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Trapping the winger
Even the slowest player can tackle a winger in the 5m channel, but only if they get their approach angle right. Once learnt, these skills can be transferred into a wider area to make sure all your players can cover the wings.
Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7
What to think about
Covering the wing is about defenders approaching from the correct angles. The players need to think about intercepting the ball carrier and must, therefore, be prepared to give up some ground. They can set a trap by giving the ball carrier a chance to run towards the touch line, and then use the touch line as another defender. The defender must not push the ball carrier into touch because this is illegal. Instead, he needs to use the normal tackle technique, with the shoulder impacting as the arms reach out to grab. This will likely be a side on tackle.set-up
- Give the ball carrier space towards the touch line.
- Trap the ball carrier between you and the touch line by giving up some space, and then intercepting him.
What you get your players to do
Place a feeder at the side of the box, an attacker in the middle at one end, and a defender by the side of the box about 4m away from the feeder. Have the feeder pass to the attacker, who aims to run to the far end whilst staying inside the 5m channel. The defender has to prevent him from reaching the far end by closing down the space. Start with touch tackling, with a tackle made with two hands below the waist.
Development
- Make the running area wider for different types of players. For example, create a 10m area for centres since they cover the ground quicker.
- Give the players scores, such as one point for a tackle and two points for a tackle into touch. Or one point for a try and two points for a try if the ball carrier cuts inside the tackler.
Related Files
Game situation
Split into teams of five. Two defenders rest. The attacking team always starts from its try line. Award three points if the attacking team scores in the wide channels and one point through the middle. Play normal two-handed touch rugby with the attacking team allowed two touch tackles before conceding a turnover. The touched player has to pass the ball immediately. However, if the ball carrier is tackled in the wide channel, the ball is turned over.What to call out
- “Don’t go forward, let the attacker move into the trap”
- “Watch out for the hand off, drive hard into the tackle”
- “The touch line is another defender”
Dan Cottrell
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