1 of your 2 free articles
1. Inside foot forward
The inside foot forward will turn the defender's body slightly outwards and help him look at his opponents rather than the ball ("ball watching"). This helps ensure the defender doesn’t miss a late change in the attacker’s angle of running or a deeper player entering the line.
2. Body weight balanced
The player's body weight should be forward, ready to advance as soon as the ball is passed. Make sure the weight is not so far forward that the player is overbalancing. The knees should be bent and the hips dropped slightly, which is similar to the starting position of a middle-distance runner.
3. "Show and tell" the target
One arm is up, pointing at the opposition player who the defender is covering. He should also be communicating this information to the defenders on either side of him.
Click here for acceleration and sprinting tips to give your defenders a boost.
Click here to subscribe to Rugby Coach Weekly and get inspiration for your rugby training sessions delivered direct to your inbox.
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.