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Keeping the Ball Alive Out Wide

At practically every level of the game once the ball gets out wide in to the 15 metre channel the player 'has a go', gets tackled, and a ruck takes place. Good things can happen if the ball is won quickly and attack players are in position, but surely it would be better to formulate a policy where a ruck is not the first option but only an option that takes place once it is forced upon the attackers.

The object of the exercise must be to get in behind the defenders, keep the ball alive and really go for it with good support play and keep heading forward away from the defence.

The amount of space required for individuals will depend on the skill ability of the team you are coaching.

Step 1: Play a Game.  You could start with a relatively structured set up similar to what you would find in a back attack or phase attack where the ball has been passed wide.

In a 15m x 15m grid start with a 3 v 2 with the first attacker receiving the ball on the 15m line. The object of the exercise is to score without any of the attacking players being tackled.

As the game develops the scenario could be a 4 v 3 with the third defender coming across on the cover from just behind the initial attacker.

Depending on how successful the attack is and the quality of the players more numbers could be introduced on each side.

Once the numbers start getting up then the attack must pass in the tackle to maintain the continuity. Prior to that they are trying to make space and pass before the tackle.

Step 2: Tactical Feedback. Discuss with the players (and those observing) what they have seen and what they might do differently to make the play more successful.

The coach might prompt with some of the following questions:

What can the inside players do to ensure the outside player has sufficient space to beat the defender in a 1 v 1? (Receiving the ball running forward rather than across is a key component. Where does he start his run etc.?)

What can the outside attacker do if he is confronted by a defender and has run out of space?

How can the support players help this scenario?

What is important after the pass has been made?

What sort of things can the ball carrier do to ensure he has threatened the defence before passing?

Could more quick passing take place?

Step 3: Skills Feedback:  There are individual and mini unit skills that need to be practiced to make this concept successful.

Ask the players what they believe these skills are. Who needs to practice which skills?

The coach and players should be talking about angles of run with the ball and before receiving the ball;

 changes of pace on to the ball and on receiving the ball;

support roles – positioning/pace on to the ball; passing under pressure;

maintaining depth; passing before the contact where possible;

scanning for a space to accelerate in to;

stepping and accelerating; swerving;

what is the best way to keep moving forward?

Remember: it is the coaches job to pose the problem and guide the discussion if necessary. He must have an idea of what he is looking for so that the activity can keep improving. Then he needs to be able to offer some technical advice to ensure that the players improve. This is what coaching is about.

What the coach wants in this activity is to ensure that when the ball goes wide his player is not pushed over the sideline or a slow ruck takes place. He wants his team to get in behind the defence and go forward as quickly as possible to score.

The players will enjoy a game like this.