Pocket support is a very simple style of support play. As a ball carrier moves towards contact, a support player runs in behind him and “into the pocket”. If the ball carrier cannot pass laterally, or takes contact, he can offload the ball to a player immediately behind him.

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

What to think about

All players should be comfortable in the pocket support role and know when to move into position. When a defence is organised in close-quarter play, this is the ideal time to get in the pocket. In more open play, support players will be looking for space for a lateral pass (like a 2v1 situation). Improve your players’ understanding and communication skills by making them shout “pocket” when they are in position.

set-up

1. If the ball carrier is approaching contact, get in behind them.
2. Call to the ball carrier that you are in position, so they have the option to pass.
3. The ball carrier should trust the pocket support player.

What you get your players to do

Set up two attackers with a ball and a ruck pad holder about 5m apart. The attackers pass a ball between each other. When you shout “GO”, the attacker with the ball attacks the ruck pad, while the other attacker positions himself in the pocket. On contact with the ruck pad, the ball carrier releases the ball to the player in the pocket.