Choose the right contact option

When a ball carrier is close to the tackler, he needs his support players to give him information on what to do next. Work on this communication and contact skills with this rip-roaring session.

It enhances understanding of where and how the support can help the ball carrier, so improving continuity.

1. In each box, put a ruck-pad holder either at the end, in the middle or near the front.
2. Have a ball carrier and support player at the front, facing away.

1. As they turn, they decide what to do next according to the proximity of the defender.
2. They either take contact (“my rip”), make a quick pass (”pop”) or attack, draw and pass (“pass”).
3. The support player helps the carrier make the right decision quickly.
4. Keep swapping around the situations.

1. Develop by putting three pad holders in the long box, at various intervals.
2. Four attackers face away and when they turn, they react to the pad holders’ positions.
3. The pad holders should walk forward slowly.
4. Further develop both drills by removing the ruck pads.

TECHNIQUE

• “My rip” – drive into the pad in a low, strong position, with ball on hip. Support player rips down, around and out.
• Aim to get to the edge of the ruck pad (or defender), not the middle.