Square support

Get the ball carrier to attack straight and then the supporting player to move in behind to react to where the ball carrier moves to. Avoid the support player dictating where the ball carrier runs to. Instead, he has to be in the best position to take a pass if the ball carrier needs support.

1. Set up the cones as above. Get one player to feed a runner starting from the cone at an angle to the small gate of cones at the front.
2. The runner cuts sharply through the gate and then steps again to avoid the two cones bunched together before exiting through one of the two gaps at the back.

1. Once the runners are comfortable with the steps, put a ruck-pad holder over the bunched cones.
2. A support player now follows the ball carrier.
3. Make sure he goes through the “gate” so he is square behind the ball carrier.

1. In the same area, put two ruck-pad holders in the gaps at the back of the cones.
2. They walk forward together with a small gap between them.
3. Place another ruck-pad holder about 5m behind the other bags.
4. The ball carrier runs the same lines and bursts through the pads with the supporter following, though not necessarily through the pads.

TECHNIQUE

• Sharp cut before contact.
• Follow the ball carrier through the gaps until the last moment.
• Keeping communicating through the contact area.