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Rugby: Drift defence

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DESCRIPTION

4 Tackle Bags.

10 Cones and 1 Ball.

10m x 30m.

The first player in the line begins with the ball. As he approaches the first cone and passes to player 2 who is supporting. Player 1 carries on their run and hits the tackle bag before running backwards to player 2 original position. Player 2 on receiving the ball passes the ball onto player 3 before hitting the tackle bag and back pedalling to player 3 original position.

When the ball reaches player 5, that player side steps behind the others back to position 1 where the drill is repeated.

COACHING POINTS

Ensure all players properly warmed up

Correct tackling technique

Get to feet quickly

Good passing is as important as good tackling

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Flat Defence:

Players line up together along the line of the 1st set of cones.

On the signal of the coach all the players advance to the 3rd set of cones (20 meters away), making sure they all keep together in a straight line.

The players then retreat 10 meters to the 2nd set of cones, making sure they stay in line.

From the 2nd set of cones the players then advance a further 20 metres to the 4th set of cones and then retreat 10 meters back, to the previous set of cones.

Defensive Patterns

Simple Drift Defence:

3 attacks - 2 defenders

Scrum half passes to first receiver of group of 3

3 attack 2 passing ball down line

Defensive Patterns

3 on 2 Attack and Defence Drill:

Set an area with two different coloured cones on the touch line in the middle, one for defenders and one for attackers. At the prompt of the coach the players run around designated cones and attack the defenders to score. Ball carrier should initiate the attack by attacking the inside shoulder of the first defender to stop a drift defence.

Draw the first defender and make the pass to your next support runner who should do the same to pass to the outside runner who can go and score. Once attacked three or four times players should swap to defence but not every single time to create continuity and positive development.

Passing

Structure Defence:

5 attackers - 10 defenders (or 2 to 1 ratio dependent on numbers)

Start slowly with ruck ball

Defenders cannot steal ball

Attackers recycle ball

Defenders realign

Coach calls tackle made

Coach controls speed of ball available

Defensive Patterns

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