Jump and field

Every time the catcher has to jump to take the ball, he risks losing it. Use this simple exercise and extension to put pressure on the catcher and any challenger as well.
By Dan Cottrell

ACTIVITY

1. ŒOne player throws the ball over two ruck pad holders are advancing
2. The catcher comes forward

1. ŽThe catcher jumps up and into or through the ruck pads

GAME SITUATION

1. ŒA kicker aims for one of the two boxes, with two support players aiming to contest the kick
2. A catcher takes the kick, with a supporting player aiming to help out

CHALLENGE

Confidence to jump and catch without taking focus away from the ball.

SET UP

Ball and rucks, cones to mark out boxes.

HOW TO DO IT

ACTIVITY

• Put two players holding ruck pads at head height about 5m in front of the catcher and no more than a metre apart.
• Get the catcher to run at the gap in the pads. From behind the pads, get a ball thrown over the pad holders so the player has to leap and catch the ball either just before, over or through the pads.
• Increase the distances and have the pad holders move forward and backwards to develop.
• The pad holders simulate attackers or defenders and are there to distract the catcher.

DEVELOPMENTS

• Throw the ball from behind the catcher, so it is like he is chasing for the ball.

GAME SITUATION

• Put two attackers and a kicker about 20m away from two 10m boxes. Put a defender in front of the kicker and then another defender just behind the boxes.
• Get the kicker to land the ball in the boxes so they are contestable by his own players.
• The defender in front of the kicker can try to block the kick or run back to help his team mate.

TECHNIQUE

• Drive up and towards the ball.
• Eyes open all the way.
• Push your elbows together and squeeze the arms up to make a solid catching area.