Rugby drills to open up defences

They can be used in any combination of players, in lots of different situations and as the starting points for more complicated moves from set pieces.

Rugby coaching tips

Attacking rugby is about creating space and exploiting it with players running at pace.

As defences at all levels of the game improve, there is less obvious space and more of an emphasis on moving defenders and creating space.

Players can use "ins" and "outs" to change their running lines and angles, to run into gaps.

"In" ball

The ball carrier: He runs at the inside shoulder of the defender opposite him. He has to have the ball in both hands and make sure he commits the defender to him.

The support player: Initially he runs at the defender to hold him, so helping to create the gap, then changes direction to support the strike runner.

The strike runner: Initially he runs away from the ball carrier, shouting loudly for the ball. He then suddenly changes direction and accelerates into the space between the two defenders.

He receives a short pass and straightens up into the space.

"Out" ball

This is a more advanced option and carries more risk of an interception by a defender.

The ball carrier: As with the "in" ball, the ball carrier runs at the inside shoulder of the defender opposite him. Again, he has the ball in both hands and makes sure he commits the defender to him.

The support player: As before, he helps create the space by running wide. He then changes direction to get close to and support the strike runner.

The strike runner: Initially he pulls his defender in, before changing direction. He receives the pass and goes outside the defender.

The pass has to be given a bit deeper and again is "for" the strike runner not "to" him.

Key rugby coaching factors for "in" and "out" ball

• The attacking players run straight at defenders.
  
  
• The ball carrier and strike runner both run at slight angles to create the space.
  
  
• The strike runner changes angle as late as possible to hit the gap.
  
  
• The pass is as late as possible and given "for" and not "to" the runner.
  
  
• The strike runner accelerates into the space and then straightens up.
  
  
• The support runner changes his angle to get close to the strike runner.

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