Principles of Training
*This training guide is designed for Adults and older age groups in the junior section,
a mini's specific training guide can be found here
Goals of Training
Fun and Active
Minimal Stoppages- High Intensity
Players improve physically
Players improve Technically
Training Content
Content should be split into three main areas:
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1)Game zones (e.g 10 v 10)
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2) Skill zones (can be the whole group for small groups or using small subgroups aside from the game zone)
3) Match practice
Game Zones
Game Zone: Any rugby based game designed to give players a competitive, intense and dynamic learning zone. The key part of game zone training, is for it to be fun! This is why people play rugby, to play! Game zones are the core pillar of all training sessions.
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Game zones should focus on the fundamentals of unstructured attack, defense or both.
Unstructured Attack Fundamentals: (See separate guide) Lines of running, fixing defenders, support, continuity, identify and attack space, reload attack.
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Defence fundamentals: (See separate guide) Ball Focused, Connections, Communication, spacing, line speed.
Example Game Zone
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Hurricanes Touch:
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12 V 12. Attack has four phases to attack. Then it’s a turnover. On the turnover half the defence goes back to the try line.
Skill Zones
Skill zones are smaller practice areas where focus is given to specific skill areas identified in matches or game zones. These skill zones can be for individual players, or small groups.
Fundamental Skills for constant development:
-Passing skills
-Offloading Sills
-Contact area (Breakdown) skills
-Footwork/evasion skills
-Tackling Skills
Example Skill Zone
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Tackle approach +low tackle footwork
1 v 1 tackle approach. Knee tap on the outside knee.
Key learnings/practice areas:
-footwork on tackle approach
-low point of contact
Match Practice
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We very often need to practice specific situations that occur in the game. Using match practice, we can practice our options on the field. Using match practice, we can also embed our attacking and defence patterns (As referred to in attacking fundamentals document and defensive fundamentals document)
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Match Practice Areas:
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-Entrances and exits
-Open play pattern (sub elements within our pattern)
- Starter plays
Example Match Practice
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Exit from a Lineout Practice:
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Goal: Clarity over exit from lineouts inside our 22m.
Key learnings/practice areas: Players, knowing their roles, clean set up. Good Kick Chase
Another Match Practice Example
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Open plan pattern practice:
Goal: Clarity over positions in attack and individuals' roles.
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Key learnings/practice areas: opportunities to make breaks and find space
Example Pitch Layout
Example Session Plan
Elements of a session Plan:
-Identify the coaches leading the session
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-Identify the broader goals of the session
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-Session plan shows the varying intensity levels of the different session parts (Blocks) with a colour code. Red being the most intense, down to orange and green.
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-Time driven. Each block will have a specific time allocation. We want to keep sessions on time, fast paces and with a high tempo.
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-Coaching points for each block clearly stated.
Extract from session builder template. Session builder will be available on the coaching hub
