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Get ready to blitz
Players need to position themselves outside their intended target to make sure they come from out to in on the “blitz”. This session works on alignment to blitz as pairs and threes and then how backs and forwards connect in defence.
CHALLENGE
- Improving a blitz defensive system.
- Developing running angles and communication for defence.
SET UP
Cones and ball.
how to do it
Activity
- Set up three attackers and a feeder in a 10m square divided into four, with one attacker in each box and an attacker behind them.
- Put a defender on the inside corner of each box (see the top picture).
- When you say: ”GO”, the defenders run to the other corner before the ball is then released to the attackers. Defenders cut down the space for attackers who aim to get the ball to the spare player.
- Use touch tackling with two hands on the chest of the ball carrier.
Development
- Increase the playing area to 15m x 10m, add another box, defender and attacker (see the middle picture).
- Play as before and concentrate on the wider blitz.
Game situation
- Put three defending forwards on one side of the area and three defending backs on the other side. Put a feeder by one side with five attackers in the front line and two behind (see the bottom picture).
- Defenders run around to form a line. Attackers aim for the “hinge” where the backs and forwards are supposed to connect. The defence aims to blitz the attack.
TECHNIQUE
- Position yourself quickly on the outside of the player you are marking.
- Come forward fast.
- Outside players look out for attackers coming into the line.
ACTIVITY 1
- A feeder passes to an attacker, who has two support players, one at the front and one just behind
- Two defenders run to the corner of the box and set to come from out to in to prevent the attack from scoring
Development
Related Files
- Add another box
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Add another defender and another attacker
game situation
- Three forwards defenders
- Three backs defenders
- Once the defenders are in position (or just into position), the feeder passes the ball to the attack
- The attack could aim for the hinge, where the backs and forwards join
Dan Cottrell
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