As a defence drifts across the pitch to cover attacking players, it becomes vulnerable to a switch in the direction of the attack. Often, however, when this switch is used it is on a whim of a single player, who goes on his own and ends up isolated. “Whip back” provides your team with a structured approach to the play.
As a defence drifts across the pitch to cover attacking players, it becomes vulnerable to a switch in the direction of the attack. Often, however, when this switch is used it is on a whim of a single player, who goes on his own and ends up isolated. “Whip back” provides your team with a structured approach to the play.
Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 7-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7-10
What to think about
My team have really improved in their ability to “go with the flow” in attack. However, whilst at the start of the season it was a very effective play, teams have got used to it now and it is becoming predictable. How can we develop our attacking game plan so we can mix it up on the pitch?
Go with the flow can become very predictable if it is all a team has to offer in attack. “Whipping back” is an excellent addition to any attacking armoury and will exploit teams who get into a pattern of defending against “go with the flow”.
The key is to work with your key decision makers (usually 9 and 10) so they recognise the opportunities for whipping back. You then need a team call so every player knows what is happening and can react accordingly.
set-up
Create quick ruck ball in the first two rucks by going the same way.
Whip back as late as possible so the defence don’t have time to react.
What you get your players to do
Groups of four run and pass down a narrow channel. At the end of the channel they pass the ball to a scrum half. The group run round the scrum half, receive a pop pass and fan out to attack a wide channel.
Players run and pass through a narrow channel before running round to attack through the wide channel.
Development
Three pods of three players practise going with the flow for two rucks and then quickly whipping back to attack the weak side.
Add defenders at each of the rucks to slow the ball down, forcing the attackers to secure quick possession.
Add a third ruck going with the flow and then use the first pod of players (who have to work across the pitch) to provide the whip back option.
Related Files
Core-121-whip-it-back.pdfPDF, 320 KB
The first two pods set up rucks and create quick ball “going with the flow”...
Game situation
Play touch rugby with ten attackers against six defenders. The ball carrier has to go to ground after each touch and place the ball back. The defending team has to defend with two on one side of the tackle and four on the other. The attacking team has to recognise this and target the two defenders. This will sometimes involve going with the flow and sometimes whipping back. Encourage the defence to get organised quickly and the attacking team to play the ball quickly to speed up decision making.
... at the second ruck players from pod 3 whip round running onto the ball at pace.
What to call out
“Scrum half: demand quick ball from the ruck”
“Start the ‘whip back’ late and arrive onto the ball at pace”
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is the assistant coach with University of Bristol Women's team and is a coach mentor for Broad Plain RFC mini and juniors section.
He was Head Coach of Swansea Schools U15 and has previously held coaching roles with the Young Ospreys Academy and as Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup. He was director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. P...
Register now to get a free eBook worth £10
Get this brilliant ebook worth £10 for FREE when you register now
The fly half (10) has a controlling position to launch his team away from the opposition and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable ...
Newsletter Sign Up
Join over 75k coaches that are saving time searching for fresh coaching ideas with our free email newsletter: ✔ New drills ✔ New games ✔ New warm-ups. Delivered direct to your email inbox
"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."
Subscribe Today
Since 2006, we’ve helped tens of thousands of coaches just like you build strong teams and deliver effective and inspiring training sessions, week-in, week-out.
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach. ALL the support you need to become a great Youth Soccer coach: ✓ Proven, practical coaching advice
✓ Hundreds of ready-to-use drills and full-session practice plans
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
Part of Green Star Media Ltd. Company number: 3008779
We use cookies so we can provide you with the best online experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click on the banner to find out more.