Evasion B

TIP: We recommend reading Minis Curriculum, Session Planning & Design and Coaching Skills & STEP prior to this sample session. Pitch sizes and teams sizes below adjustable to group sizes/training space.

SESSION FOCUS: Concentrate on good running and side-stepping technique and running into space.

0-15 mins - Coaches choice of Activation games

15-45 mins - Zone Circuit, Groups of 8-10 with 10 mins per zone (Add additional games and session time if larger groups)

ZONE 1 - MULTI-DIRECTION RUGBY

Normal rugby game can move 2 differet directions depending on coaches call. Pitch should be setup with different coloured cones to help identify direction and coaches can use that colour as call during the game.

Session Focus Points:

• Highlight early identification of space after coaches call i.e. where has the space moved to and how do we get there?

• Possible Conditions: ‘Barbarians’ style 2 touches instead of 1 for some player or ‘Wallace’ ball style of players who always attack.

• STEP: Make the pitch longer/wider, freeze defence after new try line to help attack identify space, different balls.

ZONE 2 - KINGHORN COUNTER ATTACK

Normal rugby but 2 balls places on either side of halfway on cones. Once a team scores, the opposing team race to play with one of the new balls. Game continues but the previous scorer must return their ball to the open cone before re-joining their team. General goal is to create new situations like defenders chasing to attackers and quicker transitions.

Session Focus Points:

• Highlight use of footwork to find and reach the space and buy time for support.

• Possible Conditions: Individual superpowers - can’t be tackled, must score, must collect new ball.

• STEP: Use different balls, adjust dimensions or scoring zones.

ZONE 3 - Skills & Technique

Skill Activity (7 mins): Standard 1v1s

Setup grid for 1v1s (10x10m), split into a group of attackers (each with a ball) and defenders with each group facing each other. On coaches call, 1 from each group runs to the corner of the grid to their left, then enters grid to do a 1v1. When finished players swap role and repeat - idea to get similar 1v1 as the below video.

PROGRESSIONS: Make the grid larger/smaller and condition attackers to vary difficulty i.e. attacker/defender says ‘go’, attacker can score at 2/1 grid lines etc

Technique Activity (3 mins): Lap of the Cones

Simple technique focus on sidestep make a larger grid of cones (or use existing game zones). Players work around the grid performing and alternating a sidestep (or goose step) at each cone.

PROGRESSIONS: Make the grid larger/more reps/increase speed.

45-60 mins - Rugby Games, Stay in Groups and use Zones as pitches (Round Robin if time allows)