All sports

🏉 Rugby drills

💙 I can't give medical or injury advice. For pain, injuries, a possible concussion, or health conditions, please speak with a doctor, physiotherapist or certified athletic therapist — and let your coach know. Young athletes: tell a parent or guardian. In an emergency, call 911 (Canada & US) or 112 (India).

Under 12

Passing grid (hands ready)

10 min · 4+ players · Passing accuracy
  1. Mark a 10×10 m square with a player on each corner.
  2. Pass to the next corner; receiver shows hands as a target.
  3. Switch direction every 2 minutes; add a second ball when it's tidy.

Coach tip: Praise 'hands up early' and passes that arrive at chest height.

Learn more: World Rugby Passport ↗

Tag evasion channels

12 min · 6+ players · Footwork & decision-making
  1. Make 5 m wide channels.
  2. Attacker tries to get past one defender who only tags (no contact).
  3. Rotate roles every 3 runs.

Coach tip: Use tag belts for younger groups – contact skills follow your union's age-grade rules.

Learn more: World Rugby Passport ↗

13–17

Passing grid (hands ready)

10 min · 4+ players · Passing accuracy
  1. Mark a 10×10 m square with a player on each corner.
  2. Pass to the next corner; receiver shows hands as a target.
  3. Switch direction every 2 minutes; add a second ball when it's tidy.

Coach tip: Praise 'hands up early' and passes that arrive at chest height.

Learn more: World Rugby Passport ↗

Tag evasion channels

12 min · 6+ players · Footwork & decision-making
  1. Make 5 m wide channels.
  2. Attacker tries to get past one defender who only tags (no contact).
  3. Rotate roles every 3 runs.

Coach tip: Use tag belts for younger groups – contact skills follow your union's age-grade rules.

Learn more: World Rugby Passport ↗

2 v 1 draw and pass

12 min · 3+ players · Creating overlaps
  1. Two attackers vs one defender in a 10 m channel.
  2. Ball carrier runs at the defender's inside shoulder, then passes.
  3. Count successful overlaps out of 10.

Coach tip: Ask 'who made the defender decide?'

Learn more: World Rugby Passport ↗

Adults

Passing grid (hands ready)

10 min · 4+ players · Passing accuracy
  1. Mark a 10×10 m square with a player on each corner.
  2. Pass to the next corner; receiver shows hands as a target.
  3. Switch direction every 2 minutes; add a second ball when it's tidy.

Coach tip: Praise 'hands up early' and passes that arrive at chest height.

Learn more: World Rugby Passport ↗

2 v 1 draw and pass

12 min · 3+ players · Creating overlaps
  1. Two attackers vs one defender in a 10 m channel.
  2. Ball carrier runs at the defender's inside shoulder, then passes.
  3. Count successful overlaps out of 10.

Coach tip: Ask 'who made the defender decide?'

Learn more: World Rugby Passport ↗

Explainers

Practise little and often

Short, regular skill sessions (10–20 minutes) build technique better than rare long ones. Mix in games so practice feels like the real thing. (Sport for Life – Long-Term Development ↗)

Age-appropriate play

Young players learn best through fun, small-sided games and modified equipment. Specialising early isn't required — sampling several sports is encouraged. (Sport for Life – Long-Term Development ↗)

Where to learn more about rugby

Your national governing body has coaching courses, age-grade rules and safety guidance. Always follow your club's and league's rules. (World Rugby Passport ↗)

Practice log

For under-18s we only record the drill and minutes — no body or health metrics.

Drills summarised by SportsGPT for general skill practice. Follow your league's age-grade rules and use proper safety equipment. Sources checked October 16, 2026.