Isolate and split

WHY USE IT

Understand how to create, then take advantage of, 3v2s by isolating and splitting the two defenders. The chaotic starts mean more options and decisions for all players.

SET UP

Two 20m x 15m coned boxes, with a 1m gap between them. One ball.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Call out which channel to use (“Green!”). The 9 runs to the ball and passes to the middle Blue player, while the defenders retreat to the try line and then enter the box. The inside runner supports the ball carrier, along with the outside runner. Use touch tackling, but it is also good to use more contact to exploit possible passes out of the tackle. Once done, use the other channel and swap players around.

Development: No coach call for which channel to attack. Make the 9 count down for three seconds before they pass, but get their body in the right place and shape to pass left or right. The attackers have to ‘read’ the 9’s body shape and attack the appropriate channel.

COACHING POINTS

• Inside support runners to ‘read’ play and body shapes to time their runs effectively.
• Attack at speed to force defenders to commit.
• Patience – even if a try isn’t scored every time.

1. Put two attackers, identified as either red or green, behind their box
2. Put a feeder and first attacker in the middle corridor
3. Put two defenders, one behind the other, in the middle corridor
4. Call out which box to attack

1. The feeder runs to the ball and passes to the first attacker
2. The defenders run to the back of the box before coming forward 
3. The other attackers run into the designated box

1. Against touch tackling, the attackers aim to score at the far end of the box