4v2 roundabout

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.