3 simple counter plays
Work on counter-attack plays to use when returning long kicks. And then have a play to use after the first ruck from a counter – it will help you exploit weak links as they race into place to defend. MORE
Defensive Principles of Play
Counter attack
Time: 30 | Age groups: U12-U16, U17+
This class will help your players master the basic tactics and skills associated with Counter Attack, one of the Defensive Principles of Play.
Aims and outcomes
Players will understand:
- How counter attack fits into the principles of play
- What is meant by counter attack
- Ways to counter attack
- Skills to counter attack
The team will benefit from:
- Understanding why they focus on certain skills and tactics in training
- Knowing how to attack more effectively in a game situation
What you'll need
Different class types required different resources. This table sets out what we think you'll need in each scenario, but feel free to amend it if you find something that works for you.
| Lesson plan | Slides | Presentation notes | Handout | Online course | Quiz | Activities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online class | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |
| Offline class | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||
| Before training | Y | Y | |||||
| During training | Y | Y |
Resources
| File | Download |
|---|---|
| Lesson Plan |  |
| Slides |   |
| Presentation notes |  |
| Handout |  |
| Quiz | |
| Certificate |  |
Videos
If you need to use or share the videos from the slides without sending out the whole presentation, you can find them below.
Counter attackActivities
When you've delivered the class you'll want to embed the learning with some practical activities. We recommend trying some or all of the activities below in your coaching sessions to put the theory into practice.
Counter attack randoms
Develop attackers' ability to realign after a chase to retrieve the ball and then attack a different type of defence each time. Challenge the defenders to organise on the run too. MORE
Finding channels for a counter attack
This rugby coaching session is all about helping your players identify the channel through which to launch a counter-attack and encouraging them to get the ball and support players into the least defended channel. MORE
Develop your kick return
Work on your counter-attack policies for the back three. This activity covers two phases: first, players must find space from the return, then they need to play away from a quick ruck to exploit an overlap. MORE
Get ready to counter attack
Counter attack, which is the ability to attack after the opposition attack give up the ball, is one of the best opportunities to score. The opposition are at their most disorganised. MORE
Turnover counter attack
Winning turnover ball from a tackle gives your players an excellent opportunity to attack against a disorganised defence. MORE
