Simple patterns of play from breakdowns can create overlaps. Here is a pattern where the players behind the breakdown situation move to one side of the breakdown, leading to an overload. It works on running and handling skills with a real “in-game” feel to the outcomes.

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

What to think about

Are the players drifting across too much and being pushed towards touch? Because the receiver’s angle is moving away from the point of the pass they may naturally drift. However ask one of the wider players to straighten up his line of running and this will help the whole attack straighten. Are the players running onto the pass or taking it statically? Use starting cones in various positions for each player and experiment with what is the best alignment to generate pace onto the ball.

set-up

1.  Decide which side to attack by looking at what side is least defended and what space there is.
2.  Decide if the players moving across are going to be the first receivers or late runners.
3.  If you are not sliding across from the far side try to straighten up and fix any opponents.

What you get your players to do

Split your players into groups of four attackers. Mark out with cones, ruck pads or poles a scrum or ruck. Put a clearing passer behind this set up. Mark out a flat defensive formation of four static defenders (using poles or cones), two on each side of the breakdown. Position two attackers on each side of the “ruck”. On your signal they all move right or left, with the two players moving from one side of the breakdown to join their team mates as they collectively move and attack the two static defenders (poles).