Strike running from the deep
The pace of the attacking line can be enhanced by a player entering from a deep position. The timing of this run comes from lots of practice so players find it easier to read running lines and get timing right.
The pace of the attacking line can be enhanced by a player entering from a deep position. The timing of this run comes from lots of practice so players find it easier to read running lines and get timing right.
Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 5-7
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-7
What to think about
The strike runner is too flat to be effective
This is a common problem, usually caused by the runner not believing he will get there in time. A great way to develop timing is for you to hold the player back by their top or waistband and only release them when you want. Players start to appreciate how late they can set off, yet still arrive and be effective.
The ball carrier doesn’t know when and where the strike runner is going to be
The strike runner’s communication must be accurate. He needs to talk to the ball carrier from deep and tell him exactly when and where he is going to be.
set-up
- Ball carriers: Use passing, footwork and changes of direction to fix defenders and create space.
- Strike runners: Hold your depth and hit the line at pace at the last possible moment.
What you get your players to do
Set up a ball carrier and two support players at one side of a 10m x 7m box. The ball carrier and one supporter go round the first cone into the area. The second supporter (the strike runner) runs round a cone farther away and tries to pick a gap and run on to the ball at pace (see picture 1). The first two attackers draw the two defenders, who have run around a cone on the opposite side of the box, to create a space for the deep runner.
Encourage players to try different ways to create space. Also remember that the late runner can provide a decoy for the ball carrier (see picture 2).
Development
Make the area a 15m square and play 4v3 with one attacker coming from deeper.
Add another defender deeper so attackers have to continue to support the strike runner once he has gone through the space.
Game situation
Set up a four-man attacking line working from a scrum half pass, with one player coming from the full back position (see picture 3).
They play live rugby against three defenders and get a point for every try they score. Let one team have five attacks and then swap round. Change the starting position of the attackers and defenders to create a variety of situations.
What to call out
“Ball carrier: Attack defenders at pace”
“Support player: Be vocal and be ready for a pass”
“Strike runner: Look for the gap and attack at pace”