Break down the door

WHY USE IT

Though the space between the defenders seems more attractive, a tight defence mean those two players step in to double-team the ball carrier.

set up

Two ruck pads, two cones and a ball per group. Five cones and a ball for the game situation, and tackle suits, if available.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY: Set up two ruck pad-holders between two cones, which are about 3-5m apart. A player feeds the ball carrier, who uses footwork to target one of the pad-holders. Another support player follows the ball carrier, who goes to ground and presents the ball while the support player drives over them. Check that the ball carrier makes a solid contact with just one ruck pad, keeps driving forward and presents well. The other pad holder should be left behind (and offside).

GAME SITUATION: Set up the cones and defenders as in the bottom diagram. The attackers aim to get through the gaps between the cones, which represent the space outside the first two ruck defenders. The first target is to get over the gain line; the second is to keep the ball secure; the third is to present the ball cleanly for the feeder within three seconds of the tackle.

COACHING POINTS

Ball carrier: Attack the space and then step-and-attack one defender. Drive through and present the ball.