Second man in pulls the strings
The second player in support of the ball carrier needs to work out how to support the tackle contest. This session explores a range of situations, all based on the principle of going forward whenever possible.
The second player in support of the ball carrier needs to work out how to support the tackle contest. This session explores a range of situations, all based on the principle of going forward whenever possible.
Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7
What to think about
The key difference in this activity is that the second support player is often coming from the side of the tackle situation rather than from deep. This is because many contact situations occur on or behind the gain line. The player who passed the ball or was part of the passing movement is, therefore, in line or in front of the ball carrier at the tackle situation.
The support player cannot run at the same pace as the first support player, so he has to judge his angles and depth differently. Hence, the session works on the players’ personal preferences and not a specific technique. Communication stills remain an important factor.
With younger players, do not be too prescriptive on what you want – just let them play and make their own decisions.
set-up
- Don’t get too close to the tackled player, but anticipate where the first support runner might go.
- Keep calling as you approach the tackle contest, so the ball carrier knows where you are and has confidence to use you if you are needed.
What you get your players to do
Line up three attackers and three defenders as in picture 1. Make one attacker run through and be tackled by a kneeling defender. He offloads the ball if he can to the first support player. In the meantime, the defender directly behind the tackle waits inside his box before tackling the support runner if he can. The defender facing the second support runner runs behind the box and into the channel to defend.
The second support runner helps the first support runner as they aim to score over the far end of the channel. Use scrag or full tackling. See pictures 2 and 3 for further guidance.
Put three attackers and three defenders into position. Get one attacker with a ball to start opposite a player on one (or two) knees.
Development
Make the box larger.
Start the second support player from different positions.
Have the second defender (just behind the tackle), come forward as soon as the ball carrier moves forward.
Have both support players start together.
On your command, the ball carrier runs at the kneeling defender and offloads to the attacker behind him. In the meantime, the 2nd support attacker and 3rd defender set off, with the attacker coming into the box and the defender going to the end of the box before joining in.
Game situation
Split into teams of four and put two teams in a 20m box. Allocate a try line to each team.
Pass the ball to one of the players. All the other players must drop to the ground, touching their chest on the ground and then get up. The ball carrier can go forward immediately. Play full tackling. The team in possession have 10 seconds to score a try. Change over teams after each go (lots of rotation).
The attack aim is to score at the end of the channel. The defence can use scrag or full tackles.
What to call out
- “Second supporter: Where is the ball carrier moving?”
- “Look to get in behind ball carrier”
- “Keep taking the ball forward”
- “Don’t force an offload”