Tony O’Brien MSc, MSc, BA (Hons), Cert Ed

The course content is not definitive; it provides a structured approach to coaching and building the game of rugby. It will provide information to develop individual and unit skills, playing philosophy, game plans and team tactics. This will be achieved through understanding the game and player selection using a combination of group discussion, video analysis/feedback and practical coaching sessions.

What skills do I coach?• What skills do we need?• How do I engage the players?• Which players do I select?

Individual Skill

Unit Development

Team Development

Individual Skills Passing Tackling Kicking Lifting FootworkUnits Skills Lineout Scrums Buddy System

Team DevelopmentoGame StructureoD SystemoWidthoFlow Shape

A framework to coach rugby. Player selection• The individual skills and drills• The unit skills and drills• Team attack & defence• Themed games• Game/ player analysis

 Team/ Squad selection Play Maker Finisher Ball Winner Ball Carrier

Controller and communicator• Team coordinator• Ability to see and play space• Implementation of attacking plays• Create space• Play in the runners• Positional flexibility• Team Defensive role – retains & controls

shape.

One v one attacking skills• Tackle line penetration• Accelerate into space/ gaps• Retain team width• Control depth and shape• Positive attacking options• Correct running line• Try scorer• Team Defensive role – control wide defence.

Tackle/ “bounce” skills• Offensive tackles• Ground skills – jackal, win space• Ball support player• Retention of depth off ball carrier• Tackle assists• Team Defensive role–lead defensive line

speed

Positive ball carrier to defensive line• Ball retention in contact• Pull 2/3 defenders• Run the space• Correct running lines/ pull in defenders•

Create momentum• Leg drive• Team Defensive roles-lead defensive line

speed.

Passing- individual/ unit/ team• Team width and flow• Skill sets• Ball presentation – prone/ long present•

Attacking Contact area – buddy system• Tackle – 1 on 1, go dance go!• Tackle/ bounce• Defensive contact area – win the space, jackal• Defensive shape• Set Piece – Kick off, lineout, scrum• Teams games

 Skill Sets, Width and Flow Passing and support techniques• Backs Skill Sets – smile, A, X, Dummy X•

Attacking Unit Development Passing flow and technique – Pass support Skill set developmentTeam Width and Flow video

Contact Area and Ball Presentation•Control the tackler – foot work•Work on the floor• The long present• Buddy system – supporting the ball carrier system 1 - “seal” system 2 – “free”Unit  

Bounce and Contact Area Individual Tackle Technique – 1 on 1 Tackle/ bounce Defensive contact area win the space jackal

Systems, Units & SweeperSystemsDefensive Unit DevelopmentThe Role of the Sweeper

 Kick-off attack kicking technique & area structure Kick-off receipt centre, set, frame, fingers – one man lift structure

Lineout speed, set, lift, throw player rolesScrum Profile, hit, feed Player positioning

4v4, 5v5, 7v2• Touch/ touch grab• Off load game• Space game – 5v2, 6v2, 4v1• Tackle bag/suit games• Full contact grids and games

Set Piece Video Small Game Video Types of Analysis