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
Get players to attack defenders in close or wide situations. They will have to see where to run and change angle sharply at pace to adjust. Players need the confidence to change angles, especially those players who are not used to sprinting and conditioning. MORE
Use this activity to put more decision-making pressure on the ball carrier and supporters. Make it a high tempo session with lots of goes, and feedback on the run rather than halting the exercise. MORE
This small-sided game is ideal to work on players kick chase and keeping the ball alive in attack. You can use this as a standalone skills game or have it as a platform to launch a bigger game of touch and pass from. Thanks to Simon Parsons, Women and Girls Director of Rugby for Tunbridge Wells RFC and Kent U15s Girls Head Coach for this activity. MORE
Challenge your team’s go forward by seeing who can score a try the fastest. A full contact small-sided game which will add an additional pressure element to create a tactical edge. MORE
From a tight or close ruck, a one-pass play can create go forward outside the fly-half or first receiver. Use this session to open your players’ mind to different possibilities. One pass plays are low risk and so should be executed with greater confidence and pass at the tackle line. MORE
Make your ball carriers world beaters by providing them with the best support the team can provide. Support players make more decisions than ball carriers. They have to second guess the ball carrier and defence movement. MORE