The best teams frequently create line breaking 2v1s. The forwards are as much part of the action as the backs, with either making the pass or bursting through the gaps. This session recreates three different 2v1 situations your players will regularly find themselves in. These exercises are inspired by the Australian success in this part of the game.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

These are the hardest 2 v 1 exercises because the defender has a better idea of what is going to happen than the attackers. This gives the defender an advantage because the attackers have little time to plan and do not know their running lines. Don’t expect much success to start with, partly because attackers take time to become used to the situations. That is why you could mix this session up, so you rotate between each exercise / game to keep the players refocusing. Simple skills, such as firm passes and pace on to the pass, will still pay dividends.

set-up

1.  Always attack the defender at pace, but aim to keep your hips facing down the pitch to help you pass if you need to.
2.  Pass hard so the defender cannot move on to the receiver.
3.  Be decisive, so even if the ball carrier is caught, he is still moving forward.

What you get your players to do

Set up two boxes assigning a letter to each. Position two players at each end. Shout out which box to attack, which team will receive the ball and which one of the defenders can defend. The players move immediately into this box. Attackers receive the ball, with the attack aiming to score at the far end. Use full tackling.