1. Improving your tackling. 2. Improving your body position to drive back attackers. 3. Improving your organisation as a defence. 4. Improving your attitude to defence.
A determined few can stop many an attack. This session involves the whole squad and works on a big overload in attack. There are lots of skills on show here, but you should concentrate on highlighting body positions in the tackle and the organisation of the defence.
Session planner
Warm up 7-10 mins
Session 20-25 mins
Development 10-15 mins
Game 10-15 mins
Warm down 7-10 mins
Activity
Kit
Outcome
Warm up
Markers and balls
Preparing players for tackling, contact and driving
Session: the 300
25m long by 15m wide area, balls
Improving the defensive ability of the players
Development: varying the formation
As for the main session
Developing players further, with more pressure from the attack
Game: small-sided conditioned game
40m long by 30m wide pitch
Practising the skills learnt in a conditioned game
Where it fits Player skill: Tackle situation Tactical skill: Defence & defensive systems Other Core Skills Smart Sessions covering this area: 11 Attitude runs 51 Offensive defence 57 Tackle low and turnover
What to think about • Is the defence committing enough tacklers to stop the attack? If the attack gets forward momentum it becomes very difficult to stop. Therefore the early commitment of several defenders to the point of attack is important. Discuss a number of scenarios with the defenders, such as if the attacker is tackled to ground or if the attacker manages to stay on his feet and is driven from behind. • Are the two deeper defenders reacting to weaknesses in the forward defensive line? Stand behind the two defenders and initially point out weaknesses in the line until they begin to see and react to them themselves.
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What you tell your players to do 1. Attack the ball carrier and bring them to ground. 2. Be organised – only commit enough players to stop the forward momentum of the attack. 3. Get lower than the attack to stop the drive. 4. Have a very positive attitude. Think: the attack shall not pass. You must support each other, especially when it gets tough. 5. Drive the attack back if you can.
The 300 ground covered direction of run
pass
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The 300
What you get your players to do Split the players into two groups – one defensive group of eight and an attacking group of twelve. (Adjust pitch widths and player numbers accordingly.) The attacking group has to score at the far end of the area. They can pass, run and drive the ball. The defence has to stop them by tackling and holding the drive. Start with an initial defensive line of six players with two behind to plug any gaps or aid weaker players.
The game starts with a large overload for the attack. Use this starting defensive formation.
Ensure good technique
What to call out • “Look at the ball as it moves and react.” • “Get low, stay low, drive forward.” • “Use your legs to drive them back.” • “Plug the gaps. Be dynamic and commit.”
Development • Time how long the defence can hold out. • Add more attackers or take away defenders and see if the defence can still be effective. • Try different starting positions, such as four players in the front line and four behind. • Widen the practice area, making it more difficult for the defence.
Being really low in the drive or tackle will be very effective against greater numbers.
Varying the formation
Game situation Split into two teams of eight players. Play a game with the emphasis on the defensive team. With equal numbers the defence aims to turn over the ball or drive the attack back to their own line. To ensure more success early on, load the defence so they have more players. Once competent, gradually decrease the number of defenders so the attack has more players. You are still looking for the same outcome. Rugby coaching plans you can take straight on to the field
Develop defensive formations by trying out different patterns, such as the four by four set up above.