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LOGINThunder rucking
Once they identify that it is their role, players need to ‘thunder’ into the ruck, powerfully and quickly – any delays in that can mean slow ball or a turnover.
WHY USE IT
Reduce the thinking time for players so they can execute rucking under pressure.
set up
A 10m channel, four ruck pads and a ball. A 10m box for the game situation.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: Three attackers start on each side of the ruck pads on the ground, with two ruck pad-holders about 3m in front of them. Throw the ball to one of the attackers, who runs into the gap between the ruck pad-holders and goes to ground to present the ball. The other two players must clear out the pad-holders before they can step over the ball. Make sure the ruck pad-holders keep their pads low so the attackers have to drive in low.
GAME SITUATION: Put three attackers and two defenders back-to-back in the middle of the playing area. Box them off if that helps. Throw the ball to one of the attackers. All of the players turn and play. Allow one ruck or one maul. Play full contact. Stop on any infringement or a try. Swap around the attackers and defenders. Add in more attackers and more defenders, but no more than 5v4.
COACHING POINTS
- Look ahead of the ball carrier and check for threats.
- Better to be in a strong body position and square, than to race into the contact area.
- A feeder passes the ball to one of the attackers
- Spread three attackers between the ruck pads
- Put two ruck pad-holders in front of the attackers
Related Files
- The ball carrier runs at the gap between the pad-holders and presents the ball on the ground, while the other two clear the area
- Throw the ball to one of the attackers
- The attackers turn and play
- The defenders turn on your call
Dan Cottrell
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