Comments on: Rugby Skills Drill Video

By: Des Foy

Des Foy — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:46:54 +0000

Pete, I have done the drill myself and used it with players of different ages and abilities, and I remember seeing it on a Canberra Raiders video back in the 80’s.
My point is that sports science studies show that hand eye co-ordination and muscle memory are specific.
Juggling with chainsaws and bowling balls is an admirable skill that requires excellent hand eye coordination and highly tuned motor control, but it doesn’t help you pass and catch a rugby ball.
I think the 2010 soccer world cup supports my arguement. The introduction of a new ball, only slightly different to what players have been used to, has, for many players, ruined their motor skills, they are over or under hitting the ball. Corners and free kicks have been ridiculously poor.
It’s a fun drill, and can be used to break up the monotony of training, but it isnt the way to improve handling a rugby ball

By: Bill Stone

Bill Stone — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:18:21 +0000

Hi, Neil, Thank for the drill, it`s one that we use with all sorts of different size balls.I have used this drill for the past ten years starting at with Under 7`s. Hand/ Eye coordination is so important. If the little guys can not catch on the field they lose heart very quickly. Thanks for going back to grassroots. Bill Stone Newtown Junior Rugby League, Qld. Australia.

By: Pete Olliver

Pete Olliver — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:34:18 +0000

Des, I think you have missed the relevance for this drill.
It helps to develop hand eye co-ordination especially amongst those whos core skills in this area are lacking.
Try the drill then get feed back from your players…you will be surprised at the improvement.

By: henry

henry — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:32:54 +0000

some great drills and plenty to work with

By: Des Foy

Des Foy — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:27:18 +0000

It’s a nice play ground game, but how relevant is it to rugby?
Have you ever tried to pick up a suitcase that you think is full, only to find it is empty and very much lighter than you anticipated. It flies up in the air because you have recruited the wrong amount of muscle fibres for the job. Aristotle said ‘if you want to play the flute, you have to play the flute’ – if you want to get better at catching a rugby ball, catch a rugby ball.

By: ERIC STOKES

ERIC STOKES — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:36:53 +0000

Hi Neil, just watched the video, like Bob above used small plastic bottles, tennis balls and different shapes of equipment, particularly found in primary schools games cupboard. I don’t mind if they are league or union the drills are all core related skills, keep up the good work. It is gratifying to realise you (me)may be on the right lines

By: ERIC STOKES

ERIC STOKES — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:35:45 +0000

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:19:44 +0000

Hi Neil
I’ve been involved with rugby for the past 39 years. Thanks for all the great drills – The performance Skills however I feel are more important. Would like to see more League related drills. South Africa is great with Union but only resurrected League a couple of years ago. Could we see more Handling skill work? Keep up the great work. As coaches we can never get enough information. Thanks.
Dave
South Africa

By: francis haynes

francis haynes — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:15:20 +0000

thanks for the drills a narrative coaching points along with the video would be an asset

By: keith g

keith g — Mon, 18 May 2009 06:08:58 +0000

hi i am currently doing my level 2 coaching and has anybody got any ideas on drills to retrieve the ball