Diamond shape support

An exercise for continuity and support.

The coach can set the width of the channel and intensity of the defenders

L2 - Diamond Support Development

Skill Practice Description • Play a game of touch or grip tackle. • At the coach’s discretion, call “slow ball!” or “freeze” and allow the attack to form a diamond behind the 1st or 2nd receiver. Then call “Play!” • The defence will also be organised but this will be the case in a full game. • Allow the game to progress and shorten the time they have at the slow ball scenarios. • Don’t be concerned if there are not four players in the formation as long as there is at least a second tier of support. • As players become competent at forming the shape in front of the tackle line, the coach may develop the ability to form again, having made a line break. • Develop the game into full contact. Key Coaching Points • Holding spaces open. • Ball carrier to watch the defensive shape and not look round for the support. • Listening and cooperation. Play with the eyes in front and the ears behind. • Intuitive decision making. • Support to hold depth and not arrive at the tackle line flat.

QBE - Diamond Support Development

Continuity in Attack - Diamond Practice

The diamond practice can be the break out session of a whole part whole approach.
It is common when running such a practice for the attacking players to arrive at the tackle line having caught each other up. Depth should be maintained in order for the diamond shape to be fully effective.

The initial ball carrier needs to use footwork to move and disrtupt the defensive shape

Support

Diamonds in a Game Context

The diamond shape may only form for a moment in time and not always with four players. However the intention is to create a second tier of attack from depth.
More advanced players may be able to reform the shape after the initial tackle line has been broken

Attacking Shape - 4v2v2

While progressing your attacking shape be sure to include this exercise. With 2 waves of defence its crucial that your players learn to reload into a great shape in position.

Continuity in Attack - Diamond Practice U9

When the coach runs an isolated practice it is important to link the practice to the game.
Here the coach introduces the concept of a diamond support for the first time, then runs a game, pausing the action so the players learn the relevance of the practice. They quickly understand and can execute the play even in difficult and wet conditions

Improving support play

Decision making is a tricky skill to coach. Danny Wild the Leeds coach uses conditioned games with breakout technical sessions to improve this process as well as working on some groundwork skills