Slice and block

This session builds up a phase play move to break down an organised defence, focusing on the space outside their 10. It is easy to set up but requires a good level of skill to run the right lines and time runs. However, the angles should give your team a chance to get over the tackle line, if not break it completely.

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

What to think about

This is a play that can be run by backs and forwards. It needs constant repetition in training to allow players to naturally adjust in matches to meet the changing shape of the defence. Therefore, the session puts the building blocks in place and can be run as part of the warm-up section of training in future sessions. In training, you can have several lines of players waiting to be fed the ball, so it can move through one set after another. Ideally, the pivot player is a handling decision maker (like a 10 or 12).

set-up

1. First receiver (pivot player): Call the play, attack the line, then turn slightly to see the runners. Be prepared to pass to either player or go yourself.
2. Second and third receivers: Adjust your starting positions when you hear the call. Look at the defence before you look at the pivot player. Attack the line with conviction and expect the ball.

What you get your players to do

Put a feeder at the side of a 20m x 15m box, and two ruck pad holders at the far end facing three attackers (see picture 1). The first ruck pad holder focuses on the pivot player (P, the first receiver), the second ruck pad holder on either of the other two (1 and 2). The pivot player calls either a “slice” or a “block”. If he calls a slice, 1 runs out, 2 runs in, with 1 going before the 2. He then passes to the player who seems to be running to the space. On the block play (see picture 2), 2 runs in front of 1, with either a late pass behind 2 to 1, an early pass to 2 who passes to 1 on the switch or a late pass to 2. Change sides to try off the other hand.