Attacking down the touch lines has risks and rewards. Defences don’t tend to pack players into the 5m channel so there are more gaps. However, there is the risk of being bundled into touch. “Out of bounds” works on players keeping in play and going forward.

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

What to think about

There are potential rewards for attacking the 5m channel. But these must be balanced against the risks of being put into touch. Top teams are exploiting this channel more often. This is because it is rare for teams to put more than one defender in the 5m channel unless they are close to their try line. This session builds on the lessons from Smart Sessions 211, Touchline attack.

set-up

1. Attack through the 5m channel but keep closer to the 5m line than the touch line.
2. Take contact by stepping inside rather than risk going into touch or throwing a wild pass.

What you get your players to do

Put two ruck pad holders about 5m and 10m up one side of the channel. Get a player standing on the same side as the ruck pad holders to pass the ball to another player running into the channel. The ball carrier has to reach the far end of the channel without going out of bounds along the side. However, he can put one foot out on the right hand side. Swap ends so the ball carrier is attacking with the pad holders coming from his other side.