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LOGINBlock pass run
Work on options to attack the line flat or pull the pass back to a player running wider into space. A block pass is a pass behind an attacker to another attacker.
WHY USE IT
This is a tough decision-making exercise because players have to make late passing decisions, while receivers have to time their runs to find the gaps.
set up
A 25m-wide, 15m-long area, with cones and three ruck pads, plus balls.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: Set up four attackers and three ruck pad-holders, as per the top illustration. Assign letters A to E to each gap. Put a feeder at the side of the box. Call out which gaps the ruck pad-holders have to run through. When they move forward, the feeder releases the ball and the attacking team aims to score without contact with the ruck pad-holders/ Adjust the starting distances to offer different pressures.
GAME SITUATION: Split into groups of about six or more, mixing forwards and backs. Nominate four attackers to set up, then three defenders. As the defenders get into position to cover the field, release the attackers with a pass from a feeder. It is best to play full contact or scrag tackle. Adjust by setting up the defenders first and having the attackers flow round into the box.
COACHING POINTS
- Get in position to attack the pass, to either exploit gaps or pull defence out of position.
- Identify where space is and preserve it by running hard, at angles, and passing firmly.
- Use block passes to get the ball into wider spaces when defence is in your face.
- Put three ruck pad-holders at one end of the box
- Put a feeder and four attackers at the other end of the box
- Mix forwards and backs into both groups, though it is best to have a pivot player (like a 10) at first receiver
Related Files
- The ball is fed to the attackers, who have to attack what’s in front of them
- Call out three letters for the ruck pad-holders to run through to put pressure on the attack
- Call forward three defenders who spread along the line
- Call forward four attackers, who receive a pass from the feeder
- Against full contact or scrag tackles, the attackers aim to score at the far end
Dan Cottrell
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