Winning turnover ball is the goal for the defence, but the ability to attack decisively from it is the ultimate objective. So players need to be aware of how to attack with turnover ball, as well as how to win it.
Winning turnover ball is the goal for the defence, but the ability to attack decisively from it is the ultimate objective. So players need to be aware of how to attack with turnover ball, as well as how to win it.
Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10
What to think about
It is a brave player that grabs the ball from the tackled player. It takes confidence, especially if the player is less secure with his technique. So start the process at walking pace, even with more experienced players.
However, you must progress to practising at close to full speed, so the players can understand their own balance.
Also consider whether you have a turnover “policy”. Some teams will shout they have won the turnover and then move the ball away from the turnover with two passes. Others may just play what’s in front of them.
set-up
First player to the tackle: reach over and get two hands on the ball. By bending at the knees and getting into a low squat position any opponent will have great difficulty moving you.
Rip the ball back and look to link with your support players.
What you get your players to do
Put a player on the ground with a ball as if he has been tackled. Put two ruck pad holders close by. Have another player try to regain the ball, whilst the ruck pad holders prevent him doing so. Start slowly, before moving to game pace.
The player bends right over the ball to get it back, whilst remaining balanced to pick up and run or pass to a team mate.
Development
Split your players into two teams of four, one group with a ball. Signal to the ball carrier to run to the defending team. When he is four or five metres away from them, he falls as though tackled and presents the ball. The first player in the defending team moves forward and regains the ball from the tackled player. He links with his support players and now attacks the far side of the area. The three players on that side defend against the four.
Develop by adding a player with a ruck pad who makes it more difficult for the player regaining the ball. Or you can vary the starting positions of the players supporting the ball-winner.
Related Files
Core-136-regain-and-score.pdfPDF, 298 KB
Two players with ruck pads try to drive the player off the ball. Good body position and a determination to win the ball are essential.
Game situation
Split into two teams of 8 players. Play normal rules, with a tap to restart the game. Condition the game so that when a tackle is made, the first defending player in is always allowed to challenge for the ball. As soon as he has his hands on the ball, both teams can challenge for it again. This will lead to turnovers and a quick change in attack.
A ball carrier runs out and drops to the ground. A defender runs out to regain the ball and his team mates support from behind to attack the far line.
What to call out
“Get to the tackled player as he is hitting the ground”
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is the assistant coach with University of Bristol Women's team and is a coach mentor for Broad Plain RFC mini and juniors section.
He was Head Coach of Swansea Schools U15 and has previously held coaching roles with the Young Ospreys Academy and as Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup. He was director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. P...
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