Lions 09 - backline defence in own 22 option 2

Defensive systems change according to where the team is on the pitch

Lions 09 - backline defence inown 22 option 3

Where you are on the pitch can determine you defensive system

Lions 09 - backline defence in own 22

Where you are on the pitch can deterrmine the defensive system you play

Lions 09 Backs defence 2

A clip from the 2009 Lions

Lions 09 - backline defence - centre pitch

Where you are on the pitch can determine the defensive system that you can employ.

Lions 09 Attack plays 2

A clip on attacking options from the 2009 Lions

Lions 09 backs defence 4 man on man

Lions 2009 defence clip

Lions 09 - Team Defence

Practice of team defence is important for reinforcing effective systems of defence that require aspects such as communication, pressure and drifting

Lions 09 Backs defence 1

A clip from the 2009 on defence systems

Lions 09 defence 04

Lions 2009 defensive systems

Lions 09 backs support lines 2

Lions 2009 support and continuity work

Lions 09 Backs defence 3

A clip with a progression on defensive systems from the 2009 Lions Tour

Lions 09 - linespeed defence drill

Developing linespeed is fundamental to applying pressure to an attack line

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill 2 blindside

A practice for developing understanding the role of chasers and counter kicking

Lions 09 lineout 2

Lineout variation and practice

Lions 09 - Strike Moves

The Lions drill for developing awareness of attack and defence options

Quins Defence - 2 v 2 tackling

A progression from the 1 v 1 drill this exercise adds extra players to make the decision making process more realistic. The coaches can vary the delivery of the ball and the width of the area to put different conditions to the players

Lions 09 - Lions speed and tracking the player

Developing linespeed, footwork and tracking

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Lions - Backs options from scrum

Lions 2009 clip on attacking options

Lions 09 Lineout 1

The Lions practice their lineouts

Lions 09 Backs support lines 3

Lions 2009 support drills, with a progression

Lions 09 - 3-man Scrum Practice

Develop the front row as a foundation for the building of the scrum

Lions 09 - Double-tackle

A good practice to work on stopping an effective ball carrying player

Lions 09 - Driving Body-position

A great practice for ALL players in the scrum to adopt the best position to drive from. You can use tackle bags as well as tyres

British Lions - Play from scrum - continuity 2

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

Lions 09 - Phase Play

This team play practice requires the team to be able to attacke with width and focusing on ball retention

Tackling 22 - The Out to In Defence

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill - chase and return

Developing an awareness of applying pressure through an effective kick chase system

Lions 09 - Lineout Movement

A dynamic practise for speed and quality of lifting in lineouts. This exercise can be used for 15's and 7's and for different age groups. The coaches can vary the distance of the cones and progress to both lifters moving. Coaches can add some fun by making it a competition. Key factors : The jumper must jump - Core body strength - Keep body stiff and straight - Lifters work together - Lock out arms - Bring the jumper down safely

Defence - 2. Miss Pass

If a miss pass is used, the passer and the player missed, are no longer primary theats

However they may become primary threats again if they take up support lines

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill - kicking from 12

Tactical kicking can be undertaken by different players

Lions 09 strike moves 4

Developing attack moves through the backs

Lions 09 lineout 5

Lineout variation and development

Lions 09 strike move 8

Developing play through the backs

Lions 09 Strike Moves 3

Developimg attack plays through the backs

Lions 09 strike moves 10

developing plays in attack

Lions 09 strike move 11

Developing back play in attack

Lions 09 Lineout 4

Lineout variation and practice

Lions 09 Strike Moves 07

Developing attacking plays through the backs

Lions 09 strike moves 6

Developing attacking plays through the backs

Lions 09 lineout 3

Lineout variation and practice

Lions 09 strike move 5

Developing play in backs

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill 1

Developing an awareness of how to apply pressure through an effective kick chase policy

Lions 09 - tactical kicking - dropping back for kick-return

Positioning ready for the kick return is a systematic approach to countering pressure

Lions - Defence & turnover practice

Winning the ball back after the tackle is essential

Broncos 5 - 2 Ball touch to test the defence

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

Lions 09 - Clearing the tackler away

With the new adjustments around the tackle zone, what variation would you adopt now so that this drill is now legal?

Lions 09 - Support & Attack

The ability to create attacking situations quickly is fundamental to creating pressure

British Lions - scrum practice 2

Progressiing the scrum practice always requires the underlining of the basics of the unit skill

Attack vs Defence Continuous Drill 4V2

The attackers work to beat the defence, setting up a 'tip' (running a hard line) and 'pull back' option. They should read the defensive movements and make a decision to hit the tip option or pull out the back.

Defence - 8. Compromise Alignment

The widest defender is often better placed to assess situations

It may be that the discipline of the defence shape needs to be compromised to reduce attacking options

This is often a calculated gamble

Men's - Turnover and move the ball 2

Strong defence and a turnover allows two quick passes, (One long pass), and then attack the defence. The two passes have changed the channel of attack by 30 metres.

Key factors : Tackle and stay on your feet - Long quick pass / spin pass - Communicate loudly - Support the ball carrier on his shoulder

Level 2 - Binding on to the Opposition

This video illustrates binding options for the props.
The tight head tries to get their hand in line with their face.
The loose head has a short arm and a long arm option

Defence - 7. Square Hips

Keep square as long as possible to reduce attacking options not defensive options

5v5 Semi-contact (2)

The sides are now even and the players can tackle, but not attempt to steal the ball. Again, the defence must retreat 5m, giving the attackers opportunities.

3 v 2 attacking practice

A useful drill to build decision-making skills. Attackers must choose from a variety of running and passing options.

Broncos 1 - Scramble defence - Tracking back

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

3v2 varied attack options

Developing decision making processes is essential to developing gamesense - in this drill we can vary the attack and defence to accelerate learning

Defence - 1. Primary Threat

If the ball is tucked under one arm, the ball carrier is unlikely to throw a 10 metre miss pass. So are the attackers 2 and 3 places out the primary threat?
If the ball carrier is running with the ball in both hands, the immediate threat may have a wider radius

If two centres are running at a centre and a prop, the primary threat may be the space defended by the prop

11. 6 v 2 v 2 v 2

6 v 2 v 2 v 2 v 3

Developing the skills into decision making down a channel

Drift Defence from Breakdown

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.

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Junior - 2 v 1 2

JWC 2012: Defence

Statistics from the 2012 JWC show that teams with stronger defences performed better.

Quins - Beating a Drift Defence

Some warm up exercises with varied catch & pass skills in preparation to move onto fixing defenders and how to beat a drift defence

Men's - 2 v 1

A good example of phase play to create a 2 v 1 attacking platform. The initial deep pass then creates an overlap and the defender drifts to allow the attacker to run through easily.

Key factors : Quick ball at breakdown - Straight lines of running - Deep pass - straight lines of running again - Loud communication

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3

Defence - Improving Defence Game

A good Defence is about players working in units and staying "Connected". This exercise develops the skills required to improve a players understanding of what to do and when to do it

Geech - Bringing a Lions Squad Together

Defence - Defensive Systems

This clip shows past footage, but from this bird’s eye view, it clearly illustrates the organisation required to be a sound defensive team

Junior - 3 v 2 2

Sevens - Turnovers and move the ball 2

A turnover from a strong tackle and quick "Jackle" where the defender uses the momentum of the attacking player to swimg up onto his feet and contest the ball, this results in a line break. Key factors : Tackle technique - Urgency to get up to feet - Core strength - Speed

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 2

Women's - 2 v 3 2

Identify Attacking Options

A few drills that will help the attackers identify space in attack and work on how to exploit it!

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

Men's - 3 v 2 2

The Lineout Game - Defence

Defending against the lineout throw is a key area for disrupting the opposition and their attacking platform. The defending jumper can be very effective by getting a hand in between the opponents’ hands and disrupting the catch. This may also block the vision of the opponent who wishes to follow the flight of the ball

Sevens - 2 v 1 2

Defence - Tackle Progressions

Understanding tackle techniques and the progressions is integral for all coaches as a basic fundamental in coaching contact. The IRB "rugby ready" course provides a step by step approach to compliment the technques in this section

L2 - Attacking a Drift, Blitz and Cover Defence

Skill Practice Description • Within a game of touch the coach can at any breakdown - call blitz, drift and the defenders must run and touch the appropriate line. • The coach may also give players numbers in order to call specific defenders to leave the defence line which will create the need for defence to realign quickly. • Attackers must face the other way and attack when the ball is rolled from behind them. • On the coach’s call, the attack turn and the closest attacker picks up the ball and plays. • This ensures the coach can vary each player’s role and make the defence react. • Coach can then develop game by giving a visual clue to the defenders thus making the attackers react to an unexpected type of defence. Key Coaching Points • Visual Acuity-Looking for space. • Spatial awareness. • Highlighting defensive systems and attacking them appropriately. • Decision making. Relevance to the Game • This game is excellent for visual acuity and attacking differing defensive alignments. • Spaces are created by the leaving defenders, which the attackers have to identify

L2 - Scatter Defence Game

Skill Practice Description • Ideal practice for when defences break up later in games or with counter attack decision making. • Attackers stand in front of a numbered cone and ball. • The coach calls a number and all attackers must run around their own numbered cone but whichever number was called, that ball becomes active. • At the same time a colour is called for the defenders and all defenders must turn and run around a cone of that colour. They must however choose different cones. • If a touch is made, the teams swap over roles. • If a try is scored, the attackers stay the same. • First to five tries wins. Key Coaching Points • Spatial awareness • Communication • Quickness of attack at a disorganised defence • Skills to attack space • Footwork and evasion skills • Scanning skills • Decision making • Importance of getting behind defenders Relevance to the Game • Great for coaching counter attacking disorganised defences from different angles. • Any player can be ball carrier and communication is vital as is decision making in identifying space and the best way to attack it successfully • Cones can be placed to shape different types of defence. Organised or scattered

Sevens - Uncovered - Defence

The leading international coaches explain why defence is so important and how much emphasis they put on it. This clip features a variety of tackles and techniques and post good defence the opportunity to turn the ball over. Most coaches will use a system for their defence and here are some insights

L2 - Penetrating Defence Game

Skill Practice Description • The playing area is marked out in 5m channels. • When defending, players must stay within their channel throughout the game. • The attack must look to penetrate the defence by creating and preserving space. • The defence must use a two handed touch. • There is a 5 tackle turnover rule and once possession is turned over, the defence must get into a channel as the opposition can attack immediately. Key Coaching Points • Support players to hold their opposite number as long as possible before cutting a line to take the pass. • The defender can close the space as far as the edge of their own channel. • If the support player cuts too early or the ball carrier does not move their defender enough, the support player will be touched/tackled. Relevance to the Game • This game will help develop the footwork and running lines to effectively move defenders in order to penetrate the tackle line.

HSBC - Gatland Appointed Lions Coach

Former British & Irish Lions Jason Robinson, Gavin Hastings and former Wales international Jonathan Davies commenting on the appointment of Warren Gatland as Head Coach of the 2013 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia.

Blitz Defence - Its simple If You Know How

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

Drift Defence Game

Practice being overloaded in defence. This game teaches your players when to be patient in defence and when to go for the tackle.

Defence - 4. Spacing

It is usual for the forwards to be defending around the break down areas. These players may need to align with tighter spacing than wider defenders for the direct attacks that may come from the breakdown. The spacing may be able to spread as the defence shape gets wider. This will prevent the defence becoming too narrow.

3 v 2 in Channel

A development of the 2 v 1 and 3 v1 drills, the attackers now must beat 2 defenders. This requires more decision-making ability as the movements of the defenders could change every time. Players must communicate as well as continue to perform their handling and running skills.

Defence Policy - What Is It?

Richard Thorpe has been a professional player for a decade and is now an RFU level three coach. He see's defence as the key to success and in this clip explains what "Defence policy" means

Coaching 7-a-side Rugby - 7 up defence

In Defence:

Stay alert, keep on toes, specific communication, react, work hard

Defend what is happening – not what you think is going to happen

Trust the defence system, trust your team mates – trust yourself

Passing - 3 v 2 Live Defenders

Gradually progress from 2 static defenders, to 3 v 2 roaming defenders. The first two players must draw their defenders before giving the pass.

L2 - Attacking a Condensed Defence

Skill Practice Description • Two teams play normal touch rules. • 5 touch turnover. • When a touch is made, the game pauses and all defenders need to close in and place a hand on the shoulder of another defender. So all the defenders are bunched and in contact with each other. • The coach calls ‘play’ and the attack restarts. • The progression may be to leave one defender out of the bunch, which may provide a different challenge to the attack. • Then leave two defenders out of the bunch and slowly release the conditions to see if the attack can consistently identify opportunities to outflank or penetrate the defence. Key Coaching Points • Peripheral vision and general awareness. • Intuitive decision making. • Communication • Support and team work. Relevance to the Game • This game is designed to challenge the observation and decision making ability of the attack. • For the defence, it challenges the ability to cover quickly with both drift and sweeping defenders

Geech - Lions Coaches were Years Ahead

Were the Lions coaches ahead of the game. The 1997 coaches discuss tackle techniques that are only being implemented now

L2 - Outflanking Game

Skill Practice Description The objective of this game is to develop the ability to execute the 2 v 1 with consistent efficiency. • The attacking team initially has at least one extra players in order to create an advantage. • There is a channel on each wing in which only 1 defender and 2 attackers may enter at any time. • The attack works the play to get the ball into the outside channel then execute the 2 v 1. • With the extra players, the attack can also develop opportunities to penetrate the defence and so the game in not relying on lateral moment and still incorporates the principles of ‘go forward’. • The progression is to remove the cones and see if the players can still take advantage of the 2 v 1 without the conditions set within the channelled areas . • A further progression would be to even the numbers of each team. Key Coaching Points • Running lines to condense and hold defences in order to outflank. • Running lines in order to disrupt and penetrate the defence line. Relevance to the Game • Attacking players often fail to fix defenders effectively and may drift or over elaborate. • This game will assist in angles of run that fix the last defender

Lions Memories - Part 2/2

Defence - 9. Widest Players Organise

The widest players are most often best place to assess the threats and have a major role in directing the defence

Simple hands beat Bunched Defence

When a defensive line is 'bunched up', a single pass can take several defenders out of the game. Here, Richard Hale benefit from a bunched Filton College defence, executing lateral passes along the line to attack space out wide.

Quins Defence - 1 v 1 tackle skills

Close contact in a small channel ensures the players work their movement skills in both attack and defence. The coach reinforces the skills for contact prior to progressing this exercise