Back row running lines off the scrum

by Mark Calverley in Defence, Rugby drills

The back row needs to operate as a coordinated unit in defence, not three individuals. Use this session to develop their roles.

From a scrum, each back row player has a different running line so they can cover initial attacks, a possible break and then defend around the ruck.

ACTIVITY

Put the back row on their knees in a scrum shape.
Call out a coloured cone. The nearest back-rower (normally 7 or 6) runs to the cone.
The other back rowers take a line to that cone which goes with their role (see below).
The first back-rower goes to ground, while the other two back-rowers take up defensive positions either side of the ruck.

Develop by calling a second colour to move to.

GAME SITUATION

Set up a backline move (say with the other forwards).
The 7 has to cover his man. If the move beats the 7 or attacks a space, either call “break” or “tackle”, so the other players know where to run to cover.

ROLES

The 7: Pressure on the 10. Be quick off the side of the scrum. Keep applying pressure on the inside of each ball carrier.

The 8: Cover the 7 on his inside and track his running lines, but slightly deeper. Covers the far side of the ruck.

The 6: Cover the blindside first and then track the 8, but deeper. Then cover a clean break. Go to the near side of the ruck and defend there.

Share this: Share

Coaching snaps: Skill game

in Rugby coaching, Rugby drills

In the third part of a session, after a warm-up game and then a skill drill, introduce a skill game. The game is still focused on the objective. It gives the players a chance to explore the skill in the context of the game and see why it is relevant. MORE

Lockdown planning: Preventing quick ruck ball sessions

in Email Newsletters, Lesson Plans, Rugby drills

In Lockdown planning: Quick ruck ball sessions, we focused on applying pressure on the defence. Now, let's plan for the other side of the ball. France's defence coach, Shaun Edwards says that it is his main metric for success: slowing down ruck possession. To enhance learning, you are better off focusing on an “arc” of learning for a specific area. This means spreading out the training over a number of weeks, rather than dedicating one session to this. MORE

Analysis: How to scrum half pass

in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills

Here's my analysis of four different scrum half passes. Each one has their own style and is effective in its own way. Use these clips to inform your own coaching and share with your 9s to help them find improvements in their passing. MORE

Sharper angles

in Attack, Rugby drills

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

Defensive scramble

in Rugby drills

Develop the skills to cover an attack which might be outflanking your defence. This activity works on the choices to come forward or track back. If your team is in danger of being outflanked in attack, what do they do? In many cases, teams sacrifice territory by scrambling backwards across the field allowing them to... MORE

Onto the fringe and into the fire

in Defence, Rugby drills

One of the most difficult things to teach a group of players is their ability to change from a defensive mindset to an attacking one effectively. Here is an activity that does just that. Make the players think that they need to defend as an organised unit and then be able to attack at pace when the ball is turned over. It’s not going to be easy. MORE