- Continuity
- Mauls
DEFINITION:
Ball held up above ground. Ball-carrier and one other from each team in physical contact around ball (minimum of three players).
OBJECTIVE:
To engage and group opposition. To move forward. To present ball to continue attack. NOTE: Refer Key Factors for the following functional roles:
- Ball-Carrier - Standing in the Tackle
- First Support Player(s) - Ball off Ground
KEY FACTORS:
- Second and Third Support Players
- Identify role; sight target area.
- Approach ball-carrier and first support player with depth, parallel to touchline.
- Assume low, effective driving position.
- Bind and drive either side of ball-carrier, forming a wedge forward of the ball.
- Maintain strong forward leg drive throughout using short steps.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PLAYERS:
- Identify role; sight target area.
- Approach maul from depth, parallel to touchline.
- Assume low, effective driving position.
- If possible, bind with teammate and drive into ‘mini maul'.
- Ensure balanced numbers approaching either side of maul.
- Bind and drive onto maul at the hind-most foot.
- Maintain strong forward leg drive throughout using short steps.
- Transfer ball to back of maul, communicating its position throughout.
- Deliver to halfback or initiate further play.
COMMON ERRORS:
- Breakdown through ineffective work of ball-carrier and or first support player.
- Players arriving too late.
- Arriving players searching for the ball first rather than binding and driving.
- Second and third support players not remaining bound at front of maul.
- Failing to continue with leg drive after initial contact.
- Poor communication in maul resulting in teammates working against each other rather than together.
- Players falling over in maul due to poor body position and balance.
- Failure to maintain straight-line drive due to greater numbers of support players joining one side of the maul.
- Not presenting ball when maul becomes stationary or told to “use it” by referee.