Set-up

A 10m square within a 12m square, creating a 1m corridor.

What you get your players to do

Get them to practise “parachute rolls” - twisting as they fall to face the opposite direction and present the ball at arms’ length - as in picture 1. Ensure impact with the ground is absorbed by knees, hips and shoulders. Make sure the ball is held in two hands against the chest, elbows tucked in, to prevent jarring and spilling the ball. Ensure their body is twisting to face the opposite direction to which they were originally facing. Get them to present the ball at arms’ length from the body with at least one hand holding it in place. Ensure the ball is not dropped or moved once presented.

Look for

Players holding the ball in two hands as they fall. Players checking they are pushing the ball back as far towards their try line as possible.

Development

Four tacklers on their knees at the midpoint of each side - as in picture 2. Four ball carriers each on a corner. Attackers walk around the corridor, being tackled by the tacklers and presenting correctly, then continuing - as in picture 3. Progress to jogging, then running.

Notes

If you are in the middle of the box, you can quickly move to each tackle to check for good presentation. You can also move players into the middle to show good techniques. This is a physical exercise, so do not run it for too long because the players will get tired and lose form.