This is a decision-making game in which support play and running lines are important. However, the vision and awareness of both the ball carrier and his support player is the key to making this game successful.

What you need for this game

• 3 Players
• 1 Ball
• 5 Cones

Set-up

Use cones to mark out a playing area measuring 10m x 8m. Choose one end of the area to be the try line and place a cone in the middle of it, as shown 1.

Rules

Play two-handed touch rugby.

Each game ends when either a try is scored, the defenders take possession of the ball or the player in possession is tackled by a defender.

What you do as coach

1.Position two attackers and one defender in the middle of the playing area, standing back to back, with the defender facing the try line and the attackers facing the opposite end. You stand to one side, ready to feed the ball into the game.

2.On your whistle, the defender runs round the middle cone on the try line and turns to defend. At the same time, the attackers run round the cone in the corner to their right, and turn before receiving a pass from you. 3.Once the attackers are in possession of the ball, they then attempt to beat the defender in a 2v1 situation and score at the try line.

After each game, swap the players’ positions round so that everyone gets a chance to attack and defend. You can also change sides to feed in the ball.

How you can progress the game

Keep the attackers guessing by adding a second ball feeder on the opposite side of the area, then call out who will pass the ball in after you’ve blown the whistle.

Make running more difficult by changing the position of the cone the defender has to run round. And/or make the attackers run round two separate cones.

• Two attackers and one defender stand back to back.
• You stand to the side.
• Inspire: Inject some urgency and focus into the game by encouraging the players to imagine themselves in a real match situation.

• Players run round designated cones.
• You feed the ball in to the attackers.
• Identify: Look for each player’s strengths. Who runs well with the ball? Who is offering support? Who is scanning the situation?

• Attackers attempt to score.
• Defender tries to read them and prevent a try.
• Ask: Get the players to think about their game. Ask them what they thought they did well and what they thought they could improve.