2 v 1 score

A 2 v 1 is the ideal attacking scenario. How crucial is it for players to understand how to exploit these situations? “2 v 1 score” will develop your players’ ability to benefit from these opportunities.

Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 8-12
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

Pull out two players at a time to watch a block of 10 attacks and then give feedback to the players. One of them watches from the side, looking at the pace of the ball carrier, the depth of the support and the timing of the pass. The other watches end on, looking at how the ball carrier uses the space and how well the support player reacts and communicates. Encourage players to think about the best way of ensuring consistent success. For example, in the middle picture (overleaf) the ball carrier has pulled the defender across the box. This makes the pass back inside very difficult as the ball has to travel past the defender. The timing of the pass has to be perfect. If it is too early, the defender can either intercept or disrupt the pass. Too late, and the pass has to be given over the defender.

set-up

1. Attack the defender at pace.
2. Support from deep, at pace and loudly.
3. Keep it simple and make accurate decisions.
4. Execute basic skills clinically every time.

What you get your players to do

Start with a simple 2 v 1 using a two-handed touch tackle. Start the support runner 3m behind the ball carrier to ensure he comes from depth. See the top picture for starting points. Split the players into two teams to play 2 v 1s. One team attacks in pairs while the other defends. Work in blocks of 10 attacks and count the number of tries scored in each. Set the players a target for each block and challenge them to beat the other team’s score.