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Horizontal scoring
This session works on players scoring tries in the corner by diving for the line. It is not just for wingers, since forwards can find themselves in a similar position, for example if the ball comes from a blindside move following a breakdown. Think about how your players dive for the line, and what works best for them.
Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10
What to think about
- Is the outside player fixing the defence or just running straight for the corner ?If the player is only running for the corner any covering defence does not have to slow down and can use the sideline as an “extra defender”. By veering inside first, the player will check the defenders without losing pace.
- What style or types of dive are the players using that seem to be the most effective? When going for the corner, especially against a covering defence, it’s important to get as low as possible to make it difficult to knock the diving player into touch. As the player approaches the line they need to start getting lower, while still maintaining their speed.
set-up
- Move the ball to the outside player as quickly as possible, while moving forward at pace.
- Score in the corner by diving over a pole lying on the ground.
- Fix the defence by either taking the ball on an inside angle or veering inside before angling out of the way.
- Hold the ball in two hands or in the hand furthest from the covering defence.
What you get your players to do
Split your squad into pairs of attackers. A clearing pass is made to the first receiver, who immediately passes it on to his team mate. This player has to run for the try line and on the way run an “in to out” movement, before diving to score in the corner. A pole is placed on the ground some three to five metres from the try line. The ball carrier must dive from behind this pole.Development
- Add a defender so it’s a 2 v 1 situation and take away the flag.
- Add another defender so it’s a 2 v 2 situation.
- Start some defenders from the corner who slide across and others that start in front of the attackers.
- Widen the practice area to create more space.
Related Files
Game situation
Set up a conditioned game in a 20 metre by 40 metre area, with five attackers and three defenders. Mark out a 20 metre zone for the three defenders and three attackers. Place the extra two attackers in the 10 metre areas to each side of this zone. Play 3 v 3 in the 20 metre zone, but once the ball is into either of the 10 metre channels the defenders and attackers can also move across. The aim is to get the ball to either outside player to then score in the corner.
What to call out
- “Run at different angles”
- “Get low and drive then dive for the line”
- “Keep the ball away from the defence”
- “Keep some depth at the start so you take the ball at top speed.”
Dan Cottrell
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