GOOD DEFENCE
The key to good defence, is organisation of the defensive line. If the defending team work well to cover the gaps, they make their lives much easier. If the defensive organisation is good all that is left is to make strong tackles. This week we look at exercises which can used to introduce defence and to slowly build up the intensity. To get your players them working as a team in defense but also in small groups.
Many coaches will look to get players to think about working in 3's - so working with the players on your inside and outside shoulder. Communicating and reacting as required.
These drills can be used with any age group and are not that difficult to set up. You will see a big change in the organisation of the defensive line. Increased communication - more talk and fewer holes - it will take a while though!
DEFENCE STRUCTURE
Description
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
Coaching Points
Defenders set Guards and Body Guards Man to Man defence structure Encourage Line Speed and Communication Encourage defending scrum half to organise both sides of ruck Encourage players to Drop and Swap in order to get fastest players in wider positions. Go to 4 - 8 phases and try to maintain defensive shape. Success = attackers rucks are steadily moved backwards from start ruck.
MAN TO MAN
Description
3 attacks -2 defenders Scrum half passes to first receiver of group of 3 3 attack 2 passing ball down line.
Coaching Points
2 defenders move forward fast (line speed) Stay balanced First defender stays on 1st attacker 2nd defender stays on 2nd attacker Maximum line speed - close down space quickly Final approach with control - shorten footwork Prepare for contact ? front on tackle as above.
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 keep together in s straight line. From the 2nd set of cones, the players then advance 20 meters to the 4th set of cones, and then retreat 10 meters back, to the previous set of cones.
DRIFT DEFENCE
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