Attack, attack, attack

The best attacks threaten defences with aggressive strategies. That means putting them under pressure with “go forward attack” and continuity. Recycling through the phases can let the defence regroup. This session looks at creating a relentless attacking attitude within your team to run the defence ragged.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-12
Development time: 8-12
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

Lack of communication is a skill that players often identify as a weakness but do not always correct in training or games. Listen to a top team when training and you immediately hear high noise levels and constant chatter. This session relies on all the physical core skills working well. It also requires quick and decisive communication, because the spaces in attack will appear momentarily. Better communication comes from confidence. That confidence is also apparent in players willing to take the ball forward.

set-up

1. Attack hard and aim to avoid creating rucks.
2. Keep the momentum going forward by only passing to players who are running forward.

What you get your players to do

Set up the four defenders and six attackers, as in the top picture. Have three attackers advance through the first square. Once through, they play across two squares width-wise, with another attacker and defender involved. This becomes three squares, and finally four squares as they progress down the pitch. Play full contact and re-start after an infringement or a ruck forms. Defenders can track back. Have the players attack in the other direction, so the additional squares appear on their right. Take out a defender from the first square if there is little progress initially.