HOME Rugby Answers Rugby COACHING Q&A

Defence System Blitz/Drift

Hi,I am just looking to see if I am right in saying the below:If we are the defending team, and have more players then the attackers then we should use the blitz attack and vice-versa for the drift?
Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Rugby CoachCoach

1 answer

ANSWERS

Joop IJsselsteinCoach, Netherlands

It depends on the amount of pressure, yes when you have an overlap in defense you can use a blitz defense, but when short on people it depends on the amount of space left behind your defense line. when drifting the composure of the players is very important, you can also move back as long as you keep the composure in the line!

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

Rugby

STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_rugby

LATEST COACHING TRENDS

Ball Carrying Without Dipping: Footwork, Height and Leg Drive

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.

October 2026

Sportplan Coaching

The Scrum Brake Foot Is Now Law: Coaching Safer, Steadier Scrums

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.

October 2026

Sportplan Coaching

Catch-Pass Under Pressure: Building Handling That Survives Match Day

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.

September 2026

Sportplan Coaching

VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS