Counter attack rugby drill

Set-up

A line of four players face four tackle tubes held by four other players. A ball is placed on top of one of the tackle tubes. Place a cone halfway between the tackle tubes and the try line.

What you get your players to do

The line of four players advances and tackles the tubes. The player nearest the ball picks it up and starts a counter attack. His teammates get back to their feet and in position to support him. As soon as the tackle tubes have been hit, the three players holding tubes without a ball become defenders. They run round the cone and get in position. The game becomes a full contact 4 v 3 and ends when the counter attacker shave scored or defenders stop them.

Look for

The tacklers getting up quickly after hitting the tubes and securing the ball. Clear and accurate communication between the counter attacking players. Support players getting deep, attacking at pace and giving the ball carrier different options.

Development

Introduce more players. Add a player from deep on each team and then wider out as well. Vary where the defenders come from to defend the counter attack.

Notes

If you don’t have access to tackle tubes you can use players holding ruck pads. It is important to have a team call whenever possession is turned over. The first player to see the turnover calls it which allows his team mates to realign ready to attack. The same call can be used if your players are turned over in attack.