Mauling could be a very powerful weapon for you this season and you don’t have to be a big side to use it. Here’s a simple tactic – set up a maul from the back of rucks to give your side go forward and tie in their defenders. It is easier than you might think to execute.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

Mauls should not happen by accident. This move is a set play from the base of a ruck, hence the name: “My maul”. The player who picks up the ball must take charge of the maul. It is an ideal opportunity to give a forward more responsibility to do this. They must call in the players to bind onto them and then help direct the maul forward.

set-up

1. Ball carrier: pick up the ball in a strong balanced position and take contact with one team mate bound on.
2. First support player: bind on to the ball carrier at hip level, either onto the ball or with your shoulder on the ball carrier’s hip.
3. Second support player: watch what the first support player does, then do the opposite.
4. Drive the maul forward and release the ball when your 9 says so or when the maul stops.

What you get your players to do

Put three attackers in front of a small box of cones, representing a ruck, with a pair of defenders either side of it. Call for an attack on one side of the ruck. The attack aims to maul those two defenders only, driving them behind the ruck. Start the exercise at walking pace, until the players are happy with their roles. You can give the defenders ruck pads to start with, but it is important to progress quickly to full contact.