Attacking footwork

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.