Run the gates

Evasion skills are essential but there aren’t always big spaces to move into. This game works on getting players to avoid contact in enclosed areas while maintaining possession.

Set-up

Play on a 25x20m area with two tackle tube gates (or ruck pads) separated by a single tube on one side (picture 1). Five attackers (A) opposite five defenders (D).

The rules

The first attacker and first defender enter their gates. On reaching the tube barrier, the attacker has one second to decide which way to run and beat the defender (picture 2).

Defence is two-handed touch tackling. Keep going until all have attacked and defended and keep a count on the tries scored per team. Then swap attack and defence and play again to find the winning team.

To progress, send in two attackers but only one goes through the gate. This gives the ball carrier 2v1 options.

Scoring

• A try is scored if a player beats a two-handed touch. When it’s a 2v1, the player in possession has to avoid being touched.

Tell them

“Low centre of gravity, stay on your toes not heels and don’t overstep – this slows you down.”

“Look at the defender and change direction accordingly.”

Coaching tips

Presents a match-like scenario and challenges players to evade contact while keeping the ball.