Martin's Rugby Coaching Forum

Hi Martin,

I have 2 questions. which I hope u could help me.

I am teaching my players the side step, and all so the technique where a player bring both his feet together(they sink), and then change direction. How can I explain to my players in what situation would each technique be best to use?

I am also trying to get my players to use the chip and grubber kick. Once again how could I explain to them when it would be best to use the grubber and when it would be best to use the chip.

Many thanks,

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Dummy

Hello Dummy,

You have two questions:

1. What is the difference between two techniques?
2. How does a player chooses the best?


On the side-step: I believe the side step is very effective but you are committed earlier in the move than the sink action. With this you can wait for the defender to move. Perhaps the side step can be executed at more speed....

The grubber kick is used in situations where you are too close to chip, the risk is that the grubber is blocked. What I like about the grubber is that you can kick in such a manner that the ball makes a tumble action and almost certainly will make a big bounce upwards. Internationals never have to bent over to pick up a ball, it always bounces up at the right moment!


How to choose the best? There is very little time to make this decision! You will have to program the brains of the players. First, make sure the mechanics of the movement are done well, than at more pace to the exercise and more options - feedback on the selection is important. Your advantage is you have so much time with your team!

Please read up on this:


http://www.rugbycoach.com/club/skills/learning.htm
read the article by Jeff Hollier


Good luck

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Martin, Rugbyhead