Coach's Tips
 
1) KISS - Keep it Simple and Successful
 
Simplicity, when executed perfectly, is far more beautiful than a
complicated, low percentage move that achieves success only by chance. The simple move is often the best tactical choice, as it is the option that has the highest probability of success. While a "fancy" pass might receive oohs and aahs from the fans IF it works out, one tends to look like a fool who just wasted possession when it doesn't. Be creative, have fun, but keep the play simple and high percentage. Focus on the basic dynamics of the game (e.g. drawing a man away from the intended attack area) and use this knowledge to create a beautiful play through the simplicity of the play and the perfection of the execution.
 
 
2)  Attack from Depth.
 
If our attacking line is too shallow (i.e. too flat and close to the
defense), then our attacking options are limited to crashing the ball tight to the breakdown - we will not have the space and time to pass the ball down the line out wide. If the line is too shallow, we will also have a tendency to catch the ball standing still in an effort to preserve the limited space between us and the defense. There will also be a tendency to drift crossfield while running with the ball in an attempt to buy some time and space to create something. Crashing the ball up tight each and every time, catching the ball standing still (and, therefore, with no speed or momentum) and, finally, drifting across field, is not the way to play winning, dynamic rugby.
 
Give yourself more options by giving yourself a bit more time and space. Allow yourself to attack at pace by running onto the ball. Preserve the space in the defensive line and out wide by straightening the running line with ball in hand. All this can be accomplished by adding a bit of depth to the attacking line.
 
Of course, everything is a fine balance. Too deep and you risk being tackled well behind the gain line - for every step you take forward, the defense can take one step closer. Try positioning yourself at different depths and see how successful each starting position is based on the tactic you are employing. Find out what works and when. Look for that "balance" zone between too shallow and too deep. Be conscious about your depth.
 
 
3) Be Talkative on Defense.
 
Effective defense requires effective coordination, and communication is the key to coordination. While on defense, you should be talkative – actively communicating with the man to the left of you, and the man to the right of you. Tell them who you are marking. If the attacking line is shifting out to one side, communicate with the men beside you to ensure that we also move crossfield to mark the attackers. If you need "help" because of an overload of attackers on your side of the breakdown, call players over to help.
Ensure that the players on each side of you are in a flat line with you in preparation for the attacking wave. Help ensure that we all come up as one in practice by calling, "Ready, ready, up...1....2"