Intense defence

WHY USE IT

Constant tackling for an intense workout. Defending is more tiring than attacking; yet players need to keep their standards in the tackle high. This is a great game to knock out the cobwebs.

set up

Two teams of five attackers v one of four defenders, in a 10m wide, 20m long box, with a line across the middle. Use two balls.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Set up the defence to defend the middle line. Shout “Go!”; the first attack moves forward. The defence aims to prevent a try being scored over the middle line. Change the attacking teams once a tackle has been made, a try scored or an infringement has occurred. The defence recovers to defend the middle line from the new attack. The previous attack return to their starting line. Play for 1-2 minutes, depending on fitness levels, and then change the attacking teams. The defence scores a point for each attack stopped legally.

COACHING POINTS

• What to call out: “Communicate, encourage and execute”; “Keep your shape in the tackle. Head up, bent knees, driving in with the shoulder”; “Move up together”.
• This is a very physical game so think about modifying the size of the pitch, the time for tackling and the change timings, to match your team’s needs.
• Emphasise the team effort in the tackle. Each defending group of four should target to win a set number of points.

Shout “Change”. The attack teams swap over. Delay the restart if you want