EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Against an organised defence, you can use closely packed groups of forwards to dent the line and then attack the recovering, disorganised defence. Often known as pods, this requires organisation, especially around the roles of the players in terms of carrying the ball and supporting that ball carrier.
In its simplest format, after a set-piece like a scrum or lineout, the forwards who were not involved in winning the ball back after the first tackle, realign to take the next pass. This is in the expectation that the backline doesn’t penetrate the line the first time.
Normally, the defence will be able to set themselves in some form of organised structure after this first tackle. If this is the case, then a pod play can be effective.
First, the “pod” players need to have the right mindset. That is, they want to beat the defenders in front of them. Use the three activities in Develop support players understanding around pods to build up the ball carrier and support player skills.
A good attacking pod will create quick ball. Your 9 has to clear the ball quickly to the next group of players who are resetting ready for the ball. The roles of all these players can be explored in Develop the 9 pass under pressure.
To take this to the next stage, you can start to create a system. Pod attack and Pod rugby are full sessions that you can employ to develop your tactical plan.
The pod systems still rely on good skills, quick decision-making and above all, understanding the purpose of this set up. You are trying to disorganise an organised defence. As soon as it is disorganised, then the players should be playing to the weaknesses and spaces.
in Attack
When you can’t clear the ball from a ruck quickly, you need to have some easy set-ups so you can restart your attack. Translate these plays effectively from drawing board to training to matches. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills
Good shape in rugby means your players are into position quickly to attack from the next phase. The shape refers to threatening alignments, with all ball-carrying options well supported. MORE
in Attack
“Get deep!” is a common call to get the backline to be in a position to run onto the ball. One way is to ask the players whether they can see the number on the back of the inside player. How can you create better scenarios though? You can create scenarios where the players must run into position and then react. That’s because the game is dynamic – rucks and/or mauls happen at different speeds. 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
in Attack
How do you put your 10 in the right situations in training to allow them to feed their team mates at the right times with the right sorts of passes and plays? The player who wears 10 is called variously, stand-off, fly-half, pivot, first five-eighth, as well as few less complimentary terms when they drop the ball or kick poorly. MORE
in Attack, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
It is an oft-used mantra to ‘play what you see’. With this in mind, here's a fun way to ask your players to read a defence and react in a manner that brings success. MORE
