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Does anyone have a really good drill to encourage backs to stay steep?

Does anyone have a really good drill to encourage backs to hold their steepness when attacking - my team of dreams are Under 11's

Justin, Rugby Coach, England
Asked:
Answers: 3

To be honest, i'd just get them doing simple 2v1, 3v2 & 4v3 practices, but condition it by setting the cones where you want the 1st, 2nd & 3rd support runner going round to simulate different depths of support. BUT, i'd start setting up a model of defence, especially with the 3v2 & 4v3, where they have to deal with a deep cover defender. With this, its not always best to run a steep attack line as you'd want the ball shipped wide flatly so the deep cover can be help on a 2v1.

I'd say its best to run through a flatter attack as well as a deep start. The trick is to get them used to scanning whats in front of them and picking up what the defence is doing, then attacking what they see, the best way that they can.

ALWAYS condition the defence first and let the attack react.

Dennis Fitzpatrick, Rugby Coach, England
Answered:

Justin

I use variations of this simple practise to improve alignment in attack.

I hope it helps - there are other good drills in our "Drills" section under "Handling!"

Simon

Round and Realign

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Description:
  • Tell your players the following......
  1. There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier.
  2. 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.
  3. They should realign following the attack left, to attack again right.
  4. When the second groups sees the first group complete their first set of passes, they should begin without waiting.

Coaching Points:

Don't feel that you have to focus on all of the following coaching points, you may have your own. Select the points that most closely match your overall training and session goals.

  • Players should work to keep the tempo of the session high.
  • Receivers hands should be out, presenting a target.
  • Ball carriers carry the ball in two hands.
  • The pass is weighted in terms of distance, speed, and accuracy.
  • The pass is only complete when caught.
  • Players do not spin the ball over short distances and their pass should be sympathetic to the receiver.
  • Ball carriers pass to where the receiver is going to be, not where they are.
  • Ball carriers provide a flat ball or a ball that the receiver can run onto.
  • The receiver attacks at pace, receiving the ball while moving forward at pace.
  • Players demonstrate good communication . Communication should be efficient, effective, and encouraging. Receivers should identify themselves, their location etc. Ball carriers should verbally seek out support.
  • Mistakes will be made, allow your players the freedom to make mistakes without feeling a failure.
  • Passing should be off both hands. There is no weak or strong hand, just hands that need a little more work. Work is the key, not talent.
  • Attackers spread to attack with width.
  • Passers realign to provide further attacking options.
  • Players are creative in attack e.g. looping, miss passes etc.
    • Simon Jones, Rugby Coach, England
    Answered:

    Hi Justin, Try doing a 2 v 1 or 3 v 1 with the attacking players starting in one line behind each other. This is a good way to show them the advantage of starting from deep, and hitting the angle at speed. It is also quite easy to coach the need for effective communication. "How many eyes does he (the ball carrier) have in the back of his head? How is he going to know where you are?" The nice thing about starting with 3 v 1 is that the ball carrier has the opportunity to choose and execute the pass he thinks is the better one. It is extendable too. Australia once scored a (fantastic) try against New Zealand by putting all their backs in one line behind the scrum - except one decoy miles away on the far touch line. NZ were totally confused, didn't know how to defend..... I tried it with my team in Japan, and it worked a couple of times - until people saw it once. Once you have seen it, it's not that hard to defend, but if your Under 11's could score a try ONCE from this - or a move like it - that would keep them deep forever!

    Steve Johnson, Rugby Coach, England
    Answered:

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