Drift offloads

WHY USE IT

Normally, we want players to attack the inside shoulder of the defender. Here, we want players to isolate one defender and drag them out of position, to create space for an offload.

set up

Cones, a ball, three ruck pads and a 20m by 15m area for the game situation.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY: A ball carrier attacks a pair of cones and passes to the ‘drifting’ offloader. One support player starts next to the first passer, with another outside the offloader. Once the offloader receives the ball, they go through one gate and then angle out towards another. You indicate which way to pass. When the offloader goes through the gate, they pass to one of the support players. Rotate roles and repeat, then swap sides to work on different angles of pass. You can also get the offloader to go to ground before making the pass.

GAME SITUATION: Use the same initial set up. The ball carrier attacks a ruck pad-holder and passes to the offloader, who aims to attack the space between the ruck pad-holders. They pass if they take contact, or just before it.

COACHING POINTS

• Attack the space at pace.
• The inside support player must keep telling the offloader they are in position to give them confidence.
• When passing back inside, twist the shoulders as much as possible to draw the ball back to the receiver.