OBJECTIVE:

Look at options in counterattack situation.

EQUIPMENT:

One ball for every 6–8 players.

GROUP SIZE:

Any number.

AREA:

Try-line to 10-metre line.

DRILL SET-UP:

In groups of 6–8 players.

DRILL EXPLANATION:

1. One player starts on the 22m line (the receiver).
2. The remaining players start from behind the try-line.
3. The ball is kicked – an up-and-under, grubber or punt kick, to the receiver on the 22m line.
4. The remaining players sprint out to the 22m line and recover the ball from the receiver. They run and pass it or use a rolling maul to return it to the tryline.
5. The activity continues with players rotating as the receiver and the kicker.

COACHING POINTS:

• If the ball is passed, ensure that it is passed away from the high player density area to the low player density area that players back up.

VARIATIONS / PROGRESSION:

1. Instead of supporting, the other players attack the receiver whose object is to control possession and feed the ball back.
2. Divide the group into two, one that supports the receiver and one that attacks the receiver. The coach can let either group go first depending on the pressure that is desired. The attack aims to counterattack; the defence tries to stop them.