Turnover ball can be as important an attacking weapon as clean set piece ball. Quick use of the turnover ball can make it even more potent. This session builds on the tactic of clearing the ball from the danger area with two passes. The final game situation adds in the key factor of not knowing exactly when the turnover is going to occur.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 5-8
Development time: 5-8
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

Your tactics after winning turnover ball. For instance, in your own 22 you might want to clear the ball upfield as far as possible. The opposition probably won’t be in position to field such a kick. Outside your 22 you may want to hold on to the ball more than kick it. Two-pass-away allows your players time to see what is on and then run or kick. Some teams are more comfortable having a set plan from the turnover and others to let the players see what is front of them and play. This decision is very much part of the game plan.

set-up

1. The first player to the turnover ball must clear it away from the contact area immediately.
2. The first receiver must pass it on again quickly.
3. The second receiver then weighs up options – run, pass or kick.

What you get your players to do

Start three players by some cones. Place a ball about three metres in front of them beside another cone. This represents the point of a turnover. Shout “GO” and one player runs to the ball. The other two run forward and to one side of the ball and then turn to face back towards their original cones. The player at the ball passes to the nearest player who passes on to the furthest player. This last player runs back to his starting cone, with the other two players in support. Check that the two passes happen before the last receiver has run back in front of the original ball position.