Rugby: Split with Trailer

Offensive players (blue), line out in one deep line while the defence (red) line up opposite in a straight line, slightly inside player from the player that they are marking.

The offence will attempt to pass the ball across the line at speed.

Defenders will move up to stop them but do not tackle, simply press. This teachers the attackers to pass under pressure, as they try to pass across the line without making any mistakes.

Tell your players the following......

1. There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier.
2. Each group will have one defender, the defenfer will not have to go around the cone.
3. On GO, the group moves towards the closest cone.At the cone, the players spread out and attack the line at pace and with width.
4. They should realign following the attack left, to attack again right.
5. When the second groups sees the first group complete their first set of passes, they should begin without waiting.
6. The defender should swap with another player in their group.

Variations:

1. Make the training area small to force quick hands.
2. Make the training area wider to increase the length of the pass.
3. Allow players to be creative in attack.

Keep your player briefing short. You may consider having a demonstration group.

• Give two players opposite each other, one ball each.
• On your call they will come forward, towards each other, sidestepping to avoid contact before passing the ball either left or right.
• There should be no forward passes and the players need to communicate to avoid both balls going in the same direction.
• When the receivers collect their pass - they do the same as the first set of ball carriers.
• Players that have completed their run and pass within the grid should join the end of the opposite line.
• Players should seek opportunity to pass off both their left and right hands.

Setup the practice as shown. The first two players run up to the half way line of the grid and place the ball down before continuing their run to the end of the grid before turning around to defend.

The remaining 3 players (attackers) can go as soon as the ball is placed down and then they play a 3 v 2.