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Drop-off touch
Games that require all of the players to participate develop all abilities. In drop-off touch, defenders have to fill in and attackers have to support, involving the whole group.
WHY USE IT
It develops the ability to identify space in the defensive line and attack it. It also helps players improve spatial awareness along with developing decision-making skills and support play.
Set up
A 50m x 40m box, a ball, cones, bibs. Play 7v7 (min 5v5, max 10v10).
HOW TO DO IT
The attacking team starts in the middle with the defence 5m away (see top picture). The attack is allowed six touches to score a try. On each touch the defender runs back to their own tryline and re-enters the game (see middle picture). The attackers play on to make the defence work on their defensive shape under pressure. The pitch should open up with defenders retreating and returning while the attack constantly communicates and identifies space for the ball carrier to go through. Once the attacker is through the gap, a 2v1 scenario may occur as a defender is returning from their own try line (see bottom picture).
Upgrade
Give each player a number and then call the numbers in order to run back when a touch is made. This means every player runs at some point, not the tackler.
TECHNIQUE
- Create space by attacking in a concentrated area.
- Play 7v7 two-handed touch. The attack starts in the middle, with the defence 5m back
- Create space by attacking in a concentrated area. Players look to draw and pass to create a gap. Also when the ball carrier is approaching the tryline and a defender is returning to the game
Related Files
- On a touch, the team in possession can pass immediately
- If a touch is made, that defender has to return to their try line before returning to the game. In the upgrade, it is not the tackler, but the next numbered player who runs back
- Look to go through gaps, or draw and give the pass – spaces will appear where defenders have dropped out of line and other defenders have to move into position
- Support once the break is made, because returning defenders will be in the backfield
Dan Cottrell
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