Mayday!

The Rules

Divide the players into teams of three attackers and three defenders. Space the defenders equally along the playing area. They can only move sideways to make tackles.

The three attackers have a ball. They use passing (backwards only) and running skills to score.

If the player with the ball is tackled, they call out “MAYDAY” and pass the ball away within 3 seconds.

Give the attack three goes to score. Each attempt ends if the ball carrier doesn’t call “MAYDAY!”, or pass the ball away within 3 seconds of the tackle, or a pass goes forward or to ground, or a ball carrier steps out of play.

Set Up

Area: 20m long x 5m wide.
Equipment: 1 ball per 4 players, tag belts (if used).
Players: 6 – 3 defenders and 3 attackers.

Scoring

• 1 point to the attack for a try.
• 1 point to the defence for preventing a try.

What to Call Out

• “Look for space and move into it”
• “Beat the defender by passing to a team mate”
• “Support the player with the ball”
• “Run forward”
• “You can only pass backwards”

Coaching Tips

The “MAYDAY!” call is to encourage the other two attackers to move closer for the pass. Only assist groups that are struggling with some ideas on how to solve the problems.

 

Space out the defenders equally along the playing area.

The defenders can only move sideways to tackle the ball carrier.

Tackled players must shout “MAYDAY” and pass backwards within 3 seconds.