players will try to prevent the offensive team from scoring a touchdown. 6. The two players on defense must be aware of the direction of play. (If the offensive players are attacking the right side, corner the right side) 7. Cornering means that instead of retreating 5 meters in a straight line, we retreat in an angle to ensure that outside spaces are covered completely.
Notes: Cornering is important (especially at the sidelines of the 5m line) because this is where most of the quick touchdown-scoring plays occur. Even though one of the 5m line defending rules state that defenders must retire 5m in a straight line after a touch has been made, this straight line can be at any angle. This is effective at the defending touchdown line because by cornering, co it lowers the possibility of offensive players to score a touchdown. This is because by cornering to the sideline, we leave space on the inside so that the link is able to shift across and cover the gap that has been left.
Rachel Cheng | 48
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Sideline
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Example In this diagram, we are able to see that Player B is running left, creating an overlap on Player 2. Player 2 can prevent this by cornering towards the sideline, allowing Player 1 to cover the inside.
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
49 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
Rachel Cheng | 50
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51 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
)U)D>ĝ=ľ6)>!ĝ Q)88ĝĄóÿ Aim/Purpose:ĝTo train the players’ quick decision making skills Instructions: 1. Requires 3 players
2. Two players will be on offense, while the last player will be on defense. 3. This will simulate a 2 on 1 situation on the field. 4. The two offensive players shall attempt to score a touchdown. 5. The defense is only allowed to move left and right on a line. 6. The aim of player A and B is to get past the defender without getting touched.
Equipment Needed (per station):
Cones x 6
Rugby Ball x 1
Rachel Cheng | 52
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Variation:ĝPlayer A has the option to draw the Player C in and then pass the ball to Player B. However, another variation is for Player A to fake the pass to Player B, confusing the defender, and running through.
Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball
53 | Spread the Sport: Touch Rugby
)U)D>ĝ=ľ6)>!ĝ Q)88ĝĄô Aim/Purpose:ĝTo train the players’ quick decision making skills Instructions: 1. Requires approximately 12 players
2. Set up two cones with 6 players behind each. One line is offense and the other is defense. 3. This will simulate the opposition’s half of the field. 4. The coach decides the number of offensive/defensive players by yelling out these series of numbers: 11, 21, 22, 32, 33, 43, or 54. 5. The tens digits represent the number of offensive players and the ones represent the number of defensive players. 6. For example, 32 would mean 3 on offense, and 2 on defense.
Equipment Needed (per station): sta
Cones x 4
Notes:
Rugby Ball x 1
The touch should never be taken within the 5 meter zone. The players should practice drawing the defenders off the touchdown line, so that the defense has to get back further in a straight line, allowing for easier tries.
Rachel Cheng | 54
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Touchdown line
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Path of the Player
Cone Placement
Path of the Ball
Rugby Ball