Continuous defence

RULES OF THE GAME

• Use 3 defenders v 12 attackers. The pitch is narrow between the 15m lines
• For 5 defenders it widens to the 5m lines and for 6+ defenders it becomes the full pitch width
• Games last 2 minutes, with a 30-second break
• Defenders always start between the narrow cones inside the 22m, attackers spread out between the half way and 22m line

HOW TO PLAY

• To begin the exercise, you kick a ball out to the attackers, at various distances and to various places
• Each time a try is scored, the try scorer joins the defence
• For each try, the defenders do 10 press ups
• For each mistake, the attackers do 10 press ups
• Play restarts within 10 seconds after the press ups
• There are no contested rucks so when an attacker is touched/tackled they have to do three press ups before passing the ball. This is a chance for the defence to reorganise
• All plays must start with two passes minimum from the ruck

KEY ELEMENTS FOR DEFENDERS

•  Stay in line with each other and follow the outside defender
• Last defender takes last attacker, second last defender takes second last attacker and so on
• Never let the ball carrier come through the defensive line. If they score, make it happen by being outflanked, not penetrated. This makes it harder or the attack and gives the defence more time to challenge