Winning the support race

WHY USE IT

Winning the race to get over the ball means a chance to prevent, or win, turnover of the ball.

SET UP

A 10m box, ruck pad and a 15m box for the game situation.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Put a static ball carrier in the middle of the box, just in front of a ruck pad, with a defender crouched by their side. About 2m to their side, put an attacker and defender. Call out a cone colour; both players run back to that cone and then forward. In the meantime, the attacker drops to their knees and the defender tackles them. The attacker can attempt to offload to their support player or just place the ball. The two support players (attack and defence) act out a 1v1, either with full tackling or just touch.

Developments: Change distances so it can be a ruck contest; Have the ball carrier walk towards the ruck pad, using it as a landing area when tackled; Finally, have the ball carrier run at and try to beat the defender as the other support players run around their cones.

Game situation: Play 2v2, with another player on each team on the side of the pitch. When you shout “Go!”, they can enter the game. Play full contact. Swap the side players after every try or infringement.

COACHING POINTS

• Look for the spaces beyond the tackle for offloads.
• If there is no pass, get through the ‘tackle gate’ and over the ball.
• Keep low, pump your legs, be ready to clear out.

ACTIVITY

1. Put a ball carrier next to a ruck pad, with a tackler crouched beside them

2. The two support players run into the box

3. The ball carrier is tackled as they drop to their knees

1. The support players either play a 1v1 from an offload, or contest for the ball on the ground

GAME SITUATION

1. Play 2v2

2. Shout “Go!” to let the other players come into play