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LOGINCover and up
Good attackers fix defenders. Good defenders can adjust quickly and move onto the next player, even if they have been momentarily fixed. This session works towards a game situation with an attacking overload, so the defenders have to read the attackers’ movements before committing themselves.
Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 5-7
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-7
What to think about
Knowing when to make a tackle is as important as making the tackle itself. A defender who over commits themselves can create gaps in the defensive line and they may not even have a chance to make that tackle. You can build more awareness for your defenders by making them aggressive at the tackle line and yet balanced to move onto the ball carrier when the pass is made. Vitally, they must take up the space in front of the attack, cutting down the time to make decisions.set-up
- Keep on your toes with your head up as you move across the pitch.
- Be decisive when coming forward but ready to shift over if the ball moves.
What you get your players to do
Line up two players at opposite sides of four ruck pads. They run into the first gap, shove each other, recover, then run into the second gap, and so on down the line of pads. After the final pad, pass the ball to one of the players, who tries to get past the other player.Development
Put four attackers about 5m away from the gaps between five cones. A defender covers the first attacker. The first attacker passes a ball along the line. The defender shifts across and covers the second gap. Either the ball carrier goes forward to take the tackle, or pulls the ball back to the next attacker. The third attacker, if he receives the ball, can either attack the gap in front of him or pass the ball on. Once through the cones, the attacker cannot pass the ball. The defender cannot tackle any attacker until they are through the cones.Related Files
Game situation
Start two defenders at the end of a 15m wide by 10m deep box. They have to run across the box once the first pass is made, through two cones 5m from the edge, before turning to defend. Put two attackers in the narrower channel and one in the wider channel of the box. One attacker starts on the same edge as the defenders and passes the ball into the narrow channel. The second attacker passes the ball into the wider channel and both these players support. One point for a try to the attack and two points for the defence preventing the attack from crossing the gain line.
What to call out
- “Look ahead to make your shoulders square”
- “Keep your elbows close to your ribs”
- “Lean forward at the shove”
- “Aim at the ball carrier’s core”
Dan Cottrell
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