Archive for the ‘Technical’ Category

Skills Development Games (Part 2)

Friday, November 11th, 2011

Union Handball

Aim:

Develop Grip, Carry, Passing & Catching, along decision making skills and spacial awareness.

Set Up & Rules:

Game is played 4 v 4 with each team allowed a goalkeeper.
Teams score by passing the ball into the goal.
No players other than the goalkeeper allowed in the ‘goal area’.
Players may run with the ball and pass in any direction.
Defenders look to force an error or intercept a pass.
After a score the non-scoring team start with a pass from the goalkeeper.
All errors (knock-on’s, etc) result in a turnover.

Coaching:

Hold the ball in two hands with thumbs spread greater than a right angle in the centre of the ball with arched palms and elbows out.
Hold the ball out in front of and central with their body when running with the ball.
Communication between players – finding space.

Skill Development Games (Part 1)

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Waves (6 v 3+3)

Aim:

To develop grip, carry, pass (north/south) and catch skills with support play and decision making

Set Up & Rules:

Players are divided into 1 team of 6 ‘attackers’ and 2 ‘teams’ of 3 defenders.
The defenders are positioned at each end of the channel, with the attackers in the central area (defenders are not allowed in central area). 3 balls are placed on the ground on each side of the central area. The coach passes a ball to the attackers from the side line to start the game: the 6 attackers attempt to score over one end of the channel. Defenders may move to challenge once the attackers have left the central area. When a try is scored, or the attack breaks down/is stopped or the ball carrier is touched 2-handed (a ‘tackle’), the attackers turn, collect another ball from the central area and attack the opposite end of the channel. The ‘game’ continues in this manner until all six balls have been used; attackers and defenders then rotate and the game continues. The coach may stop any attack for incorrect grip carry, (one or two handed), pass or a catch that hits a receiver’s shirt; all result in a turnover of possession.

Coaching:

Communicate with team mates; support ball carrier with good shape lead into space to receive pass(north/south); hands up to receive; catch ball away from body; good grip, centre body carries, pass in front of receiver; run at pace; head-up to scan/read movement of defenders; vary running lines to penetrate gaps/overlaps in defensive alignment; re-align quickly to attack in opposite direction.

Lineout Defence – Contest

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

The most used lineout defence is the contest, but what is the contest?

Quite simply it is attempting to catch the opposition throw, but is it as simple as this?

Front contest – this is used by the majority of sides this is when your front jumper at 2 attempts to anticipate the throw and take the ball. To do this they must look at the following.

Anticipate the throw – all hookers and jumpers have cues, most or subconscious get to know your opposition’s cues and this will help with anticipation.

Timing – like any lineout jump, the timing between jumper and lifters is crucial, without it the jump will not work.

Aggressive Jump – the jump must be aggressive ideally you should get in front of your opponent and get higher than they do, this will give more success.

In the majority lineout’s you will not take the opposition ball, but a god contest will put pressure on the opponents and disrupt their plans.

Middle/Back Contest most senior sides will use a middle contest, the key points are the same as the front contest and the purpose is the same.

The fashion now is to contest at front and middle to put pressure on the opposition throw, this can give dividends by making your opponents throw off the top; but it can also leave you exposed.

If the opponents take good ball you have little defence against the formation of a maul. In addition there will be a weak spot between your lifting units that can be exposed by opposition.

An alternative is to combine the front contest with a split (covered next time) or a sack.

What can be said without debate is that your lineout defence strategy should be thought out and practiced, not only should it be what is best for you, but more importantly which would be the best for countering the opposition strengths.

Donny

Tackle/Ruck Transition (Part 5)

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

The 3rd and final player to arrive at the ruck is called the “Firewall”. The role of the Firewall is twofold. Firstly, to ensure the ball is inside the hindmost foot of the ruck. The Firewall ensures this is the case by binding onto the Combat and ensuring they are binding over the ball. The Firewall Binds on the Combat from behind the Combat thus increasing the length of the ruck and ensuring the ball remains in the ruck until the scrum-half is ready to pass it away.

Secondly, the Firewall must stabilize the ruck when binding onto to the Combat. The Firewall can achieve this stability by binding onto the Combat in a strong body position that in essence resembles the body position of the Combat. As with the Combat, the Firewall must retain that strong body position throughout the duration of the ruck. If the Firewall gets into a weak body position and the defenders counter-ruck the Combat and Firewall can be driven off the ball. Or at best the looseness of the ruck can cause the ball to pop out from under the Firewall, which means the ball is out of the ruck and the ruck is technically over.

Once the Firewall binds onto the Combat, with the ball under the Firewall’s feet and they both retain a strong body positions, the ruck is now formed. This ensures the ruck is structured in the optimum way using just three players (Cleanout, Combat & Firewall) along with the tackled play who is quiet often still on the ground. This formation, if executed quickly and with good technique, should ensure quick ruck possession.

As a further insurance against the counter-ruck the Cleanout can contribute in a secondary role. Once the Cleanout removes the Threat their job is effectively completed as the Cleanout. The Cleanout is often on the gound after executing the Cleanout. In this situation the Cleanout can get to their feet quickly and re-enter the ruck through the Gate and become a second Firewall.

They do so by binding onto the side of first Firewall. This stabalizes the Ruck even further and pretty much ensures the ruck will be resistant to any form of counter-rucking. On this basis it should be possible to win any ruck using just 3 players along with the ball carrier (a total of 4 players) in most situations. This will free up the other 11 players to launch the next attack.

But if any of the players at the ruck, including the tackled player, fail to execute their role efficiently, it will more than likely require another player or players to get to the ruck to ensure the possession is retained. Any extra player involved in the ruck results in less attackers available to launch the next attack.

The other possible occasion when more than 3 players may be required to win a ruck is when a player is caught in possession well behind the gain-line, e.g. going back to collect a kick in the backfield or getting tackled during a counter-attack from deep. In this situation it is more likely a case of retaining possession regardless of the number of players needed. Most teams usually kick possession from this situation.

If a team can consistently present the ball well in the tackle and get 3 players to the ruck quickly and all there players execute the roles of Cleanout, Combat and Firerwall efficiently, quick ruck ball is a very reasonable expectation.

Eddie

Tackle/Ruck Transition (Part 4)

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

The Combat

Once the Cleanout removes the “Threat” to the ball it does not automatically mean the ball is safe from the opposition. In fact it is still very vulnerable as it has been placed on the ground by the tackled player and available to any player from either team that can access it by coming through the “Gate”.

The second support player after the Cleanout is called the “Combat” and they play a vital role in securing possession without ever actually playing the ball. Some players arriving in that role automatically pick up the ball and try to advance it just because it is available to them. This tactic is only advisable if there are no opposition players around to stop them advancing the ball. A good indicator for the Combat, as to whether they should play the ball or not, is if they pick up the ball they should be in a position to advance the ball themselves at least 2-3 meters before being tackled or be able to pass the ball to a team-mate who can advance the ball 2-3 meters.

If this isn’t possible and the Combat plays the ball they are often tackled immediately without advancing the ball. The result is another tackle situation that has to to dealt with pretty much in the same spot where the original tackle occurred. This is a waste of energy for everybody involved as there is no net gain, it requires extra players to win the ball and it slows up the eventual delivery of the ball from the ruck.

So more often that not the Combat does NOT play the ball. They step into the space just in front of the ball, so the ball (that was placed by the tackled player) is on the ground, just at the heel of their hindmost foot. This space is called the “Combat Zone” and once the Combat wins the Combat Zone the ball is no longer available to the defenders. I use the term “Win” in relation to the Combat Zone as the opposition are also trying to win that space just in front of the ball… hence the term “Combat Zone”.

To win and retain the Combat Zone the Combat has to assume a very strong body position and expect to be challenged and counter-rucked by the opposition. The best body position is: Feet set wider than shoulder width apart, one foot in front of the other, head up, back straight and hips close to the ground. Hands up and ready to fend off challenges from the opposition in the Combat Zone. It is very similar to the classic rucking body position used to clean out in the Knee Lift Technique.

The battle for the combat zone usually lasts for no more than 2-3 seconds. But even after it is won the Combat must remain alert and continue to retain a strong body position to avoid being counter-rucked out of the Combat Zone. Opposition will often stop challenging for the Combat Zone once the attacking team win that space, but will re-challenge if they sense the Combat has become weak.

Even after the Combat Zone is won the ball is still not secure as it is technically not in the ruck, but behind the hindmost foot of the Combat. At this point the third support player, called the “Firewall”, must complete the ruck and finally secure the quick ruck ball the attacking team requires.

Eddie

Back Row Defensive Principles in Phase Play

Sunday, October 16th, 2011

In the defensive line I want to have the back rowers on the outside of the forwards. A typical line would be:

In training, practice getting the front five in and around the breakdown. The defenders either side of the breakdown should be the tight 5. A way to practice this is to get the team in a defensive line with the coach facing them. The coach kicks the ball to one of the defenders, this constitutes a tackle the next nearest defender goes into the breakdown. Practice re aligning in defence so the slower guys are closer to the breakdown and the faster ones on the outside.

Spacing’s

With line speed, spacing’s between defenders are key to defensive organisation. As a defender you need to know who you have defending around you. If they are the relatively slow stand a little closer to close the gap to stop the slower player being burnt on the outside also make sure you don’t drift to early leaving a hole. If the inside defender is comfortable with a bigger gap stand wider as a couple of feet extra between defenders near the breakdown makes a big difference out wide. The key principle is to give the inside defender a big a gap as they can manage.

When leaving a set piece have a quicker player usually the 6 organising the players inside so that when the play comes back the 6 is on the outside of the forwards. When I played 6 I would work with the hooker to make sure we were on the outside with all the other players working hard to get on the inside. The 7 and 8 would marshal the forwards from the other end of the forwards defensive line.

Martin

Training Game – Defence

Saturday, October 15th, 2011

Defence Game

There are many ways to practice defence in rugby; but as a junior coach you have limited time and usually a large number of players and small number of coaches.

I will describe a controlled game lay out which you can then condition to practice different defence styles. This drill will allow your attack to work out which defence system they are playing against and practice strategies to beat that system. It will also allow your side to live practice different defence systems and work out which one best suits which situation.

Equipment Required

Different coloured marker cones, bibs, balls & whistle. Gum shields for players.

Set Up

Place 5m x 5m squares using coloured marker cones around the pitch, I usually put 9 squares out, 3 around 10 metres out across the pitch, another 3 25 metres out from the line and another 3 around the half way line.

Split your players into 2 teams making as even as possible, give one side a set of bibs.

The game starts with the ball being thrown to a coloured square with you indicating which team is attacking. A contact point is simulated with a tackled player matched by a tackler then your defence postings as you would have in a match. You then indicate the game can start, play carries on until a mistake is made. You restart the game by throwing the ball to another coloured square.

Key Factors

Defence structure

Defence System

Offence Structure

Offence System

Communication

You can condition the game, so the defence or the offence has one more player then the opposition to simulate being a man down.

You can control the defence to operate drift, blitz, umbrella or man out

The game can be reversed so the team in possession is working away from their own line, so the defensive side can practice how to pin in a side to limit any kick clearance.

As you can see this game has a basic set up, but many different variations. It involves large numbers of players and like most of my drills is game orientated; this helps in coaching especially with junior players.

 Donny

Scrum Half Skills & Technique

Friday, October 14th, 2011

The aim of this article is to outline the basics of the technique for the scrum-half pass from the floor. My recommendations are suggested to demonstrate the fundamentals to facilitate a quicker pass with distance and accuracy. These recommendations are based on the principle of “practice perfect technique’ and being self aware of what the key components are and how they work for the individual. This is key to the most efficient use of the ball.

The scrum-half pass can be coached using the following key factors:

  • Consistent address and foot placement
  • Low body position (to keep the pass from rising too high)
  • Strong wide (very individual) base to maximize weight transfer (helps facilitate sweep to generate distance in the pass)
  • Control of shoulders and follow-through with the hands to ensure accuracy (chase the hands).

In terms of bio-mechanics, this pass is like a sling-shot; it has a slow, deliberate start, followed by a long ‘pull’ resulting in the final explosive release of the ball. The challenge for a scrum half is to develop the skill so it is a quicker, more efficient pass while not compromising on accuracy and distance. In short being able to undertake the close skill as quickly as possible without compromising the various components.

When asked what the objective of the pass is, most scrum-halves will reply ‘to get the ball to the fly-half as quickly as possible’. The problem with this is that the perspective is “passing to the fly-half rather than for the fly-half”. Scrum-halves therefore, must first acknowledge their role and responsibility within the team as distributors rather than perceive their pass as an end in itself.

A question often asked is how is a quick pass defined?

I would define a quick pass in relation to the length of time it takes to address the ball to the time it is in the receiver’s hands, rather than the speed a lone of the ball in the air. Lets refer to this as “air time”. Defenders become interested in the scrum half as they approach the ball so speed of thought and action is fundamental from that point on to the delivery for the receiver.

So the outcomes we are attempting to achieve when passing are:-

  • Address:- speed of feet and consistency of placement.
  • Speed :- reduce “air time” through the hands
  • Accuracy:- correct depth & appropriate height
  • Distance:- understand and achieve distance required to launch attacks
  • Empathy:- passing for rather than to the receiver; ideally passes should fly to make it easier for the receiver to facilitate the next action easily and quickly.
  • Support:- after passing the next function is to provide support in orer to maintain quick continuity of play.

In order to achieve the above outcomes it’s necessary to understand and be able to breakdown the specific key factors of the pass to then work on producing a quicker, more flexible pass.

A) Address

An appropriate angle of approach and optimum weight transfer during and following the release of the pass will provide the momentum for a lengthy pass while allowing the use required base to reduce ‘air time’. 

Therefore, understanding how to address the ball will allow the scrum-half to see the receiver while also aligning the passer, ball and receiver.

Understanding the approach and foot sequence (Feet position) dependant on where the scrum half is arriving from, will result in a quicker pass, while the momentum of correct weight transfer through and after the pass will provide the propulsion for greater distances.

B) Feet position

1. Placement:

The rear foot should be placed close to the ball (has to be comfortable; no two scrum-halves are exactly the same) prior to passing. This will facilitate weight-transfer from rear to front foot during the pass.

The two common errors are:

  • Straddling the ball, which provides stability but also prevents weight-transfer thus resulting in reliance on upper-body strength and a shorter pass (blocking the ball which is related to alignment points)
  • Rear foot too far away from the ball (body not over the ball), resulting in ‘over- reaching’ and falling over & forward after passing, due to the unstable distribution of weight during the passing movement (bending at the back as opposed to sinking at the hips)

2. Alignment:

During the pass the feet should be in line (rear & front feet) with the target. A common error is to place the lead/front foot too far ahead of the target, resulting in the pass being raised and sometimes placed behind the receiver. This is due to the front knee blocking the route of the ball requiring the scrum-half to lift and sweep the ball over and across the lead knee.

3. Base (distance between feet) width:

A wide base provides more stability and the opportunity to swing the ball longer, resulting in great distances. A shorter base is obviously less stable but facilitates the ball moving through the hands quicker (‘air time’). Obviously a shorter base (for speed) will result in a shorter distance due to the lack of ‘propulsion’ a wide base provides, but by modifying the approach through experimentation and practice an optimum base width may be established appropriate to the individual, and substantial increase in the length of pass may be gained. The key for the scrum half is recognizing and being self aware, whether he needs distance to his pass or not.

C. Weight Transfer (Body-height, head & shoulders)

Once you have your solid base the pass requires a low body position, keeping the head down which keeps the pass from rising too high and facilitated greater distance & control.  The two fundamentals are keeping the outside shoulder tucked in to ensure the ball does not open early and ensuring maximum weight transfer by ensuring the chest is over the front knee and the back leg has extension passed 100 degrees. The hands must then look to push through the ball and use the acceleration of weight transfer to generate the majority of the power. The extended arms must “chase the ball” to maximize power and accuracy with the outside extended arm aiming to towards the receiver. The inside arm can come over the ball and the wrist can be used at the end of that movement to try and generate additional spin for flight.

The above components are all applicable to passing from the hands or lineout (as distinct from the ground). There is one key component to consider which is the early catch only adjustments:-

Key adjustment to consider when passing from the hands is the ball should be kept around the centre of gravity (hip height), rather than swept in a pendulum movement. The reason being that the ‘core strength’ of a player is concentrated around this area, resulting in more power and a shorter ‘air time’ through the hands.

With respect to the lineout it is ensuring the scrum half is looking to take he ball in the air early at shoulder height of the inside shoulder so as to use body weight to generate maximum momentum and minimize ‘air time’.

Mike

Tackle/Ruck Transition (Part 3)

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

The Cleanout is the 1st player to arrive at the tackle situation. Their primary role is to remove the threat that exists to the ball. That “Threat” arises from the opposition defenders arriving at the tackle. The Cleanout usually arrives to the tackle around the same time as the 1st defender arrives. The role of the defender is to poach (turnover) the ball or at least slow down the delivery of the ball. If the Cleanout is late in arriving at the tackle the 1st defender has usually gotten their hands on the ball which more often than not results in a turnover or a penalty against the tackled player for holding on in the tackle.

There are basically three different methods or techniques for removing the “Threat” (1st defender) from the tackle situation but those techniques are determined by the body position of the Threat.

1.The Knee Lift: This technique is used when the “Threat” is in a relatively upright position having stepped over the tackled play. The fact that they have stepped over the tackled player presents the ideal leverage for removing the Threat. From a low body position the Cleanout must get their body under the Threat with their head to the side of the Threat’s trunk (This puts the Cleanout’s head in a safe position). Then using their arm nearest to the Threat’s leg they should  lift up the leg of the Threat from under the Threats knee and drive the Threat out of the tackle area.

2.The Body Sack: This technique is used when the Threat is lying on top of the tackled player. Even though the Threat is required to roll away and cannot play the ball as they are off their feet, their delaying in doing so can often slow down the delivery of the ball. In this situation the Cleanout must drop into a very low body position and using their shoulder (arms still in the extended position) drive the Threat off the tackled player. In doing so the Cleanout may go to ground. But as long as they drive through the tackled area and do not go to ground in a position to protect or “seal off the ball” from the opposition, it is a positive action and should not be penalised by the referee.

3.The Saddle Roll: This along with the Body Sack is the most common cleanout technique used nowadays. In this situation the Threat is on their feet and reaching in over the tackled player onto the ball with 2 hands. This puts the Threat in the perfect position to poach the ball. The Saddle Roll technique requires the Cleanout to wrap both arms around the trunk of the Threat (as high up under their armpits as possible), squeeze tightly around the trunk of the Threat and roll or torc them sideways and out of the tackle area.

With all 3 cleanout techniques the Cleanout will more often than not go to ground. In doing so they must NOT find themselves in a position to protect or “seal off” the ball. That is illegal and should be penalized. But if they go to ground outside the tackle area they are having no impact on the ball and it’s availability to the defense. That is a positive action and perfectly legal under the law.

With the threat now removed from the ball the next priority is to secure the space just in front of the ball. That is where the 2nd support player to arrive, known as the “Combat”, gets to work.

Eddie

Tackle/Ruck Transition (Part 2)

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

The ball carrier’s first responsibility is to decide whether or not it is possible to advance the ball by just running forward or passing to a supporting player in a better position to advance the ball. If neither option is available the ball carrier may decide to kick the ball or attempt to run and evade the defender.

If the ball carrier decides to run and fails to evade a defender then this results in a tackle and the ball carrier must prepare for contact and the possibility of going to ground. These possible actions by the ball carrier are the basis for decision making. Good decision makers make good decisions which is another way of saying it makes them more skillful.

Once the ball carrier decides to make contact with the defender, the process of preparing for contact is crucial. It involves preparing mentally and physically for contact and consciously wrapping the ball up tight so it isn’t dislodges on contact. In preparing physically for contact it is usually worthwhile to attack a space on either side of the potential tackler. This achieves two goals: Firstly, it ensures the defender is less likely to dominate the collision and may later create the opportunity of an offload for the ball carrier.

Once in contact the ball carrier should retain a strong body position and leg drive in order to drive past the point of contact and dominate the collision. Staying low and keeping ones hips square and facing the opposition goal line throughout contact, is a good way of achieving that strong body position. If the ball carrier can dominate the collision achieve some “go forward’ before going to ground they set the platform for a quick ruck.

On going to ground the ball carrier becomes the tackled player so their priority changes to presenting the ball in the tackle. They have just one opportunity to achieve goal of presenting the ball as a second attempt to achieve this is against the law.

The tackled player should immediately turn or “torc” their body back on going to ground and reach as far back as possible towards their own goal line while placing the ball on the ground. The further back they reach in placing the ball the more difficult it will be for the defense get at the ball. This also makes the role of the Cleanout easier to execute as the 1st defender will have to get further through the tackle area to access the ball.

If the ball carrier loses the collision and is driven backwards in the tackle the priorities remain the same in terms of presenting the ball. Despite losing territory in contact they should still reach as far back towards their own goal mine when placing the ball.

Once the tackled player places the ball their role is completed as they are no longer allowed to play the ball and are effectively out of the game. The role of the Cleanout becomes the next priority for the support players.

I will discuss the role of the Cleanout in more detail in the next segment on Tackle/Ruck Transition.

Eddie

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