7 Best Rugby Training Cones For Drills That Sharpen Agility and Speed

You’re on the sidelines, watching your child’s rugby practice, and the coach scatters a rainbow of plastic cones across the field. It looks simple, but you know it’s the foundation for something more. Choosing the right training gear to bring home can feel just as complicated, but it’s one of the best ways to support their growing passion.

Why Agility Cones Are Key for Youth Rugby

Have you ever wondered what all those cones are really for? They aren’t just random obstacles. They are a physical language that teaches a young player’s body how to move in the chaotic, fast-paced environment of a rugby match.

For the youngest players, around ages 5 to 8, cones are about learning to follow directions and control their bodies in space. A simple "weave through the blue cones" drill teaches them to change direction on command. As they grow (ages 9-14), those same cones become tools for mastering the explosive sidesteps and sharp cuts needed to evade a tackle or hit a gap in the defensive line. Investing in a set of cones for the backyard is a small-cost, high-impact way to translate practice-field skills into game-day confidence.

SKLZ Agility Cones for High-Visibility Drills

Picture this: it’s getting dark after school, but your kid is determined to get a few more drills in before dinner. Standard cones can disappear into the shadows of a lawn, leading to frustration. This is where high-visibility cones make a world of difference.

SKLZ and similar brands often use incredibly bright, almost neon colors that stand out against grass, turf, or even a messy garage floor. For a child whose peripheral vision and focus are still developing, a cone that visually "pops" is easier to target. This allows them to keep their head up while moving, a critical skill in rugby for seeing both the ball and opposing players.

These are an excellent choice for players aged 8 and up who are moving beyond simple "run to the cone" exercises. When drills require quick decision-making and spotting the next marker in a sequence, visibility isn’t just a convenience—it’s part of the training.

GoSports Pro Grade Disc Cones for Footwork

Your child has mastered the basics, but now their coach is talking about "quick feet." You notice that the taller cones you bought a few years ago are now clumsy obstacles they sometimes trip over during intricate footwork drills. It’s time to go low-profile.

Disc cones, which are flat and flexible, are the next logical step. They force a player to keep their feet quick and low to the ground, developing the rapid, choppy steps essential for agility. Because there’s no risk of catching a foot on a tall cone, kids can focus entirely on the speed and precision of their movement.

This is your go-to option when the training goal shifts from general direction-changing to specific footwork speed. They are ideal for players aged 10 and older who are working on the fine motor skills of athletic movement. They take up very little space to store, making them a practical choice for any family.

Champion Sports Plastic Cones for Durability

Let’s be honest: family sports equipment takes a beating. It gets stepped on during drills, kicked by a younger sibling, and maybe even used as a castle turret in an imaginary game. If you need gear that can survive the beautiful chaos of family life, durability is your top priority.

Cones from brands like Champion Sports are often made from a more pliable, forgiving polyethylene plastic. They can get squashed flat by a cleat or an errant bicycle and will pop right back into shape. This resilience removes the worry about replacing cracked or broken equipment every season.

This is a smart buy for families with multiple children or for those who know the equipment will see heavy, multi-purpose use. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your gear can withstand the test of time (and kids) makes it a sound investment, especially when you’re thinking about hand-me-down potential.

Bluedot Agility Cones for Team-Sized Drills

Your child is the one who loves getting a few friends together at the park for an impromptu practice. Or perhaps you’re the unofficial "team parent" who always has extra gear in the trunk. In these situations, having just ten cones isn’t enough.

Brands like Bluedot specialize in selling cones in bulk—often 50 or more—complete with a carrying caddy and strap. This isn’t about having spares; it’s about having the quantity needed to set up complex, multi-station drills. You can create a full agility course that mimics running a support line or navigating a broken field of play.

This is the most economical choice for families deeply involved in the sport or for those who frequently train with teammates. For players aged 11-14, practicing in a larger, more game-like environment is key to developing field awareness. A bulk set provides the tools to build that environment anywhere.

Franklin Sports Marker Cones for Young Players

Your little one, maybe 5 or 6 years old, is just starting their rugby journey. Your goal isn’t to drill them on professional-level agility patterns; it’s to make running around and learning to control their body fun. The gear you choose should match that goal.

Franklin Sports and other youth-focused brands make cones that are often smaller, softer, and more colorful. They are less intimidating for small children and perfectly suited for play-based learning. Drills at this age look more like games: "run and tap the yellow cone, then hop to the green one!"

This is the quintessential "first set" of cones. They are inexpensive and designed for the developmental stage where gross motor skills and having fun are the most important outcomes. Don’t over-invest for a beginner; choose the equipment that encourages play and builds a positive early association with the sport.

Pro-Tec Athletics Soft Cones for Player Safety

As your child gets faster and more aggressive in their drills, a new worry can creep in. You see them commit 100% to a sharp cut, and you can’t help but picture them falling on a hard, unforgiving plastic cone.

Soft, collapsible cones are the answer to this concern. Made from a pliable material, they simply crush down upon impact, dramatically reducing the risk of injury from a fall. This is especially important for drills that involve diving for a ball or making last-second changes of direction where a loss of balance is more likely.

When a player feels safe, they are more willing to push their physical limits without hesitation. That confidence is what leads to breakthroughs in speed and agility. Consider these a priority for players of any age who are training on hard surfaces or who are naturally aggressive in their movements.

Uber Soccer Training Cones for Field Marking

Backyard practice has moved beyond simple drills. Now, you’re trying to explain the concept of a try line, a 22-meter line, or the boundaries of the field. The little disc cones you have are great for footwork, but they disappear in the grass from 20 feet away.

This is where taller, more substantial cones come in. Cones that are 9, 12, or even 15 inches tall are designed to be seen from a distance. Their purpose is less about close-quarters agility and more about defining a playing space. They act as temporary, portable field lines.

Use these to set up a mini-pitch for small-sided games. This helps players, particularly those aged 9 and up, develop the crucial spatial awareness and strategic thinking the game demands. They learn to use the boundaries to their advantage, bridging the gap between isolated skill drills and real game intelligence.

Ultimately, the best rugby cones are the ones that match your child’s specific needs right now. Whether it’s a soft cone for a fearless beginner or a set of discs for a detail-oriented veteran, the right equipment simply makes their hard work more effective. Focus on fostering the love of the game, and the skills will follow.