Articles
Attack articles
Want to teach your players attacking rugby?
We have got attacking skills resource for all levels of the from some of the world's best attack coaches to help including Wayne Smith, Joe Schmidt, Gregor Townsend, Dave Ellis and others.
- Build an effective attack strategy like the best attacking teams in the world.
- Understand different strategies and why they are effective.
- Develop effective individual and team attacking skills and tactics
- Different modified games to develop attacking skills
Plus we have categorised them by playing level to make it easier for you to find:
- Y – youth
- HS – high school
- A – adult
- All – suitable for all levels
Running attacking decoy plays in theory and practiceThe viability of using decoys on attacking plays has become absolutely essential at all levels of the professional game. Analyst Nick Bishop looks at how effective decoys/block are in attack plays.
How to use your eyes – the 10/15 hybrid and engaging the last defender on attackThe first Bledisloe match of 2017 between New Zealand and Australia was decided partly in advance, by selection before the game ever started. How did the All Blacks achieve this? Analyst Nick Bishop explains in his latest article.
Integrating the forwards into phase attackWhy are teams from New Zealand the best in the world at integrating their forwards into attacks as they develop through phases. Analyst Nick Bishop shows how the Blues put into practice what Ex All Black coach Sir Graham demonstrates at his recent Stanford clinic.
How to use the ‘double pump’ to unlock the Press defenceLeading analyst, Nick Bishop looks at the use of the pump-fake or double pump as another method of dislocating the Press defence, but on this occasion by keeping ball in hand.
Unlocking the Press defence (part 2) – using the kick-passIn Nick’s most recent article, he looked at the chip kick and this week discusses how Beauden Barrett uses the kick-pass to great effect break down the Press defence.
Vermeulen set to be unleashed on the IrishIreland are taking on a world-class No. 8 in Duane Vermeulen on Saturday. Standing 6’ 4", weighing in at 118kg, Vermeulen is playing some of the best rugby of his life. Murray Kinsella goes in-depth to find out just why the Springbok back rower is one of the most destructive forwards on the planet.
Murray is the key man for MunsterMurray Kinsella takes a look at how Munster coaches Foley and Walsh are building a game plan around Conor Murray. In Munster’s recent win over Scarlets Murray’s organisation abilities and decision making were key in a remarkable 27-phase passage of play culminating in a try.
New Wayne Smith Trailer: Contesting your own high ballThe second in this new series of rugby coaching videos from Wayne Smith is about contesting your own high ball.
“It’s a really difficult skill to develop in your players… but it’s a really great skill to work on because there is a great outcome if you can win the ball back.” – Wayne Smith.
Check out the trailer:
Coming soon: Wayne Smith on winning the ballAccording to Wayne Smith, at least 40% of tries scored worldwide come from turnover ball. In this new series, Wayne shows you how to win the ball off your opponent from high kicks and in the tackle.
Watch the preview here:
Brave attacking style powers Ireland past NZMurray Kinsella wraps up his analysis of the stunning Irish women’s victory over New Zealand at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, with a focus on the Irish team’s attacking play.
All Blacks give England a lesson in set-piece attack (part 2)Set-piece attack offers teams a wonderful chance to create try-scoring chances. Murray Kinsella continues his analysis of New Zealand’s lineout attacks against England.
All Blacks give England a lesson in set-piece attack (part 1)Set-piece attack offers teams a wonderful chance to create try-scoring chances. Murray Kinsella looks closely at the All Blacks’ devastating lineout attacks.
Le Roux, the complete fullback?Springbok fullback Willie le Roux dominated last weekend’s Test against Wales, Murray Kinsella examines the aspects of play that contributed to his superb performance.
The Perfect OffloadGlasgow Warriors both benefited and cost themselves by using the offload in the RaboDirect Pro12 Final against Leinster, Murray Kinsella analyses the use of the offload in the final.
Attack from ScrumsMurray Kinsella analyses the attacking opportunity from scrums in the defensive third of the pitch and how Super 15 teams have executed their chances in recent games.
Coming Soon: Gregor Townsend - Offload and continuityGlasgow Warriors coach Gregor Townsend’s latest course covers offload skills and continuity in attack.
Lessons from the All Black counter-attackSwift counter-attacking can be an extremely effective means of scoring tries. Murray Kinsella takes a look at how making the right attacking decision based on the defensive spread, can prove to be crucial.
Spin Doctors of Union should learn from Pass Masters of LeagueThe spin pass has become the default for union backs. Players such as George Ford and Kyle Eastmond show that a grounding in rugby league often creates a more effective passer
Coming soon - Mike Friday: Attacking drills & game analysis for 7s rugbyMike Friday and the Kenya 7s team work on the fundamentals of attack – plays, depth, realignment and self-analysis.
Coming Soon - Eric Rush: 7s AttackYou’ve seen Mike Friday’s approach to attacking play in 7s, now here’s how the legendary All Black goes about scoring tries.
Coming Soon - Mike Friday: 7s Attack PatternsWatch the preview to Mike Friday’s latest video module ‘7s Attack Patterns’
Looking for MismatchesMurray Kinsella admired the way Quade Cooper and Israel Folau found the weak link in Scotland’s defence and says vision can be taught
Scoring off First PhaseExecuting a practiced move off a set-piece can be both effective and rewarding for a coach. Murray Kinsella highlights some recent examples of tries from first phase ball and how to best execute these situations.
Coming Soon - Mike Friday: Passing for 7s (Fundamentals & drills)In this first module, Mike focuses on one of the game’s ‘fundamentals’ or ‘non-negotiables’; passing technique
Eddie Jones; Attack from 9 - TrailerEddie Jones provides his first module for The Rugby Site; ‘Attack from 9’.
Wayne Smith: Wide Wide AttackThe latest module from Wayne Smith is out on Monday. Here’s a look at ‘Wide Wide Attack’ and how we integrate the forwards into attacking play.
Are Scrumhalves allowed to run with the ball?The scrum half has become the most influential player in the game.
Wayne Smith: Back Moves TrailerIn this video we will build an understanding of what players should be looking for in attack, how to give really good feedback to the playmaker or director of the backline and create really effective back attack and moves.
It's time to bring back the 'six o'clock' passThe spin pass was a great innovation, but coaches need to emphasise that other passes are more efficient in certain situations
Size isn’t EverythingShane Williams reflects on the great players who made him want to run down to his local field and pretend he was side stepping for Wales.
