Ultras attack & defence

the challenge

The two techniques I want to work on, writes Dan Cottrell, are:

• The defender getting over and beyond the ball at the tackle, rather than going for the ball.
• The attacker fighting to the ground and presenting cleanly.

The game

• Play up to 6v6 touch.
• If a player is touched, they can pass the ball immediately or go to ground.
• It’s a turnover if the next attacker doesn’t have their hands on the ball before a defender has gone over the ball.
• It’s no turnover if the defender doesn’t get their chin and then hips over the ball.

‘ultra rules’

Ultra rules are put in place once the game is progressing and the players show they understand the game. The players like the idea that they are moving up a level, though, in fact, it was just a game progression.

Attack: The attacker must present the ball in at least two movements – that is, they land, keeping the ball close to the body, and then snap it back to their team-mates.

Defence: The defender must be lower than the chest of the closest attacker to win a turnover.

reflections

I’ve run this for 15 minutes a go with three different groups. With one group, we can be at the ‘ultra’ rules very quickly. It shows me that the dynamics between players can really effects their progression.

Basic game

• Play two-handed touch

• When touched, the attacker can pass immediately, which rewards close support and quick handling

• If they can’t pass immediately, they go to ground and place the ball

• No turnover if the next attacker has their hands on the ball before a defender goes over the ball

• Turnover if the defender gets their chin and hips over the ball

• Be very vigilant on defenders coming through the gate and not the side of the tackle

Ultra rules

• The defender must have their chest below the chest of the arriving attacker, promoting good body height
• The tackled player must lift the ball off the ground, allowing an easier pass for the 9