Handling different defences – three scenarios

Use all your handling skill options in these three attacking scenarios. The outside backs need to communicate clearly where the spaces are to help the inside backs make the right decisions.

This exercise challenges an attack – initially with a one-player advantage – against three types of defence: drift, blitz (rush) and dog-leg. Let the players use their handling skills, plus ask them how to beat each defence.

SET UP

1. Have four attackers and a feeder (scrum half) line up.
2. Using ruck pads (or tubes or cones) to indicate a ruck, a feeder passes the ball to the attacking line.
3. Change the width of the area to suit the skills of your players.

HOW TO DO IT

1. Condition the defence, in this case in a drift formation.

1. In this scenario, the defence comes from out to in.
2. The cones help indicate the defenders’ starting points.

1. In this scenario the defence starts with a dog-leg (that is, one player back).

There are two possible developments.

• First, ask both groups to run into position, counting down until the feeder can pass the ball. Condition the defence each time.
• Second, increase the intensity of the tackling, so the attackers can use offloads, fends and footwork to beat the defence.

TECHNIQUE

Use urgent communication to tell the inside backs where the space is l Fix the defence on the inside with straight running before passing