Changing Within the Game

At some time all teams will play a game where they play poorly throughout and are unable to change this during the course of the 80 minutes. There are many reasons for this but as it is inevitable that it will occur it is a good idea to make a plan that can be practiced and called upon at the crucial time.

The plan to be put in place when the team is under pressure necessitates it being simple and easy to carry out.  Every player must understand what is required of them and everyone needs to ‘buy in’ or the team will continue to perform poorly.  Most times that teams are not performing to the required level means that the players off the ball are not performing their tasks rather than the one or two players on the ball who are going hard out but working as individuals.

Step one is to make a plan that will involve a change in the mental approach of the team. In all cases it should involve an increase in the intensity, physicality and flow of the game.  Players need to know exactly what is expected of them so that they can carry out their part. By creating a narrow focus, and having practiced this plan on many occasions, it is likely to be effective. As an example the philosophy of the plan could be to speed up the ruck ball, backs attack the inside channels and provide targets close by, have forwards picking and driving as quickly as possible with at least six forwards staying close to the ruck area, and keeping the ball alive with passing and laying the ball off in tackles once your team is in behind the opponents.

This will require you to break down the components that need to be practiced and practice hard before tying together the sequence of events. Having an opposition to practice against would be most beneficial.  

The technical detail to be practiced would include: 1- ball carrier and first two support roles    2- next three  players roles; clean out / pick and go / latching / ball carrier role …  3- how the continuity occurs  4- what to do if it is slowed down (how to recreate the momentum)  5- Plays by the backs to create targets for the forwards  6- the backs roles in contact  7- how to reconstruct the next phase and get in behind them  8- running, supporting close and passing under pressure once the line has been breached.The above plan could include wings arriving and carrying out any forward type duties; centres creating the targets; loose forwards filling the gaps created by the backs carrying out different tasks; tight forwards attending every ruck.  The idea is to get everyone involved, everyone moving quickly, and everyone mentally just focusing on this very small part of the game.

Step two is to have a call that all the team knows which will ensure a lift in the spirits and an energy that promises success.  This can be called at a break of play or at a set piece with everyone relaying the call to one another.

There are numerous situations which the play may be started: a short lineout with a hit up in the inside channel / a tap penalty where two passes are made and the rucking pattern begins / a turnover ball where two passes are made as the call is given / a short ball from a scrum to provide the first ruck target.

The important part is for the captain or the leaders to recognize when the call is necessary. Usually the crowd will have already let you know. Once the call is made there might be a policy to keep the patterns going for the next five minutes, and to set a goal of scoring a try in that time.  The position on the field should have little relevance although you could say that you don’t want it to happen inside your own 22. Of course if the coach believes that things need to change at halftime he can always call for the special play to start the second half. It is amazing how many tries can be scored if a good plan is in place and every player carries out their duty.

This ruck type pattern is to try and get your team all involved physically and speed the tempo up. Of course you can have a completely different plan that might entail moving the ball to the extremities as quickly as possible and then moving it back across the field again looking for mismatches and trying to spread the defensive line. If the lineout is your strength the team may well have several drives and rolls organized before the backs hit up and create some targets. The coach will know what best suits his team. The main aspect is to have a plan which will get you back in to the game, practice it hard and develop the necessary technical detail, and ensure all players know their roles and why they are doing it.

This can be a lot of fun. You can practice it during games that you are already winning to try it out!