Assessment and foundation. Players are coming off the offseason — fitness levels are unknown and injury risk is high. Keep intensity controlled, set the tone for the season.
Warm-up
15 MIN
Passing & Handling
- 10 min 3-man pass lines across the field, both directions
- Dropped ball = 10 squats or pushups as a unit
- 10 min progress to 3v2 or 4v3 with passive defenders
- Focus on fixing the defender and timing the pass
20 MIN
Tackle Drill
- Start stationary — body position: head to the side, cheek to cheek, drive through
- Progress to slow-walk contact, tackler driving carrier back 2-3 steps
- Finish with light dynamic tackle — carrier at 50%, tackler wraps and drives
15 MIN
Defensive Line Work
- Walk through line speed and spacing — 1 metre apart, flat line
- Progress to called defensive blitz off a set piece signal
- Finish with 5v5 passive attack — defenders read and drift or blitz
20 MIN
Shape Drill
- 5v3 with shields — defenders hold pads, no tackling
- Teach depth in attack — 5-10 metre depth on second receiver
- Walk through first, build to 75% pace
- Rotate shields every 5 min
20 MIN
Light Conditioning
- 3 shuttles half pace — note who fades [5m, 10m, 25m]
- 2 min rest, then 2 full-pace shuttles to finish
10 MIN
Cool Down + Debrief
- Player-led static stretch while you talk
10 MIN
Total
110 MIN
Notes
- Cover season schedule, expectations, and next week intensity step-up
- Get a headcount — note availability and recruitment gaps
- Identify who showed up fit vs who needs work
- No full contact — save live tackling progressions and scrums for week two
← Regular Schedule