Touch With Jokers

Overview:
This game is perfect for developing passing, running and decision making skills in a conditioned game situation.

Organisation:
Groups of 8 players are organised in 2 teams of 3 players and 2 ’jokers’ as illustrated. The teacher/coach starts with the ball and feeds the attacking team (blues shown) to start the game (touch or tag rugby). Normal rules of rugby apply apart from no kicking and a touch/tag is used instead of a tackle. The two ’jokers’ join the team in possession of the ball. The team in possession can be ’touched’ or ’tagged’ 6 times before they must hand-over possession. After a try is scored, the ball is returned to the teacher/coach and attackers and defenders change roles. The game continues for a set time; the team scoring the most points wins. (Rotate players as ’jokers’ at regular intervals).

Technique:
Communicate; provide information; work at pace; head up to scan opponents and team-mates; adopt straight running lines into space; ball in two hands; secure ball in contact/ tackle; offload ball as straight after tackle; support players delay set-off to create depth.

Adaptation:
Increase difficulty: Increase size of the grid; increase number of players; decrease number of ’jokers’; have ’jokers’ as defending players; introduce decrease number of touches; use smaller ball. Decrease difficulty: Decrease size of the grid; decrease number of players; increase number of ’jokers’ as attackers; increase number of touches; use lighter ball.

For 250 animated Rugby Games, Activities, Practices & Skills, please click here.

Or to download the FREE G.A.P.S. Sports Coaching App for Rugby.