Game version
Ball-presentation game: place the ball and set a strong base while a partner reads your position aloud, with no contact. Swap.
Shield Clear-Out at Walking Pace
Move a held shield off the ball with a low, safe body position.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Only with a coach. A ball sits on the ground; a partner holds a shield over it.
Core: Steady. Beat your own steadiest base.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Tackle shield, rugby ball, coach
- Level · skill
- Developing · Breakdown
The steps
How it works
- Only with a coach. A ball sits on the ground; a partner holds a shield over it.
- Walk in low with your back flat and your head up.
- Bind on the shield with your arms and drive it past the ball with short steps.
- Do 8 each shoulder.
Coaching point
Low and long, eyes up.
Safety: Only with a coach, for ages 14 and up (or later, as your club's union allows). Contact is with a held tackle shield, at walking pace, on soft grass or mats. Head to the side, never head first. Tackle at the waist or below. No swing tackles, lifting or throws. Any head knock or symptom (headache, dizziness, neck pain): stop, tell the coach, and no more rugby until a doctor clears you, at least 21 days for children.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slow), Core (steady), More (a quick reset). Beat your own steadiest base.
Story
You are a builder laying a firm foundation.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own steadiest base. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
Free for families and teams
Save this drill to your child or team, free
Sign up and the free rugby week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
14 days free for a family, no card · Running a team is always free
Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.