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LOGINAttacking footwork
Create better ‘go-forward’ for players taking the ball close to the ruck and the tackle line. This also works on improved ball placement and support options.
WHY USE IT
Isolate one defender, then attack another, and maintain momentum before presenting the ball, so the defence has less time to ‘jackle’ (go for the ball).
set up
Four ruck pads, a ball and a 30m by 20m pitch.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: Two pairs of ruck pad-holders start about 5m apart. Each pair is slightly offset, as in the top illustration. Another pair of players start in front of the first set of pad-holders, with a further pair to the side. They have a ball. It is fed to a player who moves toward the first pad, but then changes the angle to attack the next pad. When making contact with that pad, they go to ground and present the ball. The nearest player clears the pad. Once happy with the outcome, these players get back to their feet, and pass to the next group, who repeat. The other ruck pad-holders get back up and realign, so the process can be repeated.
GAME: Put four ruck pad-holders and five attackers inside the box. The attackers have five ‘tackles’ (a glancing blow by a ruck pad) to score a try. However, if the attacker meets a ruck pad full-square, the game finishes. On a tackle, the attacker goes to ground to present the ball.
COACHING POINTS
- Attack hard, change angle early to maintain momentum.
- Fall away from the original pass.
- A feeder passes a ball to the first attacker
- The first attacker steps towards, and then away from, the first ruck pad-holder
Related Files
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The ball carrier goes to ground, falling away from the flow of play
- The next attacker goes in to secure the ball
- The players recycle themselves and then repeat
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Put four ruck pad-holders at one end of the box against five attackers
- The attackers have five ‘tackles’ to score a try
- The attack finishes if there is a try, or a full square-on contact with a ruck pad-holder
- A tackle is a glancing blow from a ruck pad. The ball carrier then has to go to ground and present the ball. All the other players realign for another go
Dan Cottrell
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