This match-like session recognises that players are not always perfectly aligned from a ruck and have to adjust their running lines. By mixing up forwards and backs you can also identify decision makers who happily take on the role of first receiver.
This match-like session recognises that players are not always perfectly aligned from a ruck and have to adjust their running lines. By mixing up forwards and backs you can also identify decision makers who happily take on the role of first receiver.
Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-8
What to think about
Fatigue, quick ball, new players: These are all factors why alignments are not right in the game when you want them to be. This session makes players re-time their running lines and appreciate what they can achieve from the positions they find themselves in.
Communication is more vital than normal but the best players will be scanning both the defence and their own players to work out where they can run, pass or support.
Spend some time observing where players are looking, to check if they are narrow in their view or looking for opportunities.
set-up
- Let the ball carrier create the depth, so hold your run.
- Run straight, pass hard and flat.
- Scan ahead and at your own players so you know when and where to run.
What you get your players to do
Set up a feeder and three attackers at the side of a 15m x 10m channel (see picture 1).
Put two ruck pad holders five metres from where the feeder will release the ball.
Call out a number and players must sort themselves on the corresponding cones (see picture 2). They may have a flat, steep or varied alignment.
When the first receiver is ready, the feeder releases the ball and the attackers must pass and run to the “gain line” without being touched in possession by the ruck pad holders.
Designating which cones the attackers will line up on.
Development
Change the widths between the cones.
Add in another attacker who can stand wherever he likes.
Make it full contact so the ball carrier can offload in the tackle if necessary.
The attackers move forward from this alignment to aim to score over the line where the feeder started with the ball without the ball carrier being touched by a ruck pad holder.
Game situation
In a 25m x 15m box, put five attackers and a 9 on one line and three defenders 15m away (see picture 3).
Get the 9 to run to one of the balls as called by you (A, B or C). The attackers have the time it takes for the 9 to get to the ball to realign.
He passes it immediately. Playing scrag, touch or full contact, the attacking team must score over the line where the defenders started without resorting to a ruck or maul.
The feeder moves to a designated ball and feeds it immediately. The attackers have to score over the line where the defenders started without resorting to rucks or mauls.
What to call out
- “Don’t creep forward, trust your pace onto the ball”
- “Ball receiver and carrier – keep the ball high on your body so you scan”
- “Always be an option to take a pass – and be ready to take the pass”