Heads up ruck defence

WHY USE IT

Helps players match up to the circumstances in front of them and then complete the job.

SET UP

A 5m box, four ruck pads and balls; then a 20m wide, 10m long box, three ruck pads and three balls.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Two attackers start in the middle, with two defenders on the outside of the box. Call out a letter or indicate a ruck pad. The defenders and attackers move to that ruck pad. The first attacker passes. The attackers aim to get out of the box in front of them without going over the ruck pad. Use full contact. You release the attackers whenever you want – you could countdown from five.

Game situation: In a larger box, three defenders first defend ruck pad A (see third illustration), then go to ruck pad B and then run over to C. They can run through the box to get into position. Once a tackle is completed, or a try is scored, call “Break”, which means the players run to the next ruck pad. The attack doesn’t have to wait for the defenders to be in position.

COACHING POINTS

• First player to the ruck: Get to the far side, set and say so.
• Second player to the ruck: Nearside of the ruck and do the same.
• Go forward when the ball is picked up. Don’t give up the inside channel at the ruck.

ACTIVITY

1. Two defenders run around to the ruck pad indicated
2. Two attackers run to the ruck pad

ACTIVITY

1. The defenders cover either side of the ruck pad, reacting to the movements of the attackers
2. The attackers aim to get out of the box, but the first attacker must pass

GAME SITUATION

1. Three defenders start at ruck pad A
2. Two attackers aim to get out of the box when they get to the next ruck pad. They don’t have to wait for the defenders to be in position
3. Call ’Break’ after a tackle is completed or a try scored at any time. Change the positions of the pads to offer different challenges