10 options... pivot plays

The fly half (10) is known in some parts of the world as the “pivot player”. From his controlling position he can launch his team away from the opposition forwards and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable with his options and this session builds the awareness to appreciate them.

Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

How far the 10 should stand from the gain line is best judged by working with the 10 in match situations and reviewing his performance. Too flat and the options are rushed or cut out. Too deep and your 10 makes all his plays too early and the defence can adjust. One area to note is the distance covered by 10 between receiving the ball and delivering it. Could he reduce the number of steps forward he takes?

set-up

1. 10 look ahead, look around and call the plays early.
2. Look to use pop passes, switches, circle balls, changes of angle.
3. Move defenders with decoy runs, changes in pace.

What you get your players to do

Set up the training area as in picture 1. Put a scrum half (9) and a forward (7) behind the first pad. 7 steps over the ball and 9 passes out to 10 who attacks a pad holder in front of him. He uses any pass to feed a support player either side. Once the pass is completed, attackers realign for a pass from the second pad and repeat the exercise.