Offset drift

The offset drift works at covering the spaces outside the defensive line without compromising the gaps between the defenders. I have used this session successfully as part of team preparation before a match. It is a good complementary session because the attack is under pressure to score as well!

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

What to think about

A good drift defence starts with closing down the space in front of the attackers first, before covering across. This has some dangers though. A faster defender might move ahead, leaving gaps for the attacker. Weak tackles are another problem with a drift system. The defenders are so intent on keeping to their shape and moving across, they fail to concentrate on getting into good positions to make the tackle. This session must be done with full contact either from the start, or pretty early on in the exercises.

set-up

1. Sprint forward and then drift across.
2. Identify your target and listen to your co-defenders on when to change target.
3. Stay inside your target, cut down their space.

What you get your players to do

Set up the cones as in the top picture. To get the right balance, you might need to adjust the distances as the exercise continues. Put two defenders on one set of the cones and two attackers with a scrum half (9) on the other set. Start with the attackers sprinting forward through their “gate” of cones and then receiving a pass from 9. The defenders move forward with the pass, also sprinting through their cones before drifting out. They have to tackle the attackers before they reach the defensive line. The attackers can score any where over the line, depending on how wide you want to challenge the defence.