This session is focused on defense on organizing your line and on tackle technique. Here's some good examples tackle technique exercises. As you can see, they're not flat out. They're more focused on good technique and accuracy to get the players into good habit. These first exercises get players looking up and scanning their opposition. This drill takes place to break down stations where they must get organized quickly and ready to defend. You can progress this to be relevant to match situations such as building the line of defense after implementing a kick Chase. Games are integral to Modern coaching and setting conditions relevant to the areas of your working on helps to reinforce those skills in relation to match play. You can find the full saracen session on defense in the coaching plans library in the saracens area on our CD click on coaching plans then defense.
When the experts explain things in simple terms it all makes sense. The Blitz defence can be confusing and delivering the coaching blocks to develop this policy can be tricky. Richard Thorpe explains things in easy to understand language
Tony Dirpose from Harlequins delivers a unit defence exercise on spacing and line speed
A clever game created by Russell Earnshaw to encourage players to experiment and learn about communication
The ability to move from 1 to 1 tackling exercises into unit & group skills can be tricky. Here are some tips that you could use
After starting with a defence-focused game, this drill can be used to focus on organising a drift defence from the breakdown. The four defenders touch all cones in the tackle area to simulate chaos before getting into position.
Building a defensive system starts with the first three defenders and what they need to do at the breakdown. The Northampton saints coaches go through the steps and progressions to help younger players learn the key movements and techniques
Coaching defence starts with some warm up games and progresses to specific skills and the coach then builds upon these basics. A system of defence is then introduced and practised in a conditioned game
This video takes you through the basics of both blitz and drift defences and provides great drill ideas.
All attacking players need to fix their opposite defender.
Statistics from the 2012 JWC show that teams with stronger defences performed better.
The Lions drill for developing awareness of attack and defence options
An exercise for continuity and support.
The coach can set the width of the channel and intensity of the defenders
This exercise tests the defenders ability to keep a peripheral view of where the next threat might be coming from and to keep communicating with colleagues. Attackers are always looking for the next opportunity an so should defenders
A brief overview of the importance of strong defensive structure and some basic exercises to build it.
Use this exercise to replicate a line break with one defender to beat. The attackers need to move the defender and execute a 2 v 1 while the initial defender tracks back to stop the pass. Also works movement at top end speed for the main attacker
A combination of skills are tested, both technical and tactical with the defenders moving from a passing activity to defending 8 attackers. The coach can change the attack with different starting points and number of attackers
The classic schoolyard game. Played full contact but with tackle pads. Attackers must get to the other side of the field without dropping their ball or being pinned to the ground by defenders with tackle pads.
In this exercise, the emphasis is on linespeed in defence. The purpose is to put pressure on the attacking team to force an error and create the turnover opportunity.
When an opportunity is acknowledged, players flood the breakdown to gain possession, before moving the ball away quickly
A progression for preparing the player for contact & collison
This exercise focuses on the key elements of a strong defensive system, including scanning, line-speed and staying linked with your team mates.
This game simulates a counter-attack situation. The attacking side must gather the ball, look up to assess the defensive line, and attack the right areas. Start with fewer defenders, adding one on each attempt to increase difficulty. Progression: Defensive lines should vary between a wide or narrow alignment, to test the decision-making of the attackers.
This game simulates a counter-attack situation. The attacking side must gather the ball, look up to assess the defensive line, and attack the right areas. Start with fewer defenders, adding one on each attempt to increase difficulty. Progression: Defensive lines should vary between a wide or narrow alignment, to test the decision-making of the attackers.
Lions 2009 defence clip
Players must observe the actions of the attacking side, and organise their defensive line early to be able to counter it. A continuous drill that requires patience and good communication.
A clip with a progression on defensive systems from the 2009 Lions Tour
Practice of team defence is important for reinforcing effective systems of defence that require aspects such as communication, pressure and drifting
A clip from the 2009 on defence systems
A clip from the 2009 Lions
Conditioned Game - Breakdown Technique
Tackle Technique Warm-up
The Defensive Line
Defence - Exit & Kick Chase
Back Row Defence
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