Forget shouting the defensive line up - get your players to switch on to the key cues to judge the way the attack is going so they can come off the line quicker.
If the defence is in tune with what the attack is going to do, they can work together to see the problems and solve them. It makes reaction times quicker.
Cones, a ball and four ruck pads.
EXERCISE
Put two defenders inside a small box, just opposite a feeder over a ball, and two ruck pads either side of that small box. The feeder shapes to pass the ball right or left.
The defenders run out of the box and opposite the ruck pad-holders, who would be receiving a pass. When the feeder picks up the ball, the defenders come forward to drive into the pad-holders.
GAME SITUATION
Place four defenders about 10m from a box of cones (to represent a ruck). Put a 9 and four attackers either side of the ruck. The defenders run into position. The attackers can change sides of the ruck to attack at any time. The defenders have to match up. The 9 passes out and the defenders aim to touch the ball carrier before they reach level with the cones. The 9 is not allowed to run with the ball.
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