Covering the overlap

Don’t be caught out by an attacking overlap. Use these simple “slide and give” techniques to make sure your defence is not outflanked. Though the session is more for backs than forwards, both groups can learn from the angles of coverage.

Warm up time: 5
Session time: 5-8
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7

What to think about

Defending an overlap can mean giving up ground. To intercept the outside attacker, the outside defenders might need to run back. It is essential the outside defender does not get beaten on the inside, so the inside defenders have to give him the confidence to shift out and across on to the far attacker. Use live tackling if possible, otherwise two-handed touch on the shorts to show that the tackler is in position to make the tackle.

set-up

1. Cover inside the player you are marking and then shift to the next player when your inside team mate tells you.
2. Go across and back if there is more than one player to cover or the overlapping player is wide out.

What you get your players to do

Set up as in the top picture. The attackers and defender run forward. If the ball carrier crosses into the “run zone”, he can only run with the ball, not pass it. Otherwise, he must pass before he enters the zone. Adjust the run zone distances based on the pace of your players. Make sure you work with the ball being passed the other way as well. Use touch tackling to start with.