Backwards set piece

Not every set piece works out and this session looks at some simple recovery strategies. It mainly involves one player retaining the ball, staying strong and then his team mates backing him up.

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

It seems wrong to practise for something that does not work but it is a reality of the game that a set piece might not function sometimes. The skills used in this session are really tested to the full because players are running back to recover and, therefore, will have to work harder to win back or protect the ball.

set-up

1. Slide on to the ball, getting up immediately, but in the low position to drive forward.
2. As a support player, work hard to be in behind the ball carrier – keep communicating to give them confidence.

What you get your players to do

In a 10m x 5m box split as in picture 1, put two attackers and one defender (holding a ruck pad) facing each other, two thirds of the way up the box. Throw a ball into the larger area of the box. The attackers have to run back, recover the ball and drive back up the box (no passing). The defender runs to the end of the box, turns and puts pressure on the ball carrier.