Sizzling strikes, credible decoys

A strike runner often makes a break because the decoy runner has drawn the defender. Decoy runners need to be credible and available to receive the pass. This session works on developing moves which use decoy runners.

Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-12
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

Some players tend to give up on the “play” when not directly involved or far from the ball. Use a call to encourage all players to move together. Decoy players must look as though they may receive the ball so tell them they are all decoys and strike players. The first receiver chooses who to give the ball to.

set-up

1. Get the ball to the strike runner as quickly as possible while moving forward at pace.
2. Run at angles to create space for the receiver.
3. Look as though you are going to get the ball.
4. Everyone call for the ball apart from the strike player.

What you get your players to do

Split your squad into groups of six or seven. Players start in a standard attacking alignment. As the first receiver takes the ball, all the players move. In picture 1, the 10 has the ball and 11, 12 and 13 are making decoy runs leaving 15 to run a strike angle and take the pass with 14 as support. After being a decoy, players change their roles and support or strike.