In the pocket

LOGIN

Subscribe today to access over 2000+ drills, 350+ ready made practice plans, and more.

It is rare that a move penetrates the line and leads to a free run to the try line. The “penetrating runner” will be the focus of the defence. He is now “in the pocket”, in space behind the defensive line but with covering defenders closing in. He needs to find his support and his support need to find him.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

If the penetrating player is finding it hard to make the right decisions, then draw the scenario on a board or paper. You can then support him by going through each situation and what the best option in each may be. Sometimes players struggle to get themselves into good positions to support the player in the pocket. Ask the support players first to get close to the ball carrier, then to support further away. Vary this until the best solution is found.

set-up

Focus on the initial move you are doing to break through the initial line of defence.
Decide who the “penetrating player” will be that goes through into the pocket.
Once through, quickly change your initial role to one of support.
If you are the ball carrier “in the pocket” behind the defence, make the defence move to create space for your support.

What you get your players to do

Split your players into groups of four attackers and four defenders. Spread out the defenders as in the top picture. Get the attackers to plan a move and beat an initial defensive line of cones or poles. The penetrating player is now in a pocket of space, with a defender in front and three defenders closing in from the sides. He has to move and draw these players away from where his support is and get the ball to his fellow attackers to score.

The attack uses a move to penetrate the cones. The penetrating player goes through to find himself in the pocket trapped between the four defenders.

Development

Start with a touch tackle and then develop it into full contact.
Add an initial defensive line of players who touch tackle, but can then chase back and cover using a contact tackle.
Make the width of the practice area wider or narrower.
Start the process from set piece situations at various points on the pitch and from different types of delivery.

Related Files

Core-138-in-the-pocket.pdfPDF, 263 KB

As the defence closes, in the support players give the ball carrier options (and in this case a pass to the outside support player).

Game situation

Split into two teams of a minimum six players. Each team has four attempts to score from a set piece situation you set up. The initial line of defenders can only touch tackle, so the attack can either break through cleanly or offload at the touch tackle point. This will put a player in the pocket. From this point play full contact rugby.

Practise various plays focusing on executing them well, but then quickly changing roles to support the ball carrier once he is in the pocket.

What to call out

“Sharp, snappy move”
“Hit the gap and keep the pace up in the pocket”
“Depth and width in support”
“Pull the defender and pass”

Dan Cottrell

Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is head coach of Bristol Schools U18s and the Rugby Performance coach for Bristol Grammar School.

He was head coach of Swansea Schools U15, Young Ospreys Academy, assistant coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup, director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. He played for Bath, Bristol, Esher and Clifton, South West division, Gloucestershire and Surrey.

Editor's Picks

Wicked warm-ups

Being authentic, player relationships and 'why?'

Challenging players of differing abilities

Behind the scenes with: England U18s

Saracens Academy: Behind the scenes with the Wolfpack

Practice Plans

Go forward from the lineout

The session looks at running and support lines from the back of the lineout. There is a run up of around 10-15m for the ball carrier before ...

Long pass plays

Develop long passing for specific plays. This session works on running lines and timing as well as improving accuracy of passing in match-...

Four-man contact pods

This session works on players taking the ball into contact in groups of four. This is most likely in a game when you know the opposition is ...

Increase your options for 10

The fly half (10) has a controlling position to launch his team away from the opposition and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable ...

Newsletter Sign Up

Join over 75k coaches that are saving time searching for fresh coaching ideas with our free email newsletter: ✔ New drills ✔ New games ✔ New warm-ups. Delivered direct to your email inbox

Bounce out

The main focus is on the support players and the lines they run; but also look for the defenders and attackers to get their heads up.

Isolate and split

Create, then take advantage of, 3v2s, by isolating and splitting the two defenders. Chaotic starts mean more decisions for all the players.

Attack v defence: 9v6

Work on your players’ attacking skills, defence connections and conditioning in this continuous game.

Quick ball placement

Allows for quick rucks and chances to attack when the defence is at its most vulnerable. Use this to build up the essential skills.

Coaches Testimonials

Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."

Be a more effective, more successful rugby coach

In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.

SUBSCRIBE

Get Weekly Inspiration

All the latest techniques and approaches

Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.