“Plus one” play

WHY USE IT

Creating 2v1 mismatches is just as effective in close as it is in space. The power of two is a powerful weapon.

Set up

A 5m square per group of four players: Two defenders with ruck pads and two attackers with a ball.

HOW TO DO IT

• In the 5m square, the attacking pair enter from opposite corners. The ruck pad holders stand close together (see top picture).
• The ball carrier runs at one of them and, in the last 2m,  passes to the supporting player who runs on to the ball at pace and aims to smash between the two defenders who resist (see middle picture).
• Players attack and defend in different partnerships, in 30-second sets.
• Develop with the initial ball carrier following the supporter into contact and driving them from behind to add extra power.

TECHNIQUE

• The supporting player runs at a faster speed than the ball carier to create huge  momentum and get past their team-mate when the contact area is reached.
• If they don’t smash through, the passing player places their shoulder behind the buttock of the driving player, who must be no higher than waist height of the defender and driving upwards in contact.
• Both attackers remain on their feet and use small, fast steps.