Game: Switch or attack the same way

Use this game and its variation to create opportunities for players to make decisions on when to attack open or go back to the blindside.

CHALLENGE

Create opportunities to stretch the defence and then attack where they are weakest.

GAME 1

1. Play touch rugby. If a player is two-handed touched, if they can’t pass immediately, they go to ground. One attacker must go over the touched player. One defender can try to touch the ball for a turnover if an attacker hasn’t gone over the ball.
2. At the touch, if the touch is made in the middle corridor, the next pass from a player on the ground must be towards the same touchline as the direction of play. 
3. If the play reaches the corridors on the edge, then passes can be towards either touchline.
4. If a pass is made against the grain in the middle, then it’s a turnover.

GAME 2

1. Same as above, apart from play can switch in the middle corridor. If it does, the play must break the advantage or gain line, which is in line with the previous ruck.

TECHNIQUE

• Run straight and then pass.
• Look up and call when to switch the play.

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CHALLENGING THE PLAYERS

Technical

• Do you need to be deeper or flatter when you have quick ball?
• When is it right to miss passes?

Tactical

• Who calls the switch in play?
• Can you kick to score?

Create 10-second tactical huddles for discussion

• Listen in, but don’t add any of your thoughts
• Praise good tactical ideas to give the players confidence

Game changers

• Take away the corridors
• Restart the game with “set pieces”, so forwards are bunched