Footwork before contact

U10 | EVASION 3

Get your players used to stepping left or right before the tackle and then either offloading the ball or taking contact

1. Make a 1m triangle from three cones. Put a ball carrier and a support player 4m back from one point of the triangle and defenders 3m back from the other two points. Place two further cones another 2m from each of the defenders.
2. When you say “go”, the attackers move forward and one of the defenders runs from the side, back around a spare cone and then on towards the triangle. He aims to tackle the ball carrier (or get a two-handed touch on his front).
3. The ball carrier runs to the point of the triangle in front of him and then steps left or right. As he does this, he aims to pass the ball inside to his team mate who is running in support.

4. If the ball carrier can’t get the ball away because he is about to be tackled, he goes to ground to present the ball.
5. Develop by having two defenders come around at the same time, with another attacker in support of the ball carrier. Also, the defender can use a ruck pad instead of making a tackle.

You will need

• 1 ball
• Cones
• Bibs
• Ruck pad (optional)

Got more players?

Have attackers and defenders waiting in line for their turn, or set up another playing area.

What to tell your players

“Carry the ball in two hands”
“Step to take the defender with you”
“Call for the ball in support”