Maul ball for all

WHY USE IT

Mauling is a powerful weapon and you don’t have to be a big side to use it. A great tactic is to set up a maul from the back of a ruck to create go-forward and tie in their defenders.

SET UP

Clothes and a ball.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Three attackers start in front of a 3m x 1m box – representing a ruck – with a pair of defenders either side of it. You call for an attack on one side of the ruck. The attack aims to maul against those two defenders, driving them behind the ruck. Start the exercise at walking pace, until the players are happy with their roles.

Development: Set up a 5v5 at the side of a playing area, containing three ‘rucks’ – A, B and C. Place a ball at each ruck. Call out a letter at which the teams can position themselves. The attack decides on which side of the ruck to attack. It is not allowed to pass the ball. Play full-contact rugby.

COACHING POINTS

• Keep the ball away from the opposition. The first ball carrier turns early.
• The first support player binds on to the far side, the next on to the near side.
• Support players: Drive square if you can. Use a scrum position.
• Short steps to maintain balance.
• Alternative technique: The first support player binds onto the ball, so the maul is long. Experiment with your players.

ACTIVITY

1. Two defenders protect either side of a maul

2. Call which side three attackers will set up a maul

DEVELOPMENT

1. Set up three dummy rucks, with a ball behind each one. Call which ‘ruck’ to play from

2. Five attackers and five defenders run to that ruck

1. The defenders position themselves either side of the ruck

2. The attackers form a maul to one side of the ruck