Mirror ball

Run backs moves in a competitive format to force players to run the correct lines under pressure. This session/game will enhance “move” execution and decision making. It is best run as a unit skills session with the backs and, because players are running at each other, they will need to play with their heads up.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-8

What to think about

The beauty of this session is that you can run it with just one back line plus one spare player. You can certainly use the mirror ball elements in your warm-up on the session before match day. As with any successful session, the real test comes when there is competition. In rugby terms, the gain line remains a potent indicator of success. If the ball is delivered to the strike runner before the gain line when he is at full pace, the move is well executed. The exercise works because there is PERCEIVED pressure.

set-up

1. Identify space/gap the move will aim for.
2. Execute the move at pace and before the gain line.

What you get your players to do

Set out two back lines of three or four players, each with a feeder, standing opposite each other (see picture 1).Before the back lines play, dictate which “gap” they have to run through, so the penetrating runner is going through a different space to the group opposite. Get the feeder to run around a cone before passing to his back line (see picture 2). Challenge each team to move the ball over their designated gap before the other.