Backs moves
From my experience even basic backs moves, like a miss pass, loop or switch, need careful consideration. Not least because there are crucial variations you can make to suit your team’s strengths. During the match the players then have to understand the purpose of the move – why this move here and now? Use the backs moves below to turn your back row into a deadly attacking force.
in Attack, Backs moves, Rugby drills
Test out how well the players read the defence from a backs play, and still make headway even if they choose the wrong option. MORE
in Backs moves, Rugby drills
Run backline moves in a competitive format to force players to run the correct lines under pressure. It is best run as a unit skills session with the backs. ACTIVITY Two backlines run a move against each other, with the perceived pressure coming from someone running towards you The 9s run around their cones before... MORE
in Backs moves
Best from Anywhere outside your 22. Either a scrum or lineout. It’s easy to set up from a second phase but is not good against tight defence. Why it works Defences tend to drift out more after a pass from 10. This attacks “against the grain” even more than a “10-12 switch”. It straightens the... MORE
in Backs moves
Best from Anywhere on the pitch. It creates the illusion of a short pass, but is an effective way of getting the ball wide. Why it works The move buys time for 13, especially against a “rush/blitz defence”. The defenders will hold their runs based on 12 and will slow to tackle him. The pass... MORE
in Backs moves
Best from Between the 22m lines and just inside the opposition 22. This is a “strike” move which can be used when defenders are tired, or from second phase when there may be “props” in the midfield defence. Why it works The “miss pass” and “outside arc” of 13 draws the defenders onto 13, stretching... MORE
in Backs moves
Best from The opposition half and close to the try line. It’s a great move for big 15s to hit the line and ride a tackle to score under the posts. If 12 moves quickly enough and has posed a threat already then the space should open up enough for this to happen. Why it... MORE
in Backs moves
Best from Anywhere on the pitch. Both scrums and lineouts. The move is also easy to set up with a variety of players (backs and forwards) and from second phase. Why it works The “dummy switch” between the 10 and 12 holds the inside defence. This causes enough uncertainty to create a 2 vs 1... MORE
in Backs moves
Best From Anywhere on the pitch and with any two players, not just 10 and 12. Second phase because it is easy to set up Why it works The angles of running by the receiver draw the marker one way before his sharp turn puts him into the space left by the defender. If the... MORE
in Backs moves
Best from Anywhere on the pitch. Second phase ball because the set up does not need much organisation and can be easily communicated. A scrum but especially a lineout as it attacks the space at the back of the lineout. Why it works The “switch” attacks inside the opposition’s 10 (or whoever is standing at... MORE
in Backs moves
Best from Anywhere on the pitch. Second phase ball. Why it works It moves the ball further from the cover defence, so if 13 makes a break he is less likely to be hauled down by an opposition back row player. Executed well it puts 13 into a space to either run at his opposite... MORE
