Mix up forwards and backs in attacks from rucks by running a box formation. Have two players at the front and two at the back. The ball carrier has multiple options to pass to when he attacks the line.
Instead of spreading across the pitch, encourage at least two players to stand in behind the first receiver. Use this session to develop this tactic.
Set up six numbered attackers and three defenders along with a feeder.
Indicate which player (Player 2 or 4) will receive the ball by means of a signal the defenders cannot see or hear by holding up fingers.
The “box” of players around that ball carrier then attack. So that’s 1, 3 and 4 with 2, and 3, 5 and 6 with 4.
The defenders move up on the feeder’s pass using grab tackling to prevent the attacking from scoring.
NOTE: This will be messy and perhaps chaotic at the start. Eventually, players will start to run angles to play off the ball carrier. If this isn’t happening, remove the defenders and run with tackle tubes on the ground to indicate gaps.
In a game situation, the 10 might have a forward either side of him and a back outside.
This forms a box formation, where the ball carrier can attack the line and release a big forward into the defence.
The defence has to match up against the attackers, potentially leaving spaces or half gaps to exploit.
TECHNIQUE
The ball carrier should manipulate defenders by running at spaces.
Support runners need to maintain depth and pace on to the ball.
Every ball carrier must have options left and right
How often do you despair that your players can’t score when there’s an overlap? Why is it players drift out in attack and play into the hands of the drift defence? Here are my simple solutions. MORE
This session will help players highlight their core skills under pressure. It works especially on short passes when the ball carrier is running “offline”.
Offline means the passer is either running towards the intended receiver or away. MORE
Use this activity to work on options to attack the line flat or pull the pass back to a player who is running wider into space.
This is a tough decision-making exercise because players have to make late passing decisions, while receivers have to time their runs to find the gaps. MORE
Replicate game situations where forwards have to ruck and handle in quick succession, with a degree of decision-making. It needs the simple things done well.
Forwards often have to mix contact and handling skills in a short space of time. Challenge them to move quickly from skill to skill. MORE
Help attackers realign quickly so they can run onto the ball and exploit gaps with passing.
To attack effectively, players need to see where to run and then come onto the ball with pace. They can only do this with good realignment. That means being in a good position relative to their team mates. MORE