Trapping the winger

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Even the slowest player can tackle a winger in the 5m channel, but only if they get their approach angle right. Once learnt, these skills can be transferred into a wider area to make sure all your players can cover the wings.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

Covering the wing is about defenders approaching from the correct angles. The players need to think about intercepting the ball carrier and must, therefore, be prepared to give up some ground. They can set a trap by giving the ball carrier a chance to run towards the touch line, and then use the touch line as another defender. The defender must not push the ball carrier into touch because this is illegal. Instead, he needs to use the normal tackle technique, with the shoulder impacting as the arms reach out to grab. This will likely be a side on tackle.

set-up

Give the ball carrier space towards the touch line.
Trap the ball carrier between you and the touch line by giving up some space, and then intercepting him.

What you get your players to do

Place a feeder at the side of the box, an attacker in the middle at one end, and a defender by the side of the box about 4m away from the feeder. Have the feeder pass to the attacker, who aims to run to the far end whilst staying inside the 5m channel. The defender has to prevent him from reaching the far end by closing down the space. Start with touch tackling, with a tackle made with two hands below the waist.

The ball is passed to the attacker, who aims to score at the far end inside the 5m channel.

Development

Make the running area wider for different types of players. For example, create a 10m area for centres since they cover the ground quicker.
Give the players scores, such as one point for a tackle and two points for a tackle into touch. Or one point for a try and two points for a try if the ball carrier cuts inside the tackler.

Related Files

Core-181-trapping-the-winger.pdfPDF, 213 KB

The defender does not need to run forward, but has to angle his run to push the attacker towards the touch line before making a tackle.

Game situation

Split into teams of five. Two defenders rest. The attacking team always starts from its try line. Award three points if the attacking team scores in the wide channels and one point through the middle. Play normal two-handed touch rugby with the attacking team allowed two touch tackles before conceding a turnover. The touched player has to pass the ball immediately. However, if the ball carrier is tackled in the wide channel, the ball is turned over.

Award 3 points if the attack scores in the wide channels, but a turnover if they are touched in possession in this area.

What to call out

“Don’t go forward, let the attacker move into the trap”
“Watch out for the hand off, drive hard into the tackle”
“The touch line is another defender”

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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