Set piece support

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Good running lines from the set piece mean support players are in a position to offer the best help. It applies to all forwards, but this is a whole team practice, because forwards and backs need to trust each other.

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

What to think about

Moving from set piece work to support play requires a change in mindset. First, the support player has to be part of winning or contesting the set piece, whether it be a scrum or lineout. He then has to switch his focus to the next play. Most teams will have a call on where the ball is likely to go. In this session, most of the support play is close to the set piece. Therefore, it is easy to know where to run and what role to play. Expand the distance between the contact points to challenge the players to change their focus and lines of running.

set-up

Win your set piece first and then break, looking to support the ball carrier.
Anticipate the contact point and call what you want from the ball carrier.
Don’t rush to be in support – wait and then accelerate.

What you get your players to do

Set up three pairs of numbered cones as in the top picture. Put a ball carrier and ruck pad holder opposite each other on one pair of cones. Add an attack and defence supporter to the side of the cones. The ball carrier runs at the ruck pad holder and takes contact. He can either go to ground or drive on. The support players react to the ball carrier’s actions. Play full contact. Change the starting positions. Develop by removing the ruck pad.

The ball carrier runs into the pad and goes to ground (or drives on). The support players race to the contact area.

Development

Set up a lineout catch as in the middle picture, with two lifters, one jumper and one other lineout player. Have a 9 take the ball from the catcher and pass to another attacker who runs at two ruck pad holders. A defender from the lineout tracks across. The players react to the contact with the ruck pads.

Related Files

Advanced-296-set-piece-support.pdfPDF, 181 KB

Set up a three-man catch from a lineout. The ball is fed out. The receiver runs into the pad holders, while the other players support.

Game situation

Set up a 3v3 scrum, with three further attackers and two defenders. The ball is passed from the base of the scrum and the attackers run forward to “go through” the defenders. The players run in support of the attack. Play one phase after the first contact. Swap roles and repeat.

From a 3v3 passive scrum, the ball is moved to one team which attacks the defenders. The other players run in support.

What to call out

“Run for where you think the ball carrier will go”
“Do you know what your team mate will do in contact: what does he do normally?”
“Look at the threats around the ball carrier as well as the threat to the ball carrier”

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.

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