Smash gain line, offload

WHY USE IT

Get the ball carrier to run the right angles to attack the gap between defenders, smash through the tackle and then offload to their support players, who will learn the best lines to receive the offload.

set up

Use eight cones, three attackers, two defenders holding ruck pads and one ball.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: With the cones set out as in the first illustration, three attackers line up with the ball carrier in the narrow channel. The pad holders stand close together in a 3m coned gate. The ball carrier runs through the narrow channel and attacks the gaps between the pads. They offload left or right to supporting players either side of the 3m coned gate (see the second illustration). Once everyone has carried the ball and defended, you develop the session by standing behind the ruck pad-holders. Once the ball carrier breaks through the pads, hold up a hand, left or right. The ball is passed in the opposite direction – this simulates an opponent covering a gap.

coaching points

• The ball carrier ‘squares their shoulders’ before the pads so they can step left or right to go through. The ball carrier remains strong, head up, back straight and ball tight to their chest. 

1. Three attackers line up, with the ball carrier in front of the narrow channel

2. The ruck pad holders stand quite close together

3. Develop later in the exercise by starting the defenders on the left of the attackers. Plus, try adjusting the distances from the narrow corridor

1. The ball carrier runs through the narrow channel, steps off and attacks the gap between the pads

2. They then pass left or right to their support players

3. Check for the ball carrier ‘squaring their shoulders’ before the ruck pads, so they can step left or right to go through the gap, and them staying strong through the pads, keeping their head up and back straight, ball tight to the chest

DEVELOPMENT

1. Develop by having the ball carrier make a decision after the ruck pads