COACHING KEY FACTORS
World Rugby 2015
Contents
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS ..........................................................................................................................................................................3
Running........................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Evasive running with the ball ..............................................................................................................................................................................3
Side step ................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Swerve ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Running in attack close support of the ball carrier......................................................................................................................................6
Running in attack recognising and attacking space ..................................................................................................................................7
Running in defence ..............................................................................................................................................................................................8
Handling ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Catching the kicked ball ......................................................................................................................................................................................9
Picking up the ball ..............................................................................................................................................................................................10
Passing the ball ..................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Receiving the ball ..............................................................................................................................................................................................12
Spiral pass............................................................................................................................................................................................................13
Clearing pass ......................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Passing out of the tackle ..................................................................................................................................................................................15
Screen pass ........................................................................................................................................................................................................16
Kicking ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Punt kick ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Drop kick ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Place kick..............................................................................................................................................................................................................19
Tackling ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................20
Key points for players in every tackle situation ............................................................................................................................................20
Shoulder tackle - front-on ................................................................................................................................................................................21
Shoulder tackle - side-on ..................................................................................................................................................................................22
The smother tackle............................................................................................................................................................................................23
The tap ................................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Tackle from behind ............................................................................................................................................................................................25
UNIT SKILLS ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Lineout ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
Scrummaging ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................27
Back line attack ......................................................................................................................................................................................................28
Back line defence ..................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Continuity keeping the ball alive ..................................................................................................................................................................30
Rucking......................................................................................................................................................................................................................31
Mauling......................................................................................................................................................................................................................32
Kick starts and restarts - the kicking team ..................................................................................................................................................33
Kick starts and restarts - the receiving team................................................................................................................................................34
Counter-attack ......................................................................................................................................................................................................35
COACHING KEY FACTORS
Individual skills - Running
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
EVASIVE RUNNING WITH THE BALL
Key factors
The ball carrier should:
carry the ball in both hands
run into space whenever possible, evading contact
when faced with opposition, try to dodge round them
by moving them one way (known as fixing a
defender) then changing direction (with a side step
or swerve) and/or pace
COACHING KEY FACTORS
move into the space they have created
accelerate forwards out of the space
Individual skills - Running
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SIDE STEP
Key factors
The ball carrier should:
target the nearest defender, running towards them to
fix their position
change direction close to them by quickly pushing
sideways off one foot and changing direction to
move in the other direction (i.e. the right foot to go
left and the left foot to go right)
COACHING KEY FACTORS
accelerate away from the defender taking advantage
of their hesitation
Individual skills - Running
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SWERVE
Key factors
The ball carrier should:
target the nearest defender, running towards them to
fix their position trying to move them inside their line
of running
change direction away from them by veering away
into the outside space
COACHING KEY FACTORS
accelerate away from the defender taking advantage
of their hesitation
Individual skills - Running
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
RUNNING IN ATTACK - CLOSE SUPPORT OF THE BALL CARRIER
Key factors
The supporting player should:
position themselves to support the ball carrier, ideally
from behind which will enable them to react to the
actions of the ball carrier
communicate to the ball carrier that they are running
in support
anticipate their role in support and have their hands
ready to receive an offload pass if given but also be
prepared to enter a contact situation to clear a threat
if necessary
COACHING KEY FACTORS
keep their distance to ensure they can react to the
ball carriers actions, accelerate into play and onto the
ball/enter the contact area rather than slowing down
to catch the ball/enter the contact area
catch pass/clear contact area and continue play
Individual skills - Running
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
RUNNING IN ATTACK - RECOGNISING AND ATTACKING SPACE
Key factors
Players should:
observe the defence in front of them and move into a
position to make and attack space considering depth
and width of attack
identify how the defence is set up:
- where there are gaps and potential mismatches,
e.g. a centre versus a prop
- defensive players body position and formation
are they squared up to the attack and ready to
move forward in defence or are they misaligned
and still concentrating on the contact area?
- is there space behind the defensive line to attack
with kick through or over?
COACHING KEY FACTORS
keep eyes on opposition to react to defensive
changes
communicate defensive set up and
gaps/mismatches to team mates
attack space quickly and confidently with support to
get over the gain line
Individual skills - Running
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
RUNNING IN DEFENCE
Key factors
The supporting player should:
observe the attack in front of them and move into a
position to defend space
identify how the attack is set up:
- where there are more attackers than defenders
- where there are potential mismatches, e.g. a
centre versus a prop
- attack formation and alignment are they flat,
deep, narrow or wide?
keep eyes on opposition to react to changes
communicate attacking set up and
gaps/mismatches/alignment to team mates
COACHING KEY FACTORS
reorganise defensive formation quickly to reduce the
ball carriers options:
- match up width of defence with width of attack
- move slower defenders towards the contact point
- minimise mismatches
when ready move forward to stop the attack, make
an effective tackle and attempt to win the ball back
Individual skills - Handling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
CATCHING THE KICKED BALL
Key factors
Players should:
communicate with team mates to confirm they will
be attempting the catch, e.g. Jim's ball
move under the ball and keep eyes on it at all times
assess whether the ball can be caught by staying on
the ground or by jumping into the air to catch it
if staying on the ground to catch:
- move forward underneath the ball and adopt a
strong, stable stance
- position with their shoulder and hip towards
opponents
- extend their arms in the direction of the ball,
keeping elbows together
- catch the ball at eye level, watching it into their
hands, arms and eventually into the body
- be ready to move/play the ball/take contact as
soon as the catch has been made
COACHING KEY FACTORS
if jumping into the air to catch:
- move forwards onto the descending ball
- time jump into the air taking off from one foot
- non-take-off leg can be used to protect from
opposition - lead with the knee
- brace for potential collision with competing
players
- extend their arms in the direction of the ball,
keeping elbows together
- catch the ball at eye level, watching it into their
hands, arms and eventually into their body
- be ready to move/play the ball/take contact on
landing
Individual skills - Handling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
PICKING UP THE BALL
Key factors
Players should:
approach the ball in a low, strong and stable position
position above the ball side-on, straddling the ball
with one foot to the front and the other behind
sink at the hips and bend at the knees
keep their head up in the neutral position
COACHING KEY FACTORS
steady the ball with the front hand and scoop it up
with the back hand
bring the ball into the chest
be ready to move/play the ball/take contact on pick
up
10
Individual skills - Handling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
PASSING THE BALL
Key factors
The ball carrier should:
hold the ball in two hands
commit a defender
prop on their inside leg
turn side on to the defence to face the supporting
receiver
identify the target area - chest height in front of the
receiver
keeping the ball up between waist and chest area
move the ball quickly across their body by swinging
their arms
COACHING KEY FACTORS
use their chest, shoulders, elbows and wrists to
control the speed and flight of the ball as it is released
follow through with their hands in the direction of the
pass with fingers pointing to the target after release
support the receiver once the pass has been
completed
11
Individual skills - Handling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
RECEIVING THE BALL
Key factors
The receiver should:
move forward onto the ball to make the catch
extend their arms - reaching towards the passer
giving a target to aim at (looking to catch the ball
early)
COACHING KEY FACTORS
keep their hands up ready with fingers spread
(thumbs close together)
watch the ball all the way into their hands until certain
all fingers and thumbs are in contact with the ball
12
Individual skills - Handling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SPIRAL PASS
Key factors
The ball carrier should:
turn the ball so that its long axis is approximately 30
degrees to the horizontal
in the passing action, use their top hand to give
power and to impart spin
COACHING KEY FACTORS
use their bottom hand to provide stability and
direction
13
Individual skills - Handling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
CLEARING PASS
Key factors
The ball carrier should:
approach the ball in a low, strong and stable position
sink at their hips, bend at their knees
place their right foot to the ball when passing with the
right hand (left foot to the ball when passing with the
left hand)
place their other foot a comfortable distance away
for stability, pointing in the direction of the pass
keep their head over the ball, eyes focussed on the ball
COACHING KEY FACTORS
in one quick movement, sweep the ball from the
floor to the receiver, taking care not to make two
movements (lifting then passing)
when passing right, use their right hand for stability
and their left hand for power and vice versa
follow through with both hands pointing in the
direction of the receiver
14
Individual skills - Handling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
PASSING OUT OF THE TACKLE
Key factors
The ball carrier should:
have a positive mindset to move the ball out of the
tackle
hold the ball firmly in two hands to withstand the
impact of the tackle
use evasive footwork to avoid taking a front on tackle
and force a side on tackle
once tackled, drive their legs to maintain forward
movement
keep their arms free above the level of the tackle and
maintain a strong two handed grip on ball
COACHING KEY FACTORS
identify support players and pass before falling to
ground
if unable to pass before falling to ground, keep their
elbows tucked into their body as they fall and pass to
support
if no support available, then present the ball on
landing
15
Individual skills - Handling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SCREEN PASS
Key factors
The ball carrier should:
drive into a defender side on
upon contact, remain standing
turn their back on to the defender
COACHING KEY FACTORS
protect the ball from interference
make a close pass to a team mate
16
Individual skills - Kicking
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
PUNT KICK
Key factors
Before the kick, the kicker should:
adopt a balanced, stable, strong body position
keep their opposite shoulder forward: if kicking with
right foot - left shoulder; left foot - right shoulder
hold the ball in two hands with one point aimed at
the foot, the other at the sky
extend their arms fully (elbows straight)
keep their core strong, then cock their leg by flexing
hip and knee
drop the ball onto their foot keeping their posture tall
and upright with their head slightly forwards
During the kick, the kicker should:
step onto their non-kicking foot, which should be in
line with the target
un-cock their leg by extending hip and knee
keep their head down and forwards
make contact with the bone on the top of the instep
of their foot (laces of boot) and the point of the ball,
keeping their toes pointing to the ground
maintain their leg speed through contact
After the kick, the kicker should:
maintain their forward momentum with their body
moving towards target
follow through with their kicking foot to finish
towards the target
be carried forward, by momentum, from their nonkicking foot to land on the same foot
COACHING KEY FACTORS
follow through with their opposite arm to finish
towards the target to maintain balance and direction
keep their head down and forwards until follow
through is complete
17
Individual skills - Kicking
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
DROP KICK
Key factors
Before the kick, the kicker should:
hold the ball so that when it is dropped to the ground
it bounces up in the same alignment
extend their arms fully (elbows straight)
keep their core strong, then cock their leg by flexing
hip and knee
turn the shoulder of their non-kicking foot towards
the target
drop the ball to the ground the width of the hips from
their non-kicking foot
During the kick, the kicker should:
step forward onto their non-kicking foot aligning the
line of the instep with the target
un-cock their leg by extending hip and knee
make contact with the bone on the top of the instep
of their foot (laces of boot) and the lower part of the
ball, keeping their toes pointing forwards and
upwards
for low kicks, strike the ball close to the ground; for
high kicks, let the ball bounce higher
After the kick, the kicker should:
follow through in a natural arc onto the toes of their
non-kicking foot
COACHING KEY FACTORS
use the arm of the non-kicking side of the body for
balance
18
Individual skills - Kicking
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
PLACE KICK
Key factors
Before the kick, the kicker should:
select a target between the posts
tee the ball upright on a kicking tee with the valve of
the ball pointing towards the target
stand over the ball with their kicking foot placed close
behind the ball and their non-kicking foot where it will
be placed when they make contact with the ball
move back to a position that is comfortable
relax in preparation for approach
commence approach by running in an arc to open up
the hips to generate maximum power
During the kick, the kicker should:
move their opposite arm forward to turn the shoulder
side on to the target
place their non-kicking foot hip-width from the ball
with the line of the instep of the foot (laces of the
boot) in line with the target
keep their core strong, then cock their leg by flexing
hip and knee
un-cock their leg by extending hip and knee
make contact with the bone on the top of the instep
of the foot (laces of boot) and the ball (target should
be 1/3 up from the bottom of the ball)
maintain their leg speed through contact
After the kick, the kicker should:
keep their head down and forwards
follow through with their kicking foot to finish
towards target
COACHING KEY FACTORS
be carried forward, by momentum, from their nonkicking foot to land on the same foot
19
Individual skills - Tackling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Key points for players in every tackle situation
Tackler - contact with opponent(s). The tackler should:
keep eyes up looking at the ball carrier to keep head in the correct position
track the movement of the ball carrier and get their feet close enough to make the tackle using the arms to wrap
around the ball carrier
prepare for contact - adopting a body position that is strong, stable and low
position their head behind or to one side of the ball carrier (never position the head in front of the ball carrier)
release the tackled player, get back to their feet immediately and contest for possession
Ball carrier - contact with ground. The ball carrier should:
carry the ball in both hands
protect the ball - holding it tight to their chest with elbows in to sides
make contact with the ground with their buttocks and then their shoulder
not break their fall with their hand or the ball
turn towards their team and pass, place or present the ball
get back to their feet as soon as possible
All arriving players must enter the tackle area through the gate. Only players on their feet may compete for the ball.
Players arriving at an attempted but incomplete tackle should:
maintain a strong, stable and low body position
use their arms to grasp ball carrier
avoid contact with other players heads and necks
bring the ball carrier safely to the ground
If clearing or driving out defenders, players should:
maintain a strong, stable and low body position
keep their chin off their chest, their head up, their hands up
sight their target
keep their spine in line with the direction of drive
start their drive from a low body position
make contact with defender using the shoulder and arms, not the head
close arms around opponent
drive the player away and clear the ball
COACHING KEY FACTORS
20
Individual skills - Tackling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SHOULDER TACKLE - FRONT-ON
Key factors
The tackler should:
keep eyes up
maintain a strong, stable and low body position
target and make contact with their shoulder on the
ball carriers thighs
squeeze their arms tight around the ball carriers legs
while driving with their legs
COACHING KEY FACTORS
continue to leg drive to bring the ball carrier to
ground
release the ball carrier
get back to their feet quickly
contest for possession
21
Individual skills - Tackling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SHOULDER TACKLE - SIDE-ON
Key factors
The tackler should:
keep eyes up
maintain a strong, stable and low body position
target and make contact with their shoulder on the
ball carriers thighs
squeeze their arms tight around the ball carriers legs,
drive with their legs and bring the ball carrier to
ground
COACHING KEY FACTORS
roll to finish on top of the ball carrier
release the ball carrier and get back to their feet
quickly
contest for possession
22
Individual skills - Tackling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
THE SMOTHER TACKLE
Key factors
The tackler should:
plant their lead foot close to the ball carrier
target the ball (should be between waist and chest
height)
COACHING KEY FACTORS
try to wrap both arms around the ball carrier and in
doing so trap the ball carriers arms and the ball
drive forward after contact
23
Individual skills - Tackling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
THE TAP
Key factors
The tackler should:
chase the ball carrier until within diving distance
dive and make contact with the ball carriers feet or
ankles with an outstretched arm
COACHING KEY FACTORS
keep their head away from the ball carriers feet
24
Individual skills - Tackling
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
TACKLE FROM BEHIND
Key factors
The tackler should:
chase the ball carrier until within diving distance
wrap their arms around the hips/legs of the ball
carrier
with their head to the side, make contact with their
shoulder and pull their arms towards them until the
ball carrier is taken to the ground
COACHING KEY FACTORS
squeeze their arms tight and slide down the ball
carriers body (remembering to keep their head to
one side) to finish on top of the ball carrier
25
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
LINEOUT
Key factors
The thrower should:
adopt a stance with a stable base
take a two-handed grip of the ball
throw the ball from behind head, spinning towards
target in one smooth action keeping elbows tucked in
close together
follow through towards target
The jumpers/supporters should:
communicate effectively with team mates
outmanoeuvre opponents into space
make an effective, quick jump reaching to catch ball
with arms extended to full height
deliver the ball accurately to team mates either in air
or once landed
COACHING KEY FACTORS
provide safe, strong and stable support from in front
of and behind the jumper to aid jump, control the
jumper in the air and bring jumper back down to
ground safely
26
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
SCRUMMAGING
Key factors
Scrummaging players should:
adopt a strong, safe and stable body position
throughout the scrum (see Rugby Ready)
bind legally, strongly and safely both horizontally, i.e.
front row, second row and back row, as well as
vertically, i.e. back row to second row to front row (see
Rugby Ready)
be aware of and be able to perform the correct
engagement sequence
be able to move forwards, backwards and sideways
safely individually, as part of a mini-unit and as part of
the whole scrum
The scrum half must:
throw the ball in straight down the middle of the
scrum
COACHING KEY FACTORS
27
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
BACK LINE ATTACK
Key factors
Back line players should:
understand the tackle line, gain line and their
implications in attack
possess scanning skills to identify the defensive setup
communicate effectively with team mates
set the width of attack to maximise attacking space
set and retain alignment relative to attacking
intentions, e.g. attack out wide deep alignment;
attack closer in flatter alignment
COACHING KEY FACTORS
be able to move and exploit the opposition through
effective:
- running
- handling
- support
be able to penetrate gaps and finishing try scoring
opportunities
28
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
BACK LINE DEFENCE
Key factors
Back line players should:
understand the tackle line, gain line and their
implications in defence
possess scanning skills to identify the attacking set up
communicate effectively with team mates
set and maintain the integrity of defensive system
according to attacking set-up
COACHING KEY FACTORS
go forward in defence to deny attackers time and
space
possess sound individual tackle technique and the
ability to defend space
29
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
CONTINUITY KEEPING THE BALL ALIVE
Key factors
All players should:
understand that taking contact should only occur if
the player cannot evade defenders or pass out of a
tackle
continue to go forward in contact situations,
maintaining momentum, whilst striving to beat
defenders
if tackle is inevitable, force the defender to make a
side-on tackle, work hard to stay on their feet and
move forward, allowing an offload pass
COACHING KEY FACTORS
if offload is not possible, go to ground and present
the ball to team mates (as far from opposition as
possible)
if supporting, make the next decision based on
defensive threats, e.g. pick up ball, pass ball, clear
defenders
30
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
RUCKING
Key factors
After the tackle, the ball carrier should:
present the ball quickly in the direction of team mates
(as far away from the opposition as possible)
Arriving players:
should maintain a low, strong, stable body position
throughout the ruck. Head and shoulders must be
above the hips at all times
must join the ruck in a legal manner (from behind the
foot of the hindmost team mate in the ruck)
COACHING KEY FACTORS
should be aware that they may need to clear out any
potential threats to the ball
should drive beyond the ball to make it more readily
available
31
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
MAULING
Key factors
During the maul, the ball carrier should:
strive to maintain forward momentum and make the
ball available to team mates
Arriving players should:
support the ball carrier, attempt to secure the ball by
ripping or driving beyond the ball
be bound together in a safe and legal manner with
head and shoulders above the hips
drive forward in a safe and strong body position
move the ball, or the person on the ball, to the back of
the maul once additional support arrives
Once the ball is at the rear of the maul, the ball carrier can either:
1. continue driving
2. leave the maul
COACHING KEY FACTORS
3. pass to a team mate
32
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
KICK STARTS AND RESTARTS - THE KICKING TEAM
Key factors
The kicking team should:
kick restart to regain possession and/or territory
kick and chase effectively
if short kick restart, ensure enough height to allow
team mates enough time to compete for the ball
COACHING KEY FACTORS
if long kick restart, ensure accuracy of kick to enable
an effective chase forcing the opposition into kicking
the ball from the field of play or to run out of defence
into an organised defensive system
33
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
KICK STARTS AND RESTARTS - THE RECEIVING TEAM
Key factors
The receiving team should:
as per catching a kicked ball, support the receiving
player in the air if necessary (supporters must bring
catcher back to ground in a safe manner)
either catch the ball or tap it back towards team
mates
COACHING KEY FACTORS
collect tapped ball or to play once the catcher lands
this may involve a contact situation depending on the
chase from the kicking team
34
Unit skills
WORLD RUGBY
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
COUNTER-ATTACK
Key factors
The counter-attacking team should:
have trust and confidence in their team mates and a
collective will to counter attack the ball carrier must
know they have support to try an attack
communicate the best place to attack to team mates
COACHING KEY FACTORS
possess one-on-one skills to beat defenders
possess support skills to offer attacking options as
well as a desire to protect the ball carrier
be able to cover the back field in case of turnover
35
