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Make a difference
Develop your players’ understanding of how they can make a difference when supporting the ball carrier, whether taking a pass or winning the tackle contest.
the challenge
Mix up the possible support roles, so players must think when, where and how to support an unfolding attacking situation.
set up
A 20m by 15m area, two ruck pads (optional) and a ball.
how to play it
Three attackers start immediately opposite two ruck pad-holders, with a ball at their feet. Put an attacker and defender each side of this situation. The front two attackers drive back the pad holders, and the next player passes either left or right. The receiver aims to beat the defender in front of them. All the other players move in to support. The attempt ends when there is an infringement, turnover or a try is scored. Play full-contact rugby. If a ball carrier runs into a pad holder, the attempt is over.
Development: Start the attempt much nearer the side of the box. Take away the pads, and have two attackers drive back one of the defenders. The attacker who picks up the ball can run or pass.
coaching points
- Aim to get in behind the ball carrier.
- Look ahead to where the threats are.
- The front two attackers drive forward into the ruck pad-holders to release the ball
- A defender marks each attacker
Related Files
- Once the ball is released, the back attacker passes left or right
- It then becomes full contact
- The attackers aim to get to the far end of the box
- If the ball carrier runs into a ruck pad-holder, the attempt is over. A glancing blow doesn’t count (rewarding good footwork)
Dan Cottrell
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