Buddy, buddy

Develop the players’ ability to connect to the ball carrier, so when the ball carrier comes to a halt, it’s easy enough to pass and for the supporting player to run onto the pass.

This activity creates messy beginnings for players to sort out and run onto the ball, just like from line breaks. In the development, the support player has to be running onto the ball not to be caught.

1. Put the players into pairs, one with a ball.
2. Put the ball carriers inside a small box about 5m away from their “buddy” on the line.

1. When you shout “go”, the ball carrier runs to the “pass zone”.
2. He then has to pass the ball to his “buddy” who then races to the end of the zone to score a try.
3. Swap roles.
4. Develop by making the ball carrier put the ball on the ground for the buddy to pick up.

1. Put in one or more defenders. If the ball carrier is touched by one of the defenders he has to pass the ball, otherwise he goes onto score.
2. Note that there is a chasing defender too.
3. The front defender in front of the "pass zone" can only move side-to-side.

TECHNIQUE

• The ball carrier looks for his supporting player.
• The supporting player tells his teammate he’s there.