Decision making is probably the area that most rugby players need to work on. In particular how to create space, make a miss-match or simple exploit a 2 on 1.

In addition many of our players come back unfit after the summer and dread the thought of the pre-season fitness programme.

I think many of us have experienced endless static 2 on 1, 3 on 1 and 4 on 1 drill; but is that really the best way to learn?

I am a firm believer that game related skills sessions are a better way to learn.

I will outline a simple drill that will promote decision making, passing, support, fitness & also defence.

Aerobic Touch

Equipment required, market cones, bibs & balls.

Simple mark your pitch with lines across the pitch, you can use pre existing lines or colour code the lines. My suggestion would be try lines, half way line and a line halfway between try line and halfway. If you can mark try lines in white, half way line in blue and the other two in red (or any 3 different colours). Coloured cones are a preference of mine when doing new drills or games it helps the players understand what you want them to do. I would suggest using a pitch 50 metres long by 40 metres wide

You then play the game with even sides, the game can be condition to have as many touches before handover as you want, this can be unlimited to start.

Once a player makes a touch he must run back to the next line before he can take part in game. This has the following affects.

1. Make him run further
2. Creates a gap for the attack to exploit, therefore making attack make decisions.
3. Creates gap for defence to defend, they must work harder to cover the gap left.

As the game progresses more gaps appear, the defence line becomes fragmented with the active defenders having to work hard and those who have made the touch working hard to get into the game.

Once a score is made the attack switches to the other side; both sides will quickly tire aerobically putting more pressure on their offensive & defensive decision making.

Variations to Game

1. When a team scores the whole team must touch a pre-defined line (e.g. their try line or half way line before they are active in the game) This makes the scorer think before he scores, does he have time to delay scoring to allow team mates to become active. It also will promote the new defenders to come up in a flat line to defend.
2. Forwards run to closest or furthest touchline; backs run to the next line across the pitch. This will mean that defenders are re-joining the game from the side as well as in front, making this game more match like and promoting decision making.
3. Reduce lines to only half way & try lines, simply makes those not active work more to get back in game and other defenders work harder to compensate for those not active.

As you can see during this game players will have to work very hard to participate in it. This game will stretch their aerobic fitness base in a match related situation. In addition to this it works on the core skills of the game and will make players make decisions under pressure. Most importantly from experience players have found this game fun and will play it without realising they are working on their aerobic endurance, so ideal for those players who are reluctant to fitness activities.

Donny