Try this fun game to help players work on defensive organisation. By forming a physical defence chain, players work together to stop attackers from scoring. This game also helps attackers identify gaps on the wings and learn to execute opportunities.
It develops an idea from Andrew Drayton who coaches Crediton girls, Devon.
Set up a long, narrow box approximately 15m wide by 20m long.
Split into groups of 3 attackers v 4 defenders or 2 v 3.
Start the defenders at the halfway line, with defenders making a chain using rope, pool noodles, or bibs.
The attackers aim to score on the opposition try line using normal passing and evasive skills.
The defenders aim to herd the attackers back up the pitch, using the chain to control the space.
If an attacker drops the ball or makes contact with the chain, the attempt finishes.
The attack has three attempts. Each time they score, they have another three attempts to score. Adjust to suit your players.
If the defence breaks the chain, then the attackers can breakthrough. Players who were in the middle of the chain cannot make a touch with their free hand.
DEVELOPMENTS
Play with no ball.
Defenders have to encircle attackers to eliminate them, attackers must make it to the opposition try line to survive the next round.
If an attacker is eliminated, they join the defensive chain.
NOTES
The girls enjoy this in training because of the challenge to maintain the chain in defence and break the chain in attack. It is easy for them pick up any flaws in defence. From my point of view, I can see who is switched in attack to exploit gaps and breaks.
TECHNIQUES
Be aware of the defender next to you so you don’t break the chain.
Follow the pass in attack to add supporting options.
“The supporting player starts in front of the ball carrier, while the defender has his back to the attack. When you shout play, with the supporting player walking forward and the defender out of position, the players will have to think quickly to come up with winning solutions.” MORE
Change your try lines so they extend up the edges of the pitch to create a new sort of challenge for the players. The initial outcomes may seem strange, yet you may find the longer-term benefits help your team’s go forward. MORE
Create a fatiguing decision-making exercise for your players. In this 4 v 2 game, the players have 90 seconds to score as many tries as possible but can choose which line to attack each time. MORE