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.
Use this blocked attack game (one team attacks for a period of time) to challenge players to apply the principles of play under pressure. The attacking team get extra “lives” for good support when they score tries. MORE
Scenarios offer a great way of engaging your players in games. By putting the players in a specific point of a well known match, they get the opportunity to develop their game management. For younger players, scenarios give them the opportunity to be their favourite players of their favourite teams. For older players, scenarios give them the opportunity to challenge their decision making with regards to the score-line and also how to deal with specific threats or weaknesses in future opposition. MORE
Develop a fantastic training environment for your players to develop in. Here’s how I translate a positive learner-centre culture into my sessions. MORE
Using an NFL theme of gaining ground for each attack, this skills game focuses on the principle of support. It encourages players to focus on pass and follow actions and understand what good support looks and sounds like. MORE
Originating in football, the Rondo is a small sided game that encourages many touches of the ball and can be easily constrained to impact the desired outcomes. Use them as a starter activity, getting players to self-organise into these simple games to work on their catch/pass skills under pressure. MORE
