close
LOGIN
Latch and crash
When a ball carrier goes into contact with another player bound/latched onto them, both need to know the best technique to make the most of this doubling of bodyweight.
WHY USE IT
Top sides break through defences and win rucks by effectively doubling the weight of the ball carrier who changes their angle of run to meet the latcher more effectively. The latcher binds on at the right point to make sure the ball is protected in contact.
Set up
A 4m square, two ruck pad holders, a ball and three attackers.
HOW TO DO IT
- Put two ruck pad holders at one end of the square.
- Put a feeder to the side.
- A ball carrier and an outside latcher attack the gap between the pads. With an outside latcher, the ball carrier angles their run out slightly (see picture 1) and the latcher binds onto the hip of the ball carrier to add momentum through the pads.
- Next, the ball carrier angles in towards the pad and the latcher binds level with the ball carrier (see picture 2).
- In each case both players drive through the pads, with the latcher protecting the ball carrier.
- Develop by having a feeder either passing and latching, or picking and going with the other player latching on (see picture 3).
TECHNIQUE
- Latch on level on the inside to give more protection.
- Latch on by the hip on the outside because it gives more power.
NOTE: Don’t go to ground if the latch is early - this leads to a penalty.
-
A feeder passes to a receiver with a support player on their outside
-
The ball carrier turns out slightly aiming for the gap in the pads
-
The latcher binds on the hip to drive the ball carrier through the pads
Related Files
-
A feeder passes to a receiver with a support player on their inside. The ball carrier turns in slightly, aiming for the gap in the pads
-
The inside latcher binds LEVEL with the ball carrier through the pads
- In both activities, the ball carrier is protected by the latching player
- Finally, get a player to pick up the ball from a corner
- They either pick and pass, latching onto the new ball carrier...
- ... or pick up and go with the support player latching on their outside
Sean Holley
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Subscribe Today
Newsletter Sign Up
Coaches Testimonials
Colin Shaw
Gary Lee Heavner
Subscribe Today
Latest Issue
Be a more effective, more successful rugby coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
