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.
INTRODUCTION
After gaining possession, the next principle in attacking rugby is to go forward. NFL touch rewards this as the players advance through the boxes. However, go forward needs teammates to be in support.
So, to advance effectively when there are defenders in front of the attack, there need to be viable options.
Therefore, the game challenges players to understand how their off-the-ball actions and behaviours can create different attacking pictures. These provide multiple options for the ball carriers and challenge the defender’s decision making.
THE GAME
Attackers try to progress through each zone.
Put four attackers at one end of the playing area. Adjust the zone sizes to suit. Probably best to start with 20m boxes and then adjust inwards.
Put defenders into each zone. At the most basic level, go with one, two and then three. As the attacking team improves, increase the numbers of defenders.
Defenders start at the far end of their zone and come forward when the attackers enter their zone.
If an attacker is one handed touched, they flick the ball through their legs to a supporting player.
If an attacker is two handed touched, they go down to the ground and pop the ball up to a supporting player.
When there is a touch, the defender or defenders need to get back onside.
If a defender makes a “square touch”, that is a touch with two hands when they are in front of the ball carrier, they swap with the ball carrier for the next round of attacks.
RUNNING THE GAME
The attacking team score points for completing each zone. So, for completing two zones they receive 30 points in total.
Move defenders forward after each round.
A round ends when there is a try, an error by the attacking team or an interception.
“The defender keeps themselves light on their feet, head up and marking a potential break, coming forward to close down an attacker when they move forward” MORE
Players must win the race to the best space when attacking. In defence, players must work early, scan early and look to close space to force errors.
Attackers seek space, defenders take it away. This is also true over the ball.
Run this game over a series of sessions to gain the most benefit as the players develop their understanding of the tactical implications. MORE
Here’s a series of super-quick activities to set up and use to mix up your training to keep all your players occupied. Ideal to hand out to your co-coaches and aimed at a range of core skills in game-like contexts.
Here. is a series of what I’ve called Quick Coach. They are mini-activities aimed at four to six players. The aim is to provide you with a bank of breakout exercises you can run during your session. They should only last around five minutes, but the key is that they are very quick to set up and can be run by any coach in your group. They can even be run by one of the players if appropriate. MORE