Jumping out of the line

When the ball is moved from a ruck, your team might have enough defenders for one to “jump” out of the line and get into the passing channels. He puts himself in the eye line of the attacking fly half who might decide not to pass wide but go short or kick – it carries risks.

Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7

What to think about

If your team has had a chance to organise its defence – and has pushed the opposition to one touchline – this tactic can limit the attacking options. One player has to identify himself as the “jumper” and should target the opposition outside centre channel. If he sees the opposition fly half is going to pass behind the front line of attack, he has to return to the line and drift across the field. Jumping out of the line can also prevent an overlap because the opposition 10 does not feel he can pass the ball out unless he wants to risk an interception.

set-up

1. Jumper: identify yourself and sprint at the outside centre channel.
2. Look to see if the 10 has passed the ball behind the front line and if so, return to the line.
3. Other defenders: use good line speed and drift if the ball goes behind the front line.

What you get your players to do

Line up four ruck pad holders, a receiver and a feeder as in the top picture. Have four players opposite the ruck pad holders. When the ball is passed to the receiver, the ruck pad holders move forward, as do the defenders. The third defender from the ruck pads runs out faster to “impact” on the ruck pad in front of him. The other players run into the ruck pads as normal. Develop by having both groups start from the side, line up and then move forward.