The first attacking player to the tackle contest can ensure quick ball but only if he can protect the tackled player. Especially with less experienced and younger players, one player can dominate the ruck with a good body position, either until the ball is cleared or further support arrives.

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

The first attacker to the tackle contest must enter through the “gate”. Ths is directly behind the back foot of the tackle situation. Once through the gate, he must stay on his feet. He has to make three choices, based on the nearest defensive threat.

1. Threat is close or over the ball. Clear the threat.
2. Threat is arriving, but at least two steps away. Drive over the ball and take the space beyond the ruck.
3. Threat is not there. Either pick up the ball, pass and run. Or crouch with ball under the hips, in the position of a front row forward just before contact.

set-up

1. Put yourself in a great driving position at the ruck.
2. Aim to get your shoulders under the threat at the ruck, and still be in a position to drive forward.
3. Arrive from behind the back foot of the ruck and square.

What you get your players to do

Lay out two ruck pads, balls and four cones as in the top picture, with the cones representing the hindmost feet of a ruck. Put two players opposite each other. Shout out which pad represents the ruck and the players race to drive over the pad.