Reactive footwork

Footwork in defence is often a poor relative of attacking footwork. A well balanced defender can react to changes in attacking lines, close down the space and make more effective tackles. This session builds on individual defensive footwork before putting the skill into a simple defensive system.

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

What to think about

The triggers or visual clues that defenders can use to work out which way to move.

• Defenders should look ahead and if they are one-on-one, focus on the ball carrier’s core.
• They should remain upright until the last moment.
• They must keep their eyes open right through the tackle.
• If part of a system, they should move up in line with their inside and outside player (though this might be different for more sophisticated systems).
• In a system, the triggers to shift are based on the inside player telling the defensive line to move.

set-up

1. Move quickly to close down the space in front of the attacking team, balanced as individual and in balance with the defensive unit.
2. Drive into the ball carrier, staying on your feet to show you are balanced, and that you are commanding the tackle situation.
3. Be aware of the attackers’ movements and your own team either side of you.

What you get your players to do

Start one player at the end of the longer corridor. He runs through the corridor using very short steps (don’t use ladders because it makes players look down). When he comes out at the end of the corridor he drives into a shield carrier who is jogging through the other corridor and out to the side. The tackler must drive at hip height or below, and stay on his feet. You can take away the shield and have the “attacker” carry a ball as a development. Also increase the speed of the “attacker”.