Rugby coaching tips on winning the second phase

Scrum ball can lead to clean breaks and tries. However, your players need to know their roles if the ball carrier is tackled. A good understanding of these means the chance to win quick second phase ball.

The problem is that a tackle can occur close to the scrum from a planned move, or away from the scrum with the poor execution of a wide move.

1. Close to the scrum

Say you attack close to the scrum from a planned move. Your 12 takes a flat pass and attacks the space between the defending 12 and 13. Unfortunately he is then tackled.

Normally, 10 would go in to help secure the ball. However, you may want this player to lead the next attack. In this case, your 13 can enter the contact situation.

Depending how well the ruck is progressing, your 8 and 6 may also go in to secure the ball. If it is already available, 9 has the option of passing to either of these players.

Your 11 and 15 are available to attack a bit wider with pace. 15 can also move in to cover for your 10 as the first receiver.

Your front row and locks would normally not be involved in this first contact situation, but they can be used for the next attack, either as ball carriers or support players on either side of the first contact point.

2. Wide roles

It is more difficult to allocate roles to attacks stopped out wide, since so much can happen between getting the ball from the scrum to the wing.

Generally, the closest players to the contact would go in to secure the ball. That is, 15, 13 and 12. The back row players will arrive, but often too late to secure the ball. They can be used as the next attack or support instead.

Your 9 and 10, if they have time, fulfil their normal roles as clearing passer and first receiver. The tight five realign for the next attack.

This article was originally in Rugby Coach Weekly, designed for all coaches of developing players.