Two-pass-away

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Turnover ball can be as important an attacking weapon as clean set piece ball. Quick use of the turnover ball can make it even more potent. This session builds on the tactic of clearing the ball from the danger area with two passes. The final game situation adds in the key factor of not knowing exactly when the turnover is going to occur.

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

What to think about

Your tactics after winning turnover ball. For instance, in your own 22 you might want to clear the ball upfield as far as possible. The opposition probably won’t be in position to field such a kick. Outside your 22 you may want to hold on to the ball more than kick it. Two-pass-away allows your players time to see what is on and then run or kick. Some teams are more comfortable having a set plan from the turnover and others to let the players see what is front of them and play. This decision is very much part of the game plan.

set-up

The first player to the turnover ball must clear it away from the contact area immediately.
The first receiver must pass it on again quickly.
The second receiver then weighs up options – run, pass or kick.

What you get your players to do

Start three players by some cones. Place a ball about three metres in front of them beside another cone. This represents the point of a turnover. Shout “GO” and one player runs to the ball. The other two run forward and to one side of the ball and then turn to face back towards their original cones. The player at the ball passes to the nearest player who passes on to the furthest player. This last player runs back to his starting cone, with the other two players in support. Check that the two passes happen before the last receiver has run back in front of the original ball position.

Three players practise running back outside to receive a pass following a turnover.

Development

Now add two defenders with tackle bags. They can start any distance behind the passing team, depending on the pressure you want to exert. They target the first two attacking players, aiming to make strong contact with their bags.

Related Files

Advanced-180-two-pass-away.pdfPDF, 145 KB

Two defenders aim at the first two attackers to put them under pressure.

Game situation

Split into a team of at least seven defenders, but only four attackers. Set the attack off from the midway point on the pitch, playing normal rugby rules. The attackers are only allowed to commit two players to the breakdown. Eventually, they either score or the ball gets turned over and the defending team score. You can hold a ball yourself and throw it into the game to act as a random, unexpected turnover situation.

Four players take the ball forward, with only the ball carrier and one other allowed in contact. This should lead to a turnover.

What to call out

“Pass before you run”
“First two receivers: don’t look for depth”
“End player: look up and scan the picture”

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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