Rugby Training
Rugby is one of the most physically demanding games in terms of player injuries. Since both Rugby Union and Rugby League have gone professional injuries have increased nearly 50% due to rugby players becoming physically stronger and faster and playing with generally more determination.
Ball Drills
The following are some examples of suitable ball drills:
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Ball Pick Up Working in pairs, ideally with a minimum of 6 balls. Lay the balls out in a zig zag formation between 5 and 20 meters apart. One of you will sprint forward, pick up the ball and pass it back. On catching the ball the second partner sprints forward to place the ball on its original position. Work at speed changing roles at the end.
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High Ball Pickup Working on your own, sprint for a minimum of 30 meters around a marker. On reaching the marker, turn and either kick the ball or throw it backwards in the direction of the second marker, and aim to catch it and sprint forward onto the next marker. Repeat this for the third and fourth markers then sprint forward for a try.
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Speed Turn Place a number of markers in any formation, an M Shape, is a good guideline. Sprint as fast as you can around each marker. Ideally place the markers close together 5 – 10 meters apart. Perform the same drill, however run backwards, or side wards around each of the markers.
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Ball Drops Set out a circuit with a number of long straights in it, 20 meters, with a short U-turn followed by a 10-meter sprint. On the long straight either throw or kick the ball so that it bounces close to the marker, aim to predict the bounce, picking the ball up then moving rapidly around the markers in their set order.
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Becoming the fittest and strongest player on the pitch is pointless, unless you can handle the ball under extreme pressure well. Turning at speed, passing, catching and kicking is all skills that you can work on, ideally as a team on the pitch.
