Rugby Drills

Rugby Drills To Boost Basic Fitness and Endurance

There are all different kinds of rugby drills that can help improve the myriad of skills needed in the game of rugby. One of the most important skills a rugby player needs is overall fitness, so one of the most vital of all rugby drills is one that addresses basic fitness.

Another benefit to doing rugby drills for fitness is that the whole team can work together. This is a great way to build team camaraderie and also make sure every player on the team is pulling their weight. Players that need extra help can have their drill adjusted.

Start this rugby drill with all of the players standing on the goal line at one end of the field. It’s a good idea to do some basic stretches to get warmed up. This may seem wimpy to a big, tough rugby player, but warm ups and basic fitness training are very effective at improving overall game play as well as preventing injury. Once the team is on the line and warmed up, begin the drill:

> First get down on the ground for 10 push ups.
> Jog to the first 22 meter line.
> Get down for 10 sit ups.
> Perform right side steps to the halfway line.
> Get down for 10 push ups.
> Perform left side steps to the next 22 meter line.
> Get down for 10 sit ups.
> Sprint to the other goal line.

This can be repeated several times and increased over time for maximum effectiveness.

Another version of this basic fitness drill is the pyramid drill, which also enhances overall fitness but adds endurance and agility to the training benefits. The pyramid drill can be done by the entire team at once or with competing players. Each player gets their own ball and begins this drill at the goal line.

> Run the ball to the 22 meter line, set it down and run back to the goal line.
> Return to the ball, pick it up, continue running to the halfway line, set the ball down and run back to the goal line.
> Return to the ball, pick it up, continue running to the next 22 meter line, set the ball down and run back to the goal line.
> Return to the ball, pick it up, continue running to the other goal line.
> Now turn around and bring the ball back to the 22 meter line, set it down and continue running to the original goal line.
> Return to the ball, pick it up, turn around and run it to the halfway line, set it down and continue running to the goal line.
> Return to the ball, pick it up, turn around and run it to the 22 meter line, set it down and continue running to the original goal line.
> Return to the ball, pick it up, turn around and carry it back to the original goal line.