Win back maul ball

WHY USE IT

Players learn that using correct technique counts for more when winning the ball back in a maul.

set up

Put four players in a 5m box. One carries a ball and is held by two others. The fourth is the ‘ripper’.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY: Once in position, the rip needs to be a whole-body movement, initiated by the shoulder, not just the arms. It is a downwards movement first, and then away from the ball-carrier’s body. The aim is to shift the ball off the holder’s chest, lower down their body and loosen their vice-like grip.

DEVELOPMENTS: A ball carrier starts 4m away from a try line. Two defenders are in front of them, about 2m away. Shout “Go!”. The ball carrier has five seconds to get over the line without losing the ball. Give two points for a try and two for a rip. Under the new tackle-height laws, first contact must NOT be on the ball.

COACHING POINTS

• Get in front of the ball, but your body must be side-on to the ball carrier.
• Get the near (strong) elbow and shoulder over the ball, and the hand under the ball.
• The other hand is the ‘sneaky’ one, working its way up from below and behind the ball. 
• Once this hand is between the ball and the carrier’s belly/chest, and has a grip towards or on top of the ball, the stage is set for the rip and roll.
• The rip is a downwards motion first. The near elbow should slide down the ball carrier’s body. Power comes from the shoulder.
• The near shoulder drives the movement and the near armpit and elbow must stay over the ball.
• Once the ball has been shifted down towards the holder’s waist, maintain the technique, but now twist away from their body and free the ball.