Using Game Sense to Coach Your Team – Attack in the Midfield

This session is based on the concept of 'using game sense to coach your team' as outlined in the article with that heading.

Step 1: Play a Game.  There are two teams of 7/8 players (attack & defence). If there is an odd number that player should be in the attack team. The area could be between the 22 and try line between the 15m lines. The attack is asked to score or penetrate through the centres without the ball carrier (penetrator/scorer) making contact with the defence.

If he is tackled then there should be immediate continuity to score.

The play will start from a scrum/ruck with only 6 players standing in the attack line and the others in the scrum/ruck area with the halfback.

Each team should have time to design two variations they wish to try out and then give them a go. The coach could start with the defenders only being allowed to tackle the player who comes in to their channel; or could ask the defence to spread wide between the players which indicates some space in which to attack.

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 ask some of the following questions:

What things must the playmaker do to start opening up a hole for the penetrator? (Change his pace / change his angle before receiving; after receiving / looking at his defender / carrying the ball in two hands / take the ball shallow enough to be a threat to the defender immediately in front of him)

What did the other attackers do to ensure a hole was being created? (Drifting out and calling for the ball / running in at the defender who is drifting / changing their angle off the ball and making sure their opponent was aware of what they were doing / looking as though they were going to receive a pass – timing of the run)

How could the penetrator make sure he had a hole to run through? (stay out of the play for as long as possible / come from outside-in so that the inside defender is not watching him / time the run so that he can catch the ball in balance and immediately accelerate or change direction (step) and accelerate)

Basically the attack are trying to cause confusion and destabilisation in the defensive line by posing a lot of problems all at the one time.  This requires many of the attackers playing their role.

Following the penetration the coach can start discussing ideas of keeping the play continuing in various scenarios (tackle / ruck  ...)

After a few more scenarios ask the players to choose a certain pattern with a couple of options and practice it in a game scenario.  Here the decision making will become important so the tactical decision maker will need to look at the cues as the defence lines up and be prepared to use the alternative play/s as well as the play evolves. All the players should expect a pass.

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

Ask the players what you think they are. Who needs to practice which skills?

Ideas will include: the balance of the attack line and understanding where the tackle line exists depending on the speed of the defensive line. The ball carrier and penetrator both need space and time to accurately carry out their roles at the crucial juncture.

The attack needs to consider a variety of depths and widths but ultimately end up with the same result.

How players attract opposition defenders when they haven't got the ball such as running in and out of their vision; calling for the ball; reaching up with their hands; changing pace.

How the playmaker makes the space – moving out before receiving the pass; moving in on the pass or running square on; changing pace for a step or two; catching the opponents eye with a sudden step or ball movement; changing angle with the ball.

These sorts of practices can be set up in groups of 3 v 3 where a variety of these skills can be practiced.

Although this is not encouraged you might have a few ideas up your sleeve if you need to help things along the way.

Here is a simple example:  fine tune with improvements!

A- Normal backline formation. 10 & 12 run laterally at 45 degrees. 13 cuts back inside 10 who dummies to him.  10 goes to pass to 12 but instead pops to 15 who has come in late between 10 & 12. The blindside winger supports in behind 15 with the openside winger linking on the outside of 15. 12 will wrap around to the outside.

B- This is the same set up as A. This time 10 passes it across 15 who has come in earlier and hits 12 running in balance. 12 has the blindside winger and the openside winger on his outside. 15 will wrap hard to the outside.

Of course they need to be able to answer the main question: What does each player have to do to make sure there is space where you intend to penetrate.

Similar concepts can be used at phase play where 13 and 15 might rather be 6 & 8 with another forward acting as the blindside winger.

Sort out some patterns that can be used in both set play and phase play. That will keep the team busy and excited.