Rip down and retain

WHY USE IT

In this exercise, the ball carrier targets the middle of the defender rather than the edges. This means it’s a guaranteed one v one and the ball carrier is less likely to be grabbed by two defenders.

SET-UP

Two ruck pads, cones, a ball and a 10m box for the game.

HOW TO PLAY

Technique Exercise

• Work with a ball carrier standing opposite another player. They walk into the player and drive forward, going to the ground.

• As they do this, the other player tries to grab the ball.

Exercise

• Put ruck-pad holders between two cones. Have three attackers move forward.

• The ball carrier uses footwork to attack ONE of the pad holders, before driving forward, ripping down with the ball and then going to ground.

• Their team-mates clear the ruck pad-holders back.

Game

• Put four attackers at one end of the channel, facing two groups of three defenders. Play full contact.

• The attackers are allowed one pass in each box. The defenders are only allowed to come forward once the attackers have entered their box.

• Emphasise the need to avoid going out of the box – this focuses the ball carrier on attacking ONE defender, not two.

COACHING POINTS

• Hold the ball inside the body before contact, with hand and elbow in front of the ball.

• On reaching contact, rip down the ball, drive forward and then go to ground.