
set an even amount of defenders as shown between cones. allow 3 empty sets of cones to the outsides drill is simple - when ball is called out by the centre players or coach, the defenders attack upwards hard 5-6 meters. as soon as they hit the 5-6 meter mark the coach calls a direction and a number. in the diagram the coach would have called "LEFT 2" which means they retreat on an angle two gaps over and get set. run 4-5 hard reps per group change directions and numbers frequently or develop a pattern and aim to test if the defense is really paying attention.
hard line speed but connected the whole way communication on the shoot, retreat and reset. while players are retreating they need to keep their eyes upfield. an angled run, slight hip turn with eyes up field is what we want. as the players get closer to the reset line their hips should be adjusting to get square and ready to defend main point is to keep the line connected as it moves, shape, depth, speed. cohesion is number 1.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
Tacklers are aiming lower, so carriers who dip late put heads at risk. Teach footwork, a strong early body height and leg drive to win the collision safely.
The hooker's brake foot moved from trial into full law in July 2026. Here is how to coach it so your front row stays stable, legal and safe.
Your players can pass beautifully in a warm-up grid. Then a defender closes, their lungs are burning, and the ball goes to ground. Here is how to build catch-pass skills that hold up when it matters.