Ruck triangles

This session works on lots of different ruck situations in a short space of time. The triangle of rucks allows you to create new angles of approach for your players, and tests their technique under pressure. Look carefully for effective entry points into the ruck.

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

What to think about

The keys to driving players backwards Driving a player away from the ball requires a combination of strength and good body positions. To utilise the maximum strength, there needs to be a stable base, with the knees bent and the back straight. Watch for players not getting both feet close to the point of impact. Once in the contact, the players should imagine they are driving through “their head”, which leads them forward with added leg drive. If they drop their heads or look down, that’s inevitably where they will end up – on the ground. The contact is still from the shoulders.

set-up

1. Read where you are going and get into position to make a difference at the ruck.
2. Drive into the ruck through the tackle gate, but only if you are clearing out a threat.
3. If there are no threats, stay out.

What you get your players to do

Put three defenders inside the 6m triangle and at least four attackers on the outside. Put a ball at each station (A, B and C in the picture). Call out a station. Both groups move to retrieve the ball. Blow the whistle and call out another station to move the players around. The last player on the ball at each station must return it to its starting point. Referee each contact rigorously. Work for at least four rucks before stopping for feedback, unless there is a fundamental technical problem.