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I agree with the fact that going back to the very basics of the game is a good solution.

Simple drills on passing, tackling, mirror runs to keep the line, etc... They also all have to understand that communication is key, because despite what you see in football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, etc... your teamates are behind you, never in front.

If I may suggest: if you can already detect skilled players from others, teaming up 1 skilled player with a "beginner" one would be a great way to enhance communication, teamwork and will smooth your work...

I think you have hit the nail on the head here yongc.

It is called rugby PRACTICE for a reason you should be replicating what you do on the field on a Saturday during training sessions on a Tues Or Thurs (or whenever you train)

Small sided games that force players to think, make deciscions and puts them under pressure should make up the majority of training sessions in my opinion. Skills and drills do have their place but only when introducing a new idea, then spin off and put it into a game somehow.

The fitness you get from playing these games is also unreal - and a lot more applicable to rugby than just sprinting up and down!

There are so many different games you can play I will stick some down in here soon 

(Since I have some free time now before my 3-week college classes starts, I'd like to discuss about developing games and practices for training sessions. We all know that there are times when players do get bored from standard sessions, so here's some ideas on making those sessions not only fun but also purposeful for the team as well. The notes below were provided for by Lynn Evans, coach advisor of the RFU.) 

Developing Practices

How can we begin?

• Perhaps a simple concept – game of 1 v 1 with outcomes – scoring - how to score – where to score – simple rules
• How do we develop from this simple game? We change or add something.
• What can we change?
• The numbers involved in attack and defence
• The area in which we play – narrower – wider – different shape
• How the participants enter the area – side – back – walking - jogging
• How the participants begin the activity – moving – facing away from each other – arriving at different times – coming from different parts of area
• The shape of the attack and defence – bunched – lines – groups – circle
• How the ball or playing implement is introduced – passed – rolled – lobbed
• Distance between attack and defence – closer – wider

We can do all the above with almost any game activity. Any implements!

What we must do is challenge the players the players at the level which is right for that group. Not too easy, not too difficult, but a level which allows them to make progress.

We can develop our own games and help the players devise their own games and make their own rules. Here we need to develop the tactical understanding of the players involved. We can also assist their technical skills development if we feel the need to do so will help the development of the game.

Games of 1 v 1

Equipment cones for a pitch – tennis ball – hands

Develop a game that you score points through attacking your opponent’s area through hitting the ball with your hand into that area. If ball bounces more that once in that area you score a point. Balls that land outside the area score a point for the opponent.

Using one or more of the criteria above develop the game.

We can move to 2 v 2

Using Rugby balls

4 to 6 players

Area 10m x 10m

Develop a game where you score points by hitting a cone placed at either end of the pitch through throwing the ball at the cone.

How do you begin – simple rules – outcomes?

We shall look a few practices using a rugby ball and see how we can develop the practice in a variety of ways that will change the tactical problems for the players.

By providing different and more demanding activity we should provide the players with ever changing game situations that they could encounter in the game. Through our challenging them with questions we should be able to check for their understanding of the many situations that confront them.

Practice 1 – 8 players 4 attackers v 4 defenders

20m x 20m

Start with ball on the floor at one end

4 attackers grouped closely

Defenders at the side spaced 5 m apart

Attackers try to score at the opposite end through running and backward passing

Defenders try to take tag of attackers with the ball – score 1 point if successful

5 points for a try.

We shall look at ways in which we could develop this activity/game

Tag Game

20m x 20m Area – 9 players – 3 balls

1 tagger who can tag any player who does not have the ball

If tagged with no ball that player becomes the tagger

Aim to avoid being tagged – what strategy should we employ?

How can we help each other?

What strategy can the tagger adopt?

Can we make game easier – more difficult?

1 v 1 in 10m x 10m area

Tag – aim to score at one end

Game starts with players passing to one another and then on call PLAY! They begin the game. If Tag is taken defender scores a point.

How can we change – progress the game?

We can ask the players what conditions they want – change of rules.