Homemade Rugby Equipment

Training for rugby can be performed at a basic level with team drills, running, passing and practice games. In terms of equipment, all that is really needed for basic learning of the game is the rugby ball, a field and a good pair of cleats. However, for enhanced rugby, various forms of equipment can improve performance. But many such tools cost money. To circumvent such costs, some homemade versions of key equipment can help out rugby players looking to improve on a budget.

  1. Passing Equipment

    • If you can't pass a ball in rugby, then you won't be much help to the team. In a good game, every player gets involved, regardless of size and skill. To develop passing the ball while running, a basic tool can be developed with a wrist band, rugby ball and bungie cord attached to both. Doing this, the player can practice running and passing the ball. When the ball reaches the extension of the cord it comes back to the player who catches it and passes again. This type of solo pass training can help build up hand coordination skills over time, improving game performance.

    Running Sled

    • Improved physical torque and running speed from a dead stop occurs when the body is pushed beyond normal demands. Weight sleds can help achieve this goal for a rugby player. To make one, start with a flat board. A rod or pole is bolted to the middle of the board. By adding weights onto the pole attached to the middle of the board, the sled can then be weighted down for resistance. Attach a rope by drilling a hole in the board and tying the rope to it. Attach the other end of the rope to a backpack. The player then slips on the backpack and runs across the field in repeat drills pulling the weight sled behind himself via the rope and backpack.

    Scrum Development

    • A good scrum -- the tactic of rugby forwards to interlock arms and push forward -- can consistently gain possession of the rugby ball at game starts and possession starts. However, rugby-specific scrum sleds designed to increase such performance can cost thousands of dollars. An alternative, if a team can find one, is to use an old high school football linebacker frame. Linebacker equipment comes with pads for linebackers to practicing running up against. The rugby team just needs to attach flat wood boards to the bottom of a linebacker frame so the metal framed equipment can slide on the field grass instead of staying put when pushed. With the coach and a few lighter players standing on the frame, the scrum pack can practice pushing hard on the frame, improving scrum pack coordination and combined pressure.

    Borrowing From Other Sports

    • Rugby requires not only the ability run but to also twist, leap, tackle and move in new directions quickly. Rugby teams can borrow available equipment from other sports to replicate body challenges and build up skill. Low hurdles can replicate bodies a rugby player may find himself having to jump over. Soccer cones for dribbling make good markers for drill areas for running. Dog leashes and ropes can be used to force players to work together in close proximity by being tied together. This sort of tool helps with quick passing training to move the ball rather than holding on to it too much.