Go with the flow forwards off 10

This rugby drill also develops a better understanding between your scrum and fly-halves, and how they link up with the forwards. It starts with not many decisions and the builds.

What you tell your players the drill session is about

• Using a simple, effective attacking system.
• Exploring variations of the system.

What you tell your players to do

• Keep the scrum-half (9) and fly-half (10) in position as the playmakers.
• Learn what your individual roles are at each phase of play.
• Communicate effectively through each phase of play.

What you get your players to do

Three players hold ruck pads at each of the three ruck areas (see the picture, below).

The scrum-half (9) starts with the ball. The fly-half (10) stands opposite the first ruck pad. A group of three or four runners stand in a group behind the fly half (10). A second group of players stand opposite the second ruck shield.

Start with the scrum-half (9) passing to the fly half (10) who gives a pop pass to one of the runners. The runner hits the ruck pad and goes to ground, with the other players rucking over.

The scrum-half (9) and fly-half (10) realign and repeat the rugby drill, moving the same way (“going with the flow”) into the next two ruck pads.

What to call out

• “Pass and support.”
• “Stay out of the scrum half-fly half channel.”
• “If you’re not in the ruck, get behind the fly-half.”

What to look for in this drill

• The players entering rucks when they are not needed.
• The players not supporting their passes and getting out of position.
• The players who don’t understand their roles at each phase of the attack.

Develop the drill

• Add more defenders at the ruck.
• Spread the ruck pads for wider attacks.

How would I put this into a game situation?

Play up and down the pitch with two equal teams (say 8 to 10  side).

The attacking team starts on one touchline and goes with the flow, making sure they keep the ball at each breakdown. When they reach the 15m line, they can change direction and move back across the pitch or keep going towards the touchline.

Swap the teams over after every three attacks.

What to think about

• Would you use this system all the time?
• What variations can you introduce to make the system more effective?
• When would a system like this work for your team?
• Why do your team need an attacking system to be effective?