A dynamic game that combines decision-making, evasion, handling and calling with the ultimate aim of dividing the defence and scoring a try from an overload situation.
SET UP
A 25m square with a tackle tube lying down in the middle. Three players at ends A and B to form two teams. Two players – one with a ball – run around the tube.
Three more players await their turn (picture 1).
THE RULES
On your call of “Go!”, the ball carrier tries to touch the other player in the middle with the ball.
On your call of A or B, the ball carrier stops chasing and throws an accurate pass to the team of three at that end. He then joins that team in attack (picture 2).
The other tube runner acts as a defender and the attack nominates a player from the other team to join him so it becomes a 4v2 (picture 3).
The attack has two phases or five seconds to score so must make good decisions and exploit the overload. After a try or failed attempt, the two players not used become the two players chasing round the bag.
SCORING
The attack either scores a try or doesn’t. Give each attack three attempts to find out your best team of three. They cannot pick the same defender more than once.
TELL THEM
“Quick and accurate passing to a player in space.”
“Read the defender, get out of his way then pass.”
COACHING TIPS
One way to put players under pressure is to give them an opponent to focus on while also ensuring that they listen to another person communicating with them.
Use this blocked attack game (one team attacks for a period of time) to challenge players to apply the principles of play under pressure. The attacking team get extra “lives” for good support when they score tries. MORE
Scenarios offer a great way of engaging your players in games. By putting the players in a specific point of a well known match, they get the opportunity to develop their game management. For younger players, scenarios give them the opportunity to be their favourite players of their favourite teams. For older players, scenarios give them the opportunity to challenge their decision making with regards to the score-line and also how to deal with specific threats or weaknesses in future opposition. MORE
Improve your players’ footwork as they run forward, so they beat opposition players, or at least create a chance for a good offload in contact.
This is a simple session to set up and can be adjusted easily to suit the stages of your players’ development.
MORE
Develop a fantastic training environment for your players to develop in. Here’s how I translate a positive learner-centre culture into my sessions. MORE
Using an NFL theme of gaining ground for each attack, this skills game focuses on the principle of support. It encourages players to focus on pass and follow actions and understand what good support looks and sounds like. MORE
