What is an umberella defensive system? also I would?

Rugby CoachCoach

Umbrella, banana etc. The Aussies use it a lot. My take on it is that defensive players at the edges of the pattern have a wider field of view, and it puts them in a better position to counter any overlaps out wide, but on the over hand, if its not coordinated just right, it can leave gaps on the inside leaving 'out' to 'in' lines of attack being more capable of breaking the line.

With regards to offloading. The 3 options I give for offload in contact are:

• hand off and pop behind back
• offload in tackle
• offload off floor

Just simple practices in a narrow channel will give players exposure to the above. With the 1st one i'd suggest handing off a player with a pad. The analogy I get my players thinking about is to 'question mark'. They mark the dot before sidestepping and using footwork to work round the back of the circle before offloading to a player from deep. In my experience this is more effective when the support comes from directly behind, as this is where the space will be left by the tackling defender.

For the offload in tackle and off floor, I would start with players tackling on their knees to allow ball cariers to offload. build up the intensity to 80% match effort to apply enough pressure to build the skill.

With poaching (jackling), I believe the biggest priority is the speed with which the tackler can get back to his/her feet (lets not forget the interpretation that the tackler, once on feet, can legally contest the ball now, even if a ruck is formed). If no ruck is formed, then the tackler doesn't have to come 'through the gate' of the tackle and can contest the ball from anywhere. Just give the players plenty of practice in tackling and getting to their feet straight away to contest the ball.

regards

Den