Women's - Offload for continuity
Women's - 2 v 3 1
Women's - Offloads 1
Women's - Patterns of Play 3
Women's - Offloads 2
A quick lineout allows players to attack a "broken field" defence. Running at space moves the defenders and the suport player comes from depth behind the attacker to score. Key factors : Loud communication - Accurate spin pass - Attacking space - Trail support - Pop pass - Quick running
Accurate skills are the key to lineouts in seven's, a combination of movement, lifting and throw combine to make an effective restart for the attacking team. The shape of the attacking side is pre planned to create a mis - match with a faster player v a slower one. key factors : Pre call the move - Fast feet - Strong core for jumper - Support from both players to lift the jumper - Jumper to jump - Accurate throw - Support he jumper to the ground - Offload pass to scrum half
Support Line Breaks & Offloads
This exercise is part of a tackle technique progression and pitches 3 attackers v 3 defenders. As in match play the attacking players will present different challenges to the defenders. The coaches can choose to alter the conditions to put more or less pressure on the players
To execute an offload you need to have support players in the right area, here the ball carrier knows he has support and is able to take a risk and offload out of the back of the tackle. Prior to the offload the ball carrier works hard to stay on his feet. Key factor : Leg drive - Twist and work the body in contact - Control ball one handed - Communication from support players
A basic game of offload touch with constraints on how much time the ball carrier has. coaches can vary the rules to get more success / make it easier for the attackers
Ball control is the key element to an effective offload. Jim Evans from Harlequins uses some fun games to coach this skill
A progression from 2 v 1 , 3 v 2 to 4 v 3
Staying strong in contact and using the leg-drive can commit extra defenders. If then, you can make an offload to supporting players, overlaps should be created. It is difficult to defend a strong offloading attack, and here, Stowe School are rewarded a try for their slick hands.
In this clip, Eton College keep the ball alive through a series of offloads and long passes, deep within their 22. Eventually a gap emerges for them to exploit, finishing off the the try with a final offload.
Here's an example of a simple but effective 2v1 drill to practice the offload. Players concentrate on staying strong and getting their shoulders through contact, with the ball remaining in two hands. Support players communicate their position and time their run.
This Pre-Season touch game is based upon offloading however there are other conditions which make it an ideal practise to combine skills and fitness
Here's a great exercise from London Scottish with some excellent progressions taking you through catching difficult balls as well as some fun games to try.
Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 1
Women's - Turnovers and move the ball
A progression from 3 v 2s, this drill is closer to a game situation, where there are more decisions for the attacking players to make. The gaps could appear in a variety of locations and they have several passing /running options. With 4 attacking players, you may wish to utilise your basic strike moves.
Sevens - Offloads 1
Women's - Counter attack plays
Women's - Good leg drive
A progression from the 3 man scrum - developing body shape and positions
Sevens - Offloads for continuity
Practice the different options in recycling the ball. A lot of the time, the ball will be tied up and an offload won't be on. Develop this drill by allowing the players to call how the ball should be played, and for their teammates to react.
Women's - Classic Tackle
Women's - Standard restart with good catch
Women's - 2 v 1
Women's - Short restarts
A good start for developing offload and tackle skills, allowing you to manage the amount of contact in the tackle whilst performing the skill successfully. Key factors : Strong base - Lead with arm and shoulder - Keep looking forward with head up - Wrap arm around legs / waist and squeeze tight with other arm - Use attackers bodyweight to rotate your body
A very useful skill if you are looking to break the gain line. The running lines and the communication from the support players are essential. This drill aims to develop the mechanics of the offload through repetition.
Women's - Wrap Tackle
This game of touch is conditioned to encourage both close support in attack, and a proactive defence. Attacking players can offload immediately after a touch is made.
Women's - Lineout mail good defence
Women's - Hold them up tackle (Ireland style)
A passage of play that shows how to attack with more attackers than defenders, a 3 v 2. The winger shows that strong running and determination can break tackles. Click on the practises in this section for coaching ideas
Women's - Injured players and medics
Women's - Straight Scrums 2
Men's - Exiting the 22m 3
Women's - Strike Moves 1
Women's - Exiting the 22m 2
Men's - Lineout maul good defence 3
Men's - Offloads for Continuity 2
Men's - Strike Moves 3
When a solid Filton defence has denied them the outside, Oaklands College are able to break through the line thanks to good running lines from close supporting players and accurate offload passes.
Gradually progress from 2 static defenders, to 3 v 2 roaming defenders. The first two players must draw their defenders before giving the pass.
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.
Women's - Clips of coaches
Women's - Exiting the 22m 1
Women's - Lineout catch & maul / drive
Women's - High Tackle
Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 2
Develop decision-making skills in attack. 3 attackers must beat 2 defenders, before facing a third immediately after.
A counter attack invlving moving the ball wide quickly, then attack defenders with support runners and finally a 2 v 1 to score in the corner. Key factors : Strong communication - Wide spin passes - Attacking the space around defenders - Support the ball carrier from behind - Offload with two hands - straight running - Flat pass
A progression from the 2 v 1, where a second pass is encouraged to move the ball away from the defender.
An example of a wheeled scrum