Training - Defending as a team

Following a couple of weeks away at joint training sessions, this week saw a return to Broom Road on a sunny, but chilly morning. This weeks focus was on support and communication in all aspects of play, but particularly at the ruck and in the defensive line. After some warmup touch rugby, we developed into games of rugby netball. This game encouraged the U11s to run into space, whilst calling for the ball. Scoring a point could be achieved by passing the ball into any one of three scoring zones (where it could be caught) and which were randomly selected by the coach!

For our structured drill session, we were joined by Ducan one of the LIONS coaches, and the squad was split into two groups. The first group began by working on holding the ball securely into the tackle, with support players communicating as to when to "go down", forming the ruck and then driving over the ball. Starting with one on one and greadually adding numbers, the defender also worked on trying hold the ball up and rip to from the attacker, before the ruck was formed.

The second group also worked on their communication skills, but this time by moving in a line together. Pushing forwards and moving side-to-side is a tricky manouver which everyone worked hard at. After groups so all could have a go at each drill, a great mornings rubgy was rounded off with some games. The U11s were encouraged to communicate in their teams and to organise themselves building on the lessons of the morning. Some great examples of attacking and defensive rugby seemed to suggest that the U11s were getting the hang of the art of rucking!

Next week we play hosts to Richmond RFC for a joint training session at Broom Road. Look out for more details later in the week via Pitchero.