Push, punch, break

WHY USE IT

Forwards often have to mix contact and handling in a short space of time. Challenge them to move quickly between skills.

set up

Three ruck pads, cones to mark each activity area, one ball.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY: Set up six attackers, three ruck-pad holders and four other defenders in boxes (see top illustration). Make three players clear the ruck pad-holders out of their box, releasing the ball for the next three attackers, who have to punch through the two defenders in the adjacent box. Finally, once through this box, they have to beat the final two defenders, who come forward once the attack enters the wide box. Use full-contact tackling.

DEVELOPMENT: Only work on one element at a time, or two together. Swap starting points to create different angles. Make the first box a tackle-and-ruck box (take away the pads).

GAME SITUATION: Put four defenders and six attackers in a 20m box, with one attacker 2m from the defenders. When you shout “Go!”, the first attacker must aim to beat the defence. They cannot offload the ball. Once a ruck forms, the attack can only score without resorting to another ruck.

COACHING POINTS

• Using strong body positions, clear ruck pads, drive ball through defence and beat defenders.
• Maintain good ‘go forward’.
• Get yourself back into game quickly from previous situation.