Win the ruck with just one player

Winning a ruck with just one player is a great way to maximise numbers post contact. In open spaces, this is a top skill to develop to retain quick ball and play again.

Attacking away from congested areas, this is an ideal way to keep quick ball going. It’s also a good individual skill for normal rucks too.

Activity 1

1. Place ruck pads and players as in the picture. Players lie either side of the pad. 
2. On your command, players contest a 1v1 ruck. The winner is the first player to drive over the ball. 

1. Ensure players move from a prone position, to all fours, to a three-point stance to enable them to move quickly and powerfully.

Activity 2

1. Next, players face each other across the box. 
2. Teams pass a ball between themselves until you call which ruck pad to run to. 
3. When the letter is called, the players in possession of a ball drop it and contest a ruck at that pad.

Development 

1. Two teams of three start by passing a ball between them. Give each team a colour. 
2. When you call that colour, that team’s ball carrier enters the box with a team mate along with two of the other team. 
3. If a tackle is made, then there is a 1v1 ruck. No passing is allowed. Once the ruck has finished, players leave the box and return to their starting positions. 

TECHNIQUE

• Low body positions. 
• Contact with the shoulder.
• Driving low to high. 
• Continuous small, driving steps.