They run sideways or backwards
The ball carrier drifts across the pitch away from defenders and loses ground
Why it happens
- Running away from defenders feels safer than running at space in front.
- They don't know which way the try line is when they're under pressure.
- They're looking for an easy pass instead of going forward.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Run forward first.”
- “Find the space in front of you.”
- “Great run! You went forward and found the gap.”
✗ Not this
- “Wrong way!” shouted from the side.
- “Just run at them.”
- Taking the ball off them for running sideways.
The drill ladder
Move a group up a level only when they hit the "ready for next level" sign. It's fine for groups to be on different levels.
Straight channel race
How it works
- Mark narrow channels with cones, 3m wide and 15m long.
- Players race down their channel with a ball. Stepping out of the channel means starting again.
- Then add a still defender halfway down the channel next to them, to run past without leaving the channel.
Coaching points
- Eyes on the try line, run forward.
- Ball in two hands.
- Straight and fast beats wide and slow.
Ready for the next level when: Players run straight to the line at full pace, even with a defender beside them.
Colour gates
How it works
- The player runs forward with the ball.
- Partway through the run, the coach shouts a colour.
- The player has to scan, pick the gate and go through it at full pace.
Coaching points
- Call later and later as they improve.
- Eyes up, not on the ball.
- Later on, swap colours for a defender who moves to block a gate.
Ready for the next level when: Players hit the right gate quickly, even with a late call.
Dodge the statue
How it works
- One player stands still on a cone as a “statue” defender. No touching.
- The ball carrier runs at the statue and, without slowing down, steps left or right past them and carries on to the end cone.
- Then the statue may take one step left or right as the carrier arrives. Rotate the statue every few goes.
Coaching points
- Keep your feet moving. Never stop in front of a defender.
- Eyes on the space beside the defender, not on the defender.
- Ball in two hands, tucked away from the defender as you go past.
Ready for the next level when: Ball carriers go past the statue at full pace without slowing, on both sides.
Forward gates touch
How it works
- Set three small cone gates across the middle of the pitch.
- A try only counts if the ball carrier ran forward through a gate on the way.
- Move the gates closer to the try line as players get the idea.
Coaching points
- Run at the gates, not across the pitch.
- Support players: get behind the ball carrier.
- Ask: “Which gate was open?”
Ready for the next level when: Ball carriers run forward through gaps without being reminded.
2v1 channel
How it works
- Two attackers against one defender.
- The ball carrier runs at the defender. Pass if the defender commits to you, run if they drift to your support.
- Defender walks or jogs first, then plays full speed.
- Defenders use a two-handed touch, not a tackle.
Coaching points
- Run at the defender's inside shoulder to draw them.
- Support stays a few metres wide and calls “here!”
- Ask the carrier afterwards what they saw.
Ready for the next level when: Most reps finish with the right pass-or-run choice.
Common coaching mistakes
- Big pitches with lots of room to drift.
- Telling them to “run straight” without showing them where the space is.
- Only praising tries, not good forward runs.
- Taking the ball off players who drift instead of coaching them.
Related problems
Ball carrierConfidence
Ball carriers stop dead when they meet a defender
They run, see a defender, freeze, and get tackled standing still
Game senseThey don't know which way they're attacking
Players run the wrong way, celebrate in the wrong place, or freeze at kick-off
PassingLawsPasses go forward
Every move ends in a forward pass and a scrum or a turnover