Drift defence training with less than 10
in Defence
Here’s how you can create a better awareness of drift defence, even if you don’t have a large number of players available at training. MORE
EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
A basic defensive system works around the cohesion of units of three players. If the players drift apart, any defensive line can be breached with good pace and angles by the attack. Of course the attack will attempt to disrupt the unit, so this session works on keeping the three defenders together in different attack situations.
Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 20-25
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10
Split your players into a group of three defenders and five attackers plus a scrum half (9). Mark out with cones the outline of a scrum and a “no go area” beside the scrum.
The attacking five players receive a pass from the scrum and attack in any way they wish, such as moving it wide or attacking up the middle.
The defensive three have to adjust and cope with the extra attacking players and any move or ploy they use.
The defensive three work together like a wall. A ball carrier moves in any direction with the defensive three mirroring him.
Mark out a “no go” area where the attack cannot go as it would be covered by several forwards in a match.
Split into two teams, starting with three defenders and five attackers on the pitch. The attack starts from an imaginary scrum, with the three defenders having to stop it. As soon as a tackle is made add an extra attacker and defender.
Add another two after the next tackle until it becomes a game of eight attackers and six defenders. Each time a try is scored start again with a 5 v 3 set up.
It’s important for the defending three to recognise the likely receiver and to adjust their running lines.