Scan for blindside attack

WHY USE IT

Attackers should realign to attack the blindside if the defence is not in position.

set up

Ruck pad, two coloured cones and a ball.

how to play it

Activity: Five attackers and three defenders start at the side of the playing area, about 15m from a pad. The players all run into position, with two defenders running to the pad, and then, if you indicate it, a coloured cone. The other defender just runs to the pad. The attackers realign based on the defensive picture, and then attack when ready. To initiate the attack, the attacker at the pad passes the ball. They can run and pass as well. Use touch tackling. Adjust the number of defenders as appropriate.

Development: Put five defenders in position. The attackers run to the pad and realign to attack. Using hand signals, adjust the width of the defending group. Ideally, move to grab tackling and allow offloads out of the tackle.

coaching points

• Scan as you run.
• Attack with straight running and fast passing.
• In the activity, the defenders are racing to get back into position, either from the cones or from the pad. The attack has to read their relative positions before deciding which way to attack.

Activity

• Five attackers and three defenders run to a pad
• Two of the defenders either run to the cone you indicate or to the pad; the other just runs to the pad

• The attackers realign to attack based on where the defenders are lining up
• The defenders then turn to defend, based on the attacking shape
• Use touch tackling

Development

• The attackers run into position
• Put the defence in place
• Indicate if you want the defence to be narrow or wide, and if you want defenders to move, before the attack arrive