On the face of it a simple 5v5 but by delaying defenders and creating two lines of defence, questions are asked of attackers as they look to take advantage of overloads and score a try.
SET UP
A 40x25m box with three players from each team facing each other in the middle. Outside the box are two players from each team, one pair has a ball (picture 1)
THE RULES
The ball is passed between the two players. On your call of “Go!” the player in possession of the ball and the rest of his team run back to their own try line to attack.
The other team run back to their try line in order to defend. The defenders to the side can only retreat to their line once the rest of the team are back (picture 2). This creates a 5v3v2, forcing the attack to draw, offload and get in position to support (picture 3).
SCORING
Attack gets a point for a try. Defence gets a point for preventing a try, a forward pass or the attack dropping the ball. Add extra points for great support in attack or defence.
Play for five attacks then switch roles to see which team wins.
TELL THEM
“You must react quickly to what is in front of you whether you are attacking or defending.” “Ball carrier must ensure team mates are ready to support when attacking.”
COACHING TIPS
This game allows the tension to build as players will have little idea of their role in a move until it begins to unfold.
“An attacker and defender run unusual running lines, which map out an R, to create a dynamic 1 v 1 which gives a chance for the attacker to attempt to step inside or outflank the defender” MORE
The wolf (the defender) aims to bring down the hero and steal the ball. The hero aims to save the ball and then, after a count of five, pass to a teammate. The wolf wins if they bring down the hero, steal the ball or force them out of the edges or starting end of the box. MORE
A Digital Video Games Approach (DVGA) borrows design features from video game design and uses these features to design practices for players on the field. However, to make the best use of the way digital video game designers get the ‘gamer’ to think, we need to understand the design process in depth. Amy Price of GreyMattersUk.com and Dan Cottrell explain how to do this. MORE
The thrower aims to put the catcher under pressure by throwing a ball so it arrives at the same time as their chaser. Score points for successful catches or winning the ball chase. MORE
“The supporting player starts in front of the ball carrier, while the defender has his back to the attack. When you shout play, with the supporting player walking forward and the defender out of position, the players will have to think quickly to come up with winning solutions.” MORE