An extra split second of pressure on the opposition can be the difference between success and failure. Rugby defence is not just about defensive systems. The best defensive teams enjoy defending. They are positive in defence and loud and accurate with their communication. So, does your rugby team see defence as a chore or as a great chance to win back the ball? Use the defence drills below to get your team working together to form a more cohesive defensive unit.
“The defender keeps themselves light on their feet, head up and marking a potential break, coming forward to close down an attacker when they move forward” MORE
Any defensive system needs to time to work on. It should also be simple and understood by the rest of the team. But you can still have a blitz system if you concentrate on the right principles. MORE
Counter rucking spoils the attacking team’s quick ball. Either your players win back the ball or, at worst, disrupt the opposition scrum half’s attempt to clear it. Once techniques have been embedded, this session progresses to the decision-making process for counter rucking. MORE
Individual defenders have to react quickly to changes in potential ball carriers. This session develops a defender’s ability to slide on to the ball carrier, sometimes at the last moment. MORE
My U15 team has leaked lots of tries from scrums and lineouts recently. What are the best ways to defend from these set pieces?
The problem lies in the connection between the forwards and the backs. The backs are 5-10m back from the forwards, so when the ball is released, they don’t immediately connect. MORE
With a 5m ruling at scrums, teams tend to use drift defence. However, they need to practise not only the mechanics of the drift but also ways to cover the gap inside the 10, who has to catch up with his openside flanker. MORE
Most tackles from behind are from an angle. Use this session to develop the skills to make realistic tackles as players “scramble” back and chase a ball carrier.
A rear tackle is a recovery tackle by a player who’s chasing. MORE
Use this scenario to create decision-making opportunities around attacking the edge of a defence. The edge is where the end of the line of defenders finishes. MORE
