Backwards set piece

WHY USE IT

A physical activity to develop ways to mop up errors.

SET UP

A 10m long, 5m wide box, ruck pad and balls, plus two more ruck pads for the game situation.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: Two attackers and one defender (holding a ruck pad) face each other, two thirds of the way up the box. Roll a ball into the larger area of the box. The attackers have to run back, recover the ball and drive back up the box (no passing). The defender runs to the end of the box, turns and puts pressure on the ball carrier.

Developments: Add more players to each group. Have a couple of players from each team wrestle before you throw the ball back.

Game situation: Put four players in two-and-two scrum formation (prop, hooker, lock, flanker), leaning against three ruck pad-holders (or three players) in the box. Put a ball at the feet of the back two players and kick it backwards – though not too hard. The players have to break, recover and drive back up the box.

COACHING POINTS

• Slide onto the ball, getting up immediately, but in the low position to drive forward.
• As a support player, work hard to be in behind the ball carrier – keep communicating to give them confidence.

ACTIVITY

1. Throw the ball behind two attackers, who run back to recover the ball and drive forward

2. The pad holder runs back to the line behind them before challenging the ball carrier. The ball carrier can’t pass

GAME SITUATION

1. Four players form a scrum against three ruck pad-holders

2. One of the players at the back of the scrum kicks the ball behind them

1. The players chase back and recover the ball

2. The pad holders aim to prevent the attackers getting back up the box