Backwards set piece

Not every set piece works out, and this session looks at some simple recovery strategies. It mainly involves one player retaining the ball, staying strong and then his team mates coming back to help him.

A physical activity to develop ways to mop up errors.

ACTIVITY

1. Put two attackers and one defender (holding a ruck pad) facing each other, two thirds of the way up the box.
2. Roll a ball into the larger area of the box. The attackers have to run back, recover the ball and drive back up the box (no passing).
3. The defender runs to the end of the box, turns and puts pressure on the ball carrier.

DEVELOPMENTS

1. Add more players to each group.
2. Have a couple of players from each team wrestle before you throw the ball back.

GAME SITUATION

1. Put four players in two and two scrum formation (prop, hooker, lock, flanker), leaning against three ruck-pad holders (or three players) in the box.
2. Put a ball at a feet of the back two players and kick it backwards – though not too hard.

1. The players have to break, recover and drive back up the box.

TECHNIQUE

• Slide onto the ball, getting up immediately, but in the low position to drive forward.
• As a support player, work hard to be in behind the ball carrier – keep communicating to give them confidence.