Straight lines or angles?

WHY USE IT

Develops running and passing skills against different defences. Players should run angles at a defensive overload, or straight lines if they have an overlap.

set up

Three ruck pads; a 10m square; plus a 30m square for the game.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Three attackers start 10m away from three defenders holding ruck pads in a 10m square. Give the ball to an attacker, who attacks the pads and aims to burst through a gap without taking much contact. The defenders can move forward and sideways.

Development: Remove a pad holder to create a 3v2 overlap and encourage straight running. Defenders can only pressurise the first two attackers. Add a feeder and adjust the distances between the attack and defence to develop the practice further.

Game situation: Set up two ruck areas in a 30m square. Nominate a scrum half and four attackers. Place them anywhere in the playing area. Put four defenders with pads behind lettered cones (A-D). Call for two to four defenders to come forward, which ruck area the 9 is to play from, and how long players have to organise themselves. Then let play develop. Remove the pads to make the game more realistic. You can also secretly tell the defenders who is to run up.

COACHING POINTS

• Attack spaces. Change angles late.
• Tell the ball carrier if there is an overlap or an angle.
• Run straight by keeping the hips square on to the defender.
  
  

ACTIVITY

1. Three attackers use angles to burst through gaps in the defence

2. Expect mistakes or heavy contacts as players work out their best solutions

DEVELOPMENT

1. Attackers use straighter running to fix defenders

2. Attackers to use either short passes or miss passes

3. The defenders can only pressurise the first two attackers. Develop by allowing them to drift

GAME SITUATION

1. Release two to four defenders and call which ruck to play from

2. The timings allow the attack and defence to align

3. The attackers use angles or straight running to break down the defence