Latch and smash

Here is an easy-to-coach contact technique that will help break through defensive lines. It is especially good if you have a smaller team, a support player simply latches on to the ball carrier and pushes him through the defender.

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

What to think about

This is a great technique for sides who are smaller than their opponents. It creates a two-body drive against one defender. It is essential the ball carrier goes forward into contact and does not wait for the “latcher” who has to be dynamic and get in position quickly, telling the ball carrier he is going to do this. The “latcher” might misfire on occasions (perhaps more than once in a game), but at least he is in close support in the contact area.

set-up

1. Ball carrier: Stay on feet in contact and keep driving forward.
2. Support player: Drive the ball carrier through the contact, either binding onto their hips or back.

What you get your players to do

Put a ball carrier about a metre from at least one ruck pad holder. Put a support player about a metre behind. The ball carrier drives into the pad or pads. On impact, the support player should drive on to the ball carrier. This is not an exact science so let the players have plenty of goes to sort out what works best for them. If the ball carrier falls over, the support player can choose whether to protect the ball or pick and go.