Out of the firing line

WHY USE IT

Target a defender to make sure it’s only a one-on-one tackle.

SET UP

Ruck pads, cones, a 10m box, balls.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: A ball carrier stands opposite another player. They walk into that player and drive forward, going to ground. As they do this, the other player tries to grab the ball. Check the technique (see top illustration) and ensure that the ball carrier does not hold the ball like a ‘teddy bear’.

Development: Put two ruck pad-holders between two cones. Three attackers move forward. The ball carrier has to use footwork to attack one of the pads, before driving forward, ripping down with the ball and then going to ground. Their team mates clear the ruck pad-holders back. Develop by taking away the ruck pads.

Game situation: Four attackers start at one end of the channel, facing two groups of three defenders. Play full contact. The attackers are allowed one pass in each box. The defenders are only allowed to come forward once the attackers have entered their box. Emphasise the need to avoid going out of the box – this focuses the ball carrier on attacking one defender, not two.

COACHING POINTS

• Hold the ball inside the body before contact, with hand and elbow in front of the ball.
• As you reach contact, rip down the ball, drive forward and then go to ground.

ACTIVITY

X Don’t carry the ball like a teddy bear! It’s easy to be ripped away in contact
✓ Carry the ball on the chest, inside the body

DEVELOPMENT

• Three attackers aim to go past two ruck pad-holders
• The ball carrier deliberately targets one pad holder before going to ground
• After contact, the two attackers clear over the ball carrier on the ground 

GAME SITUATION

• Four attackers aim to get to the far end of the box, with only one pass allowed in each bo
• Defenders come forward once the attack enters the box in front of them