Rugby coaching session for a two pass away tactic

What to think about in this drill session

Your tactics after winning turnover ball

• For instance, in your own 22 you might want to clear the ball upfield as far as possible. The opposition probably won’t be in position to field such a kick.

• Outside your 22 you may want to hold on to the ball more than kick it. Two-pass-away allows your players time to see what is on, then run or kick.

• Some teams are more comfortable having a set plan from the turnover and others prefer to let the players see what is front of them and play. This decision is very much part of the game plan.

What you get your players to do

Start three players by some cones. Place a ball about three metres in front of them beside another cone. This represents the point of a turnover.

Shout "GO" and one player runs to the ball. The other two run forward and to one side of the ball and turn to face back towards their original cones.

The player at the ball passes to the nearest player who passes on to the furthest player. This last player runs back to his starting cone, with the other two players in support.

Check that the two passes happen before the last receiver has run back in front of the original ball position.

What to call out

• "Pass before you run."

• "First two receivers: don't look for depth."

• "End player: look up and scan the picture."

Development

Now add two defenders with tackle bags. They can start any distance behind the passing team, depending on the pressure you want to exert. They target the first two attacking players, aiming to make strong contact with their bags.

Game situation

Split into a team of at least seven defenders, but only four attackers. Set the attack off from the midway point on the pitch, playing normal rugby rules. The attackers are only allowed to commit two players to the breakdown.

Eventually, they either score or the ball gets turned over and the defending team score. You can hold a ball yourself and throw it into the game to act as a random, unexpected turnover situation.

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Click the link for rugby coaching tips for winning turnovers.