Random 3v2 alignments

WHY USE IT

Practise on-pitch situations, which highlight vision, the utilisation of space and the game skills required to break defences. Defenders start in varying positions throughout.

SET UP

Five players start by the posts. A scrum half is placed between the posts, on the 5m line.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: The five players run from the middle of the posts, then left or right on the 5m line.

Developments: 1. Add a scrum half at the other end of the 5m line. Call “Left” or “Right”, after the calling of two numbers. 2. Run seven players along the 5m line. Call three numbers; they are the defenders. The other four are the attackers.

Coaching points

ATTACK

• Re-align quickly outside the 9.
• Connect with your attackers on the run.
• Early scan to ascertain positioning of defenders. 
• First receiver must catch the ball on the run. Remaining attackers time their run into the line and onto the ball.
• Accurate timing of passes.
• Attackers must adapt running lines and communication.

DEFENCE

• Reload from the press-up as quickly as you can.
• Connect with your other defender on the run.
• Early scan to ascertain positioning of attackers.
• Stay connected with your fellow defender in communication and in vision.
• Keep shoulders square to the attackers so you can react.

• The players number off 1 to 5

  .

• As the first player out is now running inside the 15m line, call out two numbers. They are the defenders

• The two defenders retreat to the goal line, perform a press-up, and then defend against the remaining three attackers, who have realigned from the scrum half

• When they are ready, the scrum-half passes the ball out. The aim of the attackers is to beat the two defenders by scoring over the goal line. The defenders work together to stop them

This activity originally appeared in our February 2017 issue. Greig – a former Scotland international and, later, head coach of Hawick RFC and the Scotland U20s, and Munster academy player development officer – sadly died in July 2023.