Safety rucks – four in

WHY USE IT

Ball retention is key if you need to close out a game or regain your momentum when you have suffered a few reverses.

SET-UP

Cones, ruck pads and four balls.

HOW TO PLAY

Exercise

• Put four players close together at the side of the three-lettered gates. Shout out which gate to run to.

• A feeder runs to the ball at the side of the gate, whilst the four players run round and take a pass. The gate is protected by two pad holders.

• The ball carrier attacks the pad holders, snaps to the ground and the three other support players drive out the pad holders.

Development

• Put five attackers inside the small box and three other attackers outside, with a feeder ready to release them. Have a pad holder move into one of the “gates” and this is where the first attack will be.

• The ball carrier runs at the gate and into the pad holder, with his two support players and one of the attackers from the small box.

• When they win the ball, the ball is fed to the other attackers who do the same depending on where a second pad holder runs.

COACHING POINTS

• Ball receiver: Take charge and make sure your supporters are in place to take the ball into contact.
• Support: Don’t crowd the ball carrier. First man beyond the ball, the rest protect.