Lifting for kick-offs

WHY USE IT

Improve the movement and co-ordination needed for lifting the catcher at the kick-off.

SET-UP

Cones set 3m apart, balls, and ruck pads for the development.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity 1: A designated catcher and two support players start between three different-coloured cones 3m apart. Call a colour. The pod of three gets to that cone as quickly as possible.

Activity 2: Once Activity 1 has been done a few times, call a colour, and “Up!”, and throw a ball towards them. The supporters lift the catcher. The pod secures the ball.

Development: Put two ruck pad-holders in opposition, whose role is to put pressure on the pod of three just as the catcher lands, after you have thrown the ball. This tests how well secured the catcher is by their supporters. Once the ball is caught, the supporters must be bound on with their arm around the back of the catcher and their inside leg beyond the catcher. This ensures the pod is secured and ensures they can absorb contact. Finally, put players into a match situation, with a kick towards them.

COACHING POINTS

• Catcher keeps active with their feet to get under the ball as it is coming down.
• Players have hands chest-high as they are lifted, or as the ball is coming down, in anticipation of catching it. 
• Once down, the catcher must be in a low, almost squat, position.
• Supporters let the catcher ‘work’ and get into position to receive the ball, then react quickly to either lift or support.

ACTIVITY 1

1. Groups of three run to a called coloured cone

ACTIVITY 2

1. Once they have mastered getting into place, you call a colour, followed by “Up!”, and throw the pod the ball

2. The lifters bring the catcher down and bind around them. Note that they can’t get in front of them to block incoming defenders

DEVELOPMENT

1. Increase realism by adding two ruck pad-holders to challenge the pod when the ball is thrown. They attempt to dislodge the ball