OBJECTIVE:

To practise ball pick-up and chasing/tackling from behind/ in-front.

EQUIPMENT:

Two cones, one or more balls.

GROUP SIZE:

The more balls available the greater the number of players who can be involved.

AREA:

22m x 22m.

DRILL SET-UP:

Two lines of players form, each line facing a cone which is positioned 10–15 metres from the lines and 10m apart. A ball is placed between the two cones.

DRILL EXPLANATION:

1. On "go", the front players from each group sprint around their cone and compete for the ball.
2. The first runner to the ball picks it up and attempts to score back at the start line.
3. The second player must try to prevent the player with the ball reaching the line by tackling them from behind.

COACHING POINTS:

• Clean pick up of the ball .
• Low tackles aimed at the player’s shorts, head to the side.

VARIATIONS / PROGRESSION:

1. The coach uses additional balls as soon as the initial ball has been picked up. This adds pace to the drill.
2. More than one player from each line sprints out.
3. Defender runs in opposite direction behind team to make a front-on tackle.