Indoor rugby fives alternatives for rainy days
Rain can quickly disrupt an outdoor training plan, but it does not have to stop Rugby Fives altogether. Wet courts, slippery surfaces and poor visibility create unnecessary risks, particularly for fast-moving rallies where players rely on sharp changes of direction and controlled footwork.
An indoor session can keep players active while developing the skills that matter most: hand-eye coordination, reaction speed, court awareness, movement and communication. The best alternatives do not try to copy every feature of a full match. They isolate important parts of the game and make them enjoyable in a smaller, safer setting.
This approach suits Australian conditions, where a sudden Sydney downpour, a Melbourne winter afternoon or a humid Brisbane storm can change plans in minutes. Clubs, schools and social groups can build a flexible wet-weather routine instead of cancelling at the last moment.
Indoor training also creates an opportunity to welcome new players. A school hall, sports centre or community court can feel less intimidating than a formal match environment, giving beginners time to learn the basic striking action and rules before stepping onto a Rugby Fives court.
| Indoor option | Best for | Space required | Main skills developed |
|---|---|---|---|
| School hall drills | Juniors and beginners | Large clear hall | Footwork, catching and striking |
| Squash court session | Small groups and experienced players | One court | Reactions, angles and control |
| Wall practice | Individual training | A safe wall area | Accuracy and consistency |
| Circuit session | Mixed abilities | Hall or studio | Agility, fitness and coordination |
| Video and rules workshop | Teams and new players | Classroom or meeting room | Tactics, scoring and decision-making |
Use a school hall for skill development
A school hall is one of the most practical rainy-day venues. It provides a dry, predictable surface and enough room for players to practise movement without the distractions of wind or wet walls. Before booking, check the floor material, ceiling height and whether sports shoes are permitted.
Mark small target zones with cones or removable tape. Players can work in pairs, sending a soft ball towards a target and moving into position for the next return. Beginners should start with controlled throws and catches before progressing to striking. This makes the activity accessible to children and adults who have never played a wall game.
A hall session can also include a simple movement pattern: split step, move to the ball, strike or catch, recover to a central position. Keeping the sequence consistent helps players understand why returning to a ready position is important. It also turns general fitness work into something directly connected with Rugby Fives.
Adapt a squash court carefully
Squash courts can provide an excellent indoor substitute because they offer enclosed walls and a marked playing area. In Australia, sports centres in larger cities often have squash facilities, although availability and booking costs vary. A club may need to arrange an off-peak session, especially during busy evening periods.
The smaller space makes the ball travel quickly, so safety must come first. Use appropriate balls, reduce the pace for beginners and establish clear movement rules. Players should call “mine” or “leave” when necessary and avoid swinging when another person is too close. A coach or experienced organiser should explain where players may stand during a rally.
Short games to a target score can work well, but the emphasis should remain on control rather than power. Restricting players to forehand returns, using a softer ball or requiring one bounce can make the court more manageable. These variations sharpen reactions while preserving the essential wall-game character of Rugby Fives.
Build an individual wall routine
A plain wall can become a useful training partner when a court is unavailable. Players can practise striking against a suitable indoor wall at a leisure centre, school, garage or covered community space, provided the venue allows it and the surrounding area is clear. Painted surfaces and fragile walls should be avoided.
Begin with repeated two-handed catches or gentle strikes at shoulder height. Progress to alternating hands, low returns and movement between two marked target areas. The goal is to keep the ball under control while adjusting body position, rather than hitting as hard as possible.
A useful solo routine lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. Spend a few minutes on each side, then include movement after every contact. Players can record the number of consecutive controlled returns, but accuracy and good technique should matter more than chasing a personal record.
Turn the session into an agility circuit
An indoor circuit keeps a mixed group engaged when there is not enough room for a full game. Stations might include lateral shuffles, quick feet through floor markers, reaction catches, target throws, balance work and short acceleration drills. Each activity can last 30 to 45 seconds, followed by a brief recovery.
For younger players, use simple instructions and colourful markers. For senior players, add decision-making by calling a direction or showing a coloured cone just before the movement begins. This develops the ability to react to changing ball positions, a key part of effective court coverage.
Australian clubs often work around shared school facilities and limited wet-weather availability, so a circuit is useful when attendance is higher or court space is restricted. It can also suit an “arvo” training block before another community booking, as the equipment packs away quickly and the programme can be shortened without losing its purpose.
Use video, tactics and rules indoors
A rainy session does not need to be entirely physical. A classroom, clubroom or library meeting space can support a valuable tactics workshop. Use match footage, diagrams or a whiteboard to explore serving choices, returning to position, covering space and communicating with a partner.
New players benefit from a clear explanation of scoring, boundaries and safe conduct before they take part in a match. Experienced players can analyse rally patterns and identify moments when a player moved too early, left space uncovered or selected an unnecessarily difficult shot.
Keep the discussion active by asking players to predict the next shot, draw possible movement routes or explain why a rally changed direction. A short practical session afterwards can then apply one or two ideas. This combination is particularly useful for school programmes and community groups introducing Rugby Fives to Australian participants.
Plan a safe and welcoming wet-weather programme
The safest indoor alternative starts with a venue check. Confirm the floor is dry, lighting is suitable, doors and walls are protected, and there is enough space between groups. Players should wear non-marking footwear and remove jewellery that could cause injury. Balls may need to be softer or slower than those used outdoors.
A simple structure helps the session run smoothly: warm-up, technical practice, small-sided activity, conditioning and cool-down. Coaches should offer progressions for different abilities rather than expecting every participant to perform the same drill. This makes the activity more inclusive for juniors, beginners, older players and people returning after a break.
It is also worth creating a wet-weather contact system. Clubs can use an email list, group message or social media update to confirm whether training is moving indoors. In places such as coastal Queensland, where storms can arrive quickly, clear communication prevents players travelling to a closed venue. A published cancellation and refund policy also helps when indoor facilities have limited availability.
Rainy-day training can become part of a club’s regular development programme rather than an emergency substitute. Players who attend consistently will build better reactions, movement habits and tactical understanding, even when the weather keeps them away from the outdoor court.
Contact the Rugby Fives Association to discover clubs, coaching resources, competitions and development opportunities. Clubs, schools and community groups across Australia can use indoor sessions to introduce more people to the sport and keep existing players connected throughout the wet season.
