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LOGINAttack backers
There will always be poor kicks for your team to return or chase. This session works on running and/or kicking the ball back with purpose as well as thinking about what the defence might do to counter this.
There will always be poor kicks for your team to return or chase. This session works on running and/or kicking the ball back with purpose as well as thinking about what the defence might do to counter this.
Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-8
What to think about
This is a great session as it works on lots of complementary skills . It, therefore, might be better to let the players simply play rather than impose structure to their attack. In defence, however, there should be more structure. Chasers must come up in a line together while the backfield must be covered for kicks. A key skill will be communication because players will need to put themselves in positions to support each other and tell their team mates they are ready.set-up
- When you receive the kick, pass to a player on the move if you can - then support him.
- In attack, get onside to make a difference to the ball carrier and communicate.
- In defence, come up as a line. Make sure you have coverage behind this line too.
What you get your players to do
Put two players inside one of two 10m squares (picture 1). Throw the ball into the square. One player calls and catches the ball. He then passes to the other player who has to kick so the ball lands in the other box. Make sure the player catching the ball turns his shoulders so he does for the pass not knock on. Encourage the other player to call and be in position to kick as soon as he can.Throwing a ball into the box. The catcher calls, takes the ball and passes to the other player, who kicks into the far box. Develop by adding defenders and attackers, with attackers allowed to run the ball into the other box.
Development
Put an attacker in the box with the kicker and a defender in the empty box. He chases up and pressurises the catches from the coach and thrower. The team in possession can either kick to the box or run the ball back to the box. Add another defender who also chases up. Use scrag or touch tackling.
Five defenders in the scoring zone and five attackers in each of the two boxes. Throw the ball to one set of attackers.
Game situation
Put five defenders in the scoring zone and five attackers in each 10m box (picture 2). You throw the ball high into one of the boxes and this group attacks. They score by either running the ball into the scoring zone (picture 3) or kicking it into it. The defence moves forward as soon as you throw the ball up. Use full or touch tackling. Finish if a ruck or maul forms and go to the next set of attackers. Rotate players in the following way after the first run through: The first attackers become defenders; the defenders become the waiting attackers; the waiting attackers attempt to score. Keep on rotating in this way until everyone has done each activity three times. If numbers permit use four boxes of five with two sets of attackers and two sets of defenders, one at each end, either side of the scoring zone.
That set of attackers aims to put the ball in the scoring zone, either by kicking it so it lands there first bounce or running it in. Finish if there is a ruck or maul.
What to call out
- “Create a target for the support players”
- “Pass quickly after receiving the kick so the defence has to shift its focus”
- “If you’re not communicating you’re not in the game”
Dan Cottrell
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