Score tries with slow wingers

When you don’t possess quicker wingers or centres, it seems logical to concentrate on scoring through forwards. However, you can still score tries out wide by using simple tactics and executing basic skills well.

Create overlaps

To score wide, create and execute overlaps. That means having more attackers on their feet in front of fewer defenders. With the best will in the world, few sides can finish off 5v4s, so you want to be forcing situations where there are 3v2s or even better 3v1s. See Ian Diddams’ activity on page 6 to create great overlaps.

Stress defences

The first way to create overlaps is to stress a defence. That is, put so much pressure on one area that they need to put more resources into one part of the pitch, leaving spaces elsewhere. Do this by attacking their weakest defenders or a couple of concerted attacks into one area.

Hold your feet

Once there is a chance for an overlap, the ball carrier must not take up too much space in front of them and allow the last defender to get in their face. It is a balance of running straight and passing early enough to engage the defence so they don’t drift too quickly.

Play flat and fast

If your backs are slow, they need to play closer to the gain line. That means using hard and fast passes and good handling skills. A good miss pass can make a real difference here. See Colin Ireland’s page 5 activity on how to make successful miss passes.

Keep your powder dry

Finally, you will have one player who is faster than the others. Keep them on their feet and out of the action until you need to use them. You could stress a defence by using them once, then get them out of there to use in two phases’ time.

Common understanding

Every player needs to know how you hold defences, create space and execute the plays to go wide. Make sure there is a common language and understanding so when the opportunities do arise, all the players have a clear plan.