Tiger tactics

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The German Tiger Tank was a fearsome weapon in World War Two. It was used to smash through the defence, allowing the fast support to flood through the gaps. You can set up a similar tactic by using a group of players to attack weak points in defence, latching on and driving together. They then release the ball to exploit the space.

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

What to think about

The effects of the ELV ruling on mauling:

Mauling is still a part of the game because most teams will find it difficult to bring down a fast moving maul. Make sure the ball is moved away from defenders in contact, each player is balanced and that the maul finishes as soon as it becomes static.
Players should have a dynamic foot base of just outside a shoulder width apart, leaning forward by bending over their knees.

set-up

Identify a point player, who takes the ball into the first contact. Get at least one player either side, just behind him.
Pass the ball to the point player, who aims at the gap either side of the defender. As he drives in, he moves the ball to his hip, but keeps looking forward.
The other players bind on his hips and back and drive this player forward.
Other players can join this maul through the back, to keep the maul narrow. The ball must be worked to the back of the maul.

What you get your players to do

Put four players into a box, with two other players holding tackle shields about a metre apart. The four set themselves about four metres from the shields. You throw the ball to the “point” player who drives into the gap between the shields. The other players follow in. Start at walking pace and then increase the speed.

Drive through the gaps on either side of the defender with players latching on.

Development

In the same box, replace the shields with three defenders (in tackle suits if you have them). A scrum half takes your place, plus add in another couple of attackers. You walk up and down the box, with a ball, with all the attackers close to you. When you put the ball down, the attackers have to set themselves and then the ball is passed out after a count of five. The scrum half develops play if possible from the maul.

Related Files

Advanced-156-tiger-tactics.pdfPDF, 160 KB

Pass to the point player, drive on and then they release the ball when the 9 is ready.

Game situation

In a wider box, play at least 9 v 5. The defence will have to spread, so the attacking team should use the “tiger tactic”, and then exploit any gaps. Of course they might break through with the tactic. Increase the number of defenders as necessary.

Attack the spread defence, suck in the defenders and move the ball to the gaps.

What to call out

“Short, dynamic steps, keeping balanced”
"Talk and move the ball away from defenders”
“Pass out the ball when the maul stops”

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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