Teach your players the importance of avoiding the tackler while running in the right direction with this fun game that also works on player tracking and tackling.
Set-up
A 7m square within a 15m square. Seven attackers, each holding a ball are in the 7m square with five defenders surrounding them (picture 1).
The rules
On your call of “Go!”, defenders run around their nearest outside cone then re-enter the square.
Attackers score a try by breaking out of the 15m square without being two-hand touch tackled by a defender (picture 2).
When all attackers have scored or been touched they turn and face the 7m square from outside the 15m square. Defenders now go into the 7m square. On your second call of “Go!”, defenders break from the small square while attackers look to get back into it without being touched (picture 3).
Play for two minutes. If numbers permit, play two squares and see who the best defence/attack is. Switch roles and repeat.
Scoring
A try is 1 point
A touch tackle is 1 point
Add individual scores together to work out the winning team.
Tell them
“Ball always in two hands”
“Constantly look left and right when in possession”.
Coaching tips
By looking at defenders and where they are running, this game allows players to see where the defence is and take action to avoid it.
In this fast-paced game, teams have to retain possession in a small area and then try to raid the opposition box. It will develop communication, footwork, defence and passing skills. MORE
We take a traditional 2 v 1 exercise and add in two elements, a random starting position for the defender and forcing the ball carrier to change their line twice. MORE
Use this game-skill-game approach to develop your players tackling skills and game awareness of how to complete the tackle. It focuses on footwork and shoulder contact. MORE
