Three defenders are spread out in the middle of the area. The rest of the players – the attackers – start at one end. Attackers must either be carrying a ball or have their hands clasped together to represent holding a ball.
When you say “go”, all of the attackers run into the area. Their aim is to get to the far end without being tagged by a defender.
If an attacker is either tagged, goes outside the area, uses a fend to prevent the tag being ripped off, or does not hold the ball in two hands, he becomes a defender.
Run the game up and down the area until the last player is tagged. Make sure everyone has a go as a defender.
When the game is over, ask the defenders whether they think it’s better to defend together in a line or as individuals to see if they understand the benefit of teamwork.
What you say
“Chase the ball carrier”
“Get close to the ball carrier”
How many players do I need?
You can run this activity with nine or more players. If you have upwards of 20 players, run two games side by side.
Build a defence ethic by defending in threes and fours. Players will have to cover narrow and wide spaces, improving their tackling and communication. MORE
“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
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
