Straight lines or angles?

This session works on developing running and passing skills against different defences. Players should run angles at a defensive overload and straight lines if they have an overlap.

ACTIVITY

1. Put three attackers 10m away from three defenders holding ruck pads in a 10m square. 
2. Give the ball to one of the attackers at the side and they attack the pads, attempting to burst through a gap without taking much contact.
3. The defenders can move forward and sideways.

DEVELOPMENT

1. Remove one of the pad holders to create a 3v2 overlap and encourage straight running. The defenders can only pressurise the first two attackers. 
2. Add a feeding player and adjust the distances between the attack and defence to develop the practice further.

GAME SITUATION

1. Set up two ruck areas in a 30m square. Nominate a scrum-half (9) and four attackers. Place them anywhere inside the playing area. 
2. Put four defenders with pads behind lettered cones (A, B, C, D). 
3. Call for two to four of the defenders to come forward, which ruck area 9 is to play from and how long players have to organise themselves before they can start. Let play develop.
4. Remove the pads to make the game more realistic. You can also secretly tell the defenders who is to run up.

TECHNIQUE

• Attack spaces. Change angles late.
• Tell the ball carrier if there is an overlap or an angle.
• Run straight by keeping the hips square on to the defender.