OBJECTIVE:
To retain possession while engaging opposition. To set an effective target for supporting players or utilize options created by support players.
KEY FACTORS:
- Look to penetrate either side of opposition first.
- Focus on contact area.
- Chin off chest; eyes open.
- Low body position.
- Ball in two hands, away from contact.
- Small steps on approach.
- Wide “power step” into contact.
- Plant front foot close to defender's feet.
- Body before ball.
- Contact side-on with hard parts of body; jack up on contact.
- Maintain low stable base, chin up, eyes open.
- Hold ball in close at hip height.
- Brace for impact (from defence and support).
- Transfer ball after initial contact and forward movement.
COMMON ERRORS:
- Head down; eyes closed.
- Leading with ball.
- Too upright.
- Narrow base of support.
- Front foot planted too far from defender's feet – easily taken to ground.
- Shoulders below hips.
- Holding ball in one hand.
- Ball-carrier failing to turn and give support a target to drive on.
- Holding ball too high means support cannot effectively drive on.
