Pods attack

WHY USE IT

Groups of forwards, known as ‘pods’, work together to provide support.

SET UP

Cones for the ruck gates, tackle tubes for game.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Split your forwards into two groups (‘pods’) of three, plus one player to act as scrum half (9). Start the two pods of three together at the side of at least four gates of cones. The 9 pops the ball to a player in the first pod. They run through the nearest gate and present the ball for the 9. They pass to the next pod, who are arcing around to attack the second gate. This is repeated for the first pod into the third gate, and so on. Keep the exercise slow to make it more game-realistic.

Game situation: Split your team into eight attacking forwards, in two pods of four; a scrum-half; a fly-half; a centre; and up to eight defenders. One pod lies on top of the two tackle tubes, and the other stands in a scrummage position in front of the bags. The scrum-half passes the ball to the fly-half, who, with the centre, attack the defence in front of them. One of the pods supports, and the other pod arcs round to take the next pass. Build your pod attacks from these situations.

COACHING POINTS

• Change angles to attack the gate.
• Support players: tell the ball carrier what to do.
• Use triggers to time your run.

ACTIVITY

1. Pod 1 takes the ball through the first gate and places it

2. Pod 1 then moves, while the 9 passes to pod 2 to take the ball through the second gate

3. The ball should be presented to pod 2 to start the activity again from the beginning

4. The ball is reset for 9 to pass to pod 1 to go through the third gate

GAME SITUATION

1. Pod 1 awaits the first ruck

2. The 9 passes to Attack 1 to take on Defence 1

3. Pod 2 (A, B, C, D) lies on the tubes, ready for the second phase

4. Defence 2 ( 1, 2, 3) prepare to defend when pod 2 become involved
   

1. Pod 1 wins the ruck ball along with Attack 1 (making it a 6v3)

2. Pod 2 gets into position to take the next pass, looking to get past Defence 2