Scramble rucks

WHY USE IT

If the ball carrier is momentarily isolated, support players need to react quickly to secure the ball.

SET UP

Cones and balls – see first illustration.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Split players into four attackers and four defenders, with a separate ball carrier and defender. The groups of four run around the circles (as in the top illustration), with only one player allowed between each cone at any one time, to avoid bunching. Call out a letter; the ball carrier then runs into and through that box and gets tackled. At the same time, the circle attackers and defenders react to win the ball. Play until there is a turnover, or the ball is clearly won by the attacking team.

Game situation: Split players into teams of seven. Two players from each team start inside each of the two boxes, with a ball; three players from each team wait between the boxes. Play two full-contact games of 2v2 between those in the boxes; then release the other players, who must decide which situation to support. Once in the boxes, players can’t leave. Finish that box on a try or infringement. You can either have one team start with both balls, or you can give one ball to each team.

COACHING POINTS

• Tackled player: Fight to the ground to present the ball.
• Support players: Identify threats as you arrive and clear them beyond your team-mate on the ground.
• Better to be late and ready, than early and unprepared.

ACTIVITY

1. Four players in each group run around the circle
2. An attacker and defender wait in the middle

1. Call out the box the attacker has to run through and get tackled
2. On the call, the other attackers run to support
3. At the same time, the defenders run over to win the ball

GAME SITUATION

1. Play 2v2 in each box (full contact). Each team decides which needs the most support
2. The three players at either end can run to either box