attack & evasion
TRANSCRIPT
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A1
KEY COACHING POINTS
Common Errors: 1. No pace: Running half pace. Solution: Work
full speed. 2. Ball not in two hands: Ball under the arm.
Solution: Keep ball in front of body. 3. Strides too long / no balance: Wide paces.
Solution: Shorten strides. 4. Not shifting the ball to the outside hand:
Not shifting the ball. Solution: Shift ball in contact i.e. body before ball.
5. Side step too late: Getting too close to defender. Solution: Timing (2-3m away).
6. Side step too early: Step is early and allows defender to shift. Solution: Timing.
When taking the ball up:
Use your feet to beat the defender
Love him and leave him (eye contact to fix the defender)
Ball in two hands
Look for support runners before contact
Look for the offload when tackled i.e. on the ground
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A2
KEY COACHING POINTS
7. Over complicating things: Too many steps. Solution: Keep it simple.
8. Not accelerating after step: Not working hard after step. Solution: Accelerate aggressively.
9. Not creating two options: Running across the field. Solution: Take defender one way and step.
10. No hand off: Not fending. Solution: Use arm aggressively.
11. Not making eye contact: Not watching the defender. Solution: Watch his actions.
12. Not attacking the space: Running at players. Solution: Use feet to hit space.
13. Slowing down to step: Loosing pace. Solution: Maintain balance / pace
14. Ball in wrong hand: Ball on the side of the defender. Solution: Ball under outside arm.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A3
SUPPORTING/CONTINUITY DRILLS
1. Normal Passing
2. Diamond Support
3. Scissor
4. Rip and pop
5. Flipping: Player goes to ground and flips
6. Snake: Player goes to ground, places and
next player pick and drive
7. Sealer: Player goes to ground, places. Next
player seals and the next player pick and
drive etc.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A4
DIAMOND SUPPORT
Ball carrier passes to his right support runner.
The player behind the initial carrier then
supports on this players right. The left
supporter stays supporting on the left. The
passer shifts behind the new ball carrier.
https://youtu.be/5SaXE2TuBiY
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A5
DEFENDER AND SHIELD ATTACK
A Defender starts behind the line with the
Attackers. Another Defender holding a shield also
defends against the attacking players.
Coaching Points:
Attack the space
Support the ball carrier
Communicate
Variation:
The starting positions of the Attackers / Defenders
can be changed.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A6
SHIELD ATTACK
4 Attackers start in the small grid. The coach
shouts a colour which indicates which ball needs to
be picked up and used to attack with. The
Attackers all have to go around a separate cone.
The Defenders who are holding a shield then
defend. The space between the defenders can be
further apart to make it easier for the attacking
players.
Coaching Points: Communication is important. The
Attackers must remember to score the try!
https://youtu.be/x6gvlOFyeXo
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A7
4 ON 2 TIME PRESSURE GRID
4 Attackers attack against 2 defenders. The
defenders must stay in demarcated areas.
Attackers must avoid being touched while trying to
score the try. If they touched or drop the ball they
need to start again in the middle. When they do
score they attack the opposite side. The Attackers
need to be put under time pressure, suggestion is
for 2min.
https://youtu.be/szGqkvUfGmg
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A8
ATTACK EVASION
An Attacker and Defender start in the middle of the
grid. They both run around their respective cones.
The attacker tries to evade the Defender to score.
Variation: One can progress to full contact.
Coaching Points: Don’t step too soon or too late. Try
and teach the Attackers to hold the ball in two
hands before evading.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A9
2 V 1 ATTACKING DRILL
Two Attackers attack down the channel. A
Defender defends. At the end the Supporter pops
to the next pair of Attackers. The Defender will
finish on the opposite side after defending.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A10
ATTACKING PYRAMID
Two Attackers attack a Defender who then becomes
part of the next attack i.e. 2 on 1, then 3 on 2 etc.
Coaching Points:
The spacing between the defenders is important; it
needs to be at least 15m.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A11
CONTINUOUS ATTACK
Attackers continue attacking the tryline.
After the touch, knock on or dropped ball, the
Defenders move back to the tryline and the
Attackers restart from the 5m.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A12
3 V 2 CONTINUOUS ATTACK
3 Attackers run through a grid. One of them picks
up a ball. 2 Defenders pick up a Hit Shield and
defend. After defending the Defenders place the Hit
Shields on the ground on the opposite end. This is
the signal for the next group to continue.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A13
EVASION SQUARE
A group of players try avoid being tagged by the
ball. If they are tagged or run out of the demarcated
area they are out.
Coaching Points: Put the players under time
pressure for competition on how quickly they can
get all the other players out.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A14
BEATING THE CROSS COVER DEFENCE
The wing in possession runs for the corner where
one defender (fullback) tries to stop him. The
defender varies his pace i.e. giving the winger
different options, inside or outside. Another
defender can be introduced which will make it even
more challenging for the wing.
Coaching Points: All evasive skills can be practiced.
The ball should be carried in the outside arm.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A15
SWERVE DRILL
A Player runs around the outside cone, receives a
pass and then adjusts around the middle cone and
ends at the next cone.
Coaching Points: A swerve is off the outside foot and
can be done at full pace.
https://youtu.be/GNTDcf1jhoE
https://youtu.be/8nG_oUAGTAQ
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A16
CHANGE OF PACE DRILL
The Attacking player jogs through the channel until
he reaches the first cone. He then sprints and
evades the defender. Slows down at the next cone
and repeats. The Defenders start moving once the
player reaches the second cone. They finish on the
opposite side.
Coaching Points: A swerve is off the outside foot
and can be done at full pace.
https://youtu.be/ZL3jm_6v4DI
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A17
CHANGING GEARS
Players run through a channel. For the first 10m they jog. They then run at ¾ pace before sprinting the last 10m.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A18
TRIANGLE AGILITY
Player sprints forward to a cone. He then runs backward around the second cone before sprinting forward again.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A19
SPRINTS
Stand up on your toes, falling forward and sprint.
Coaching Points: Falling forward forces the player to prevent the negative step.
Variation: Jump into the air and sprint
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A20
SHIELD DRIVE AGILITY
A Defender meets an Attacker (holding a Hit
Shield) halfway. Drives him back and then
runs backwards i.e. facing forwards, around
the cone to repeat.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A21
RUNNING BACKWARDS AND TURN
Running backwards and turn around.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A22
RESISTANCE SPRINTS
Players pair up. A Player holds his partner back
with a towel and after a few strides releases.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A23
ZIGZAG RUNNING
Players zigzag through the channel touching the
cones.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A24
TWO LEGGED TACKLE BAG HOPS
Two legged hops over Tackle Bags.
Coaching Points: Emphasis on jumping off both feet
Variation: Side jumps
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A25
FORWARD AND BACKWARD HOPS
Two legged hops forward and backwards over
Tackle Bags and Shields.
Coaching Points: Emphasis on jumping off both
feet
Variation: Side jumps
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A26
SIDE HOPS
Two legged hops: Forward and then to the side
Variation: Stepping forward and to the side
Coaching Points: If you don’t have Agility Hurdles
you can replace them with Shields or Cones.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A27
SIDE STEP DRILL 1
Players opposite each other run towards one
another. When they reach the middle of the
channel they both side step in the same direction.
They then turn around and repeat.
Coaching Points: Cut hard off the inside foot and
straighten.
https://youtu.be/RyjOWcp8UDQ
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A28
SIDE STEP DRILL 2
Scatter cones in a channel. A player runs
through the channel stepping the cones. The
next player follows and copies him.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A29
SIDE STEP 3
A Player approaches a defender holding a slalom
pole. The Defender leans the pole to a side and
the Attacker must step the opposite direction.
Coaching Points: If you don’t have slalom poles
the Defender can stick out his arm.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A30
FEND SQUARE
Keep arm straight to fend off defender and offload
to support player.
Coaching Points:
Wide low strong stance.
Use footwork to control movements of the
Defender.
Variation: The “Bull” technique can also be
practiced. Fending against the defenders left
shoulder you grab his jersey, bend your arm (bring
him towards you), swivel and pop to supporting
player off your left hip.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A31
FEND 1
Attacking player with the ball jogs towards the
Defender and fends off of him. Ball is carried in
both hands before shifting it away from contact.
Variation: If there aren’t enough balls players can
do the exercise without. Step 1: Stationery
Defender. Step 2: Moving Defender.
Coaching Points: Arm bent slightly and then
straightens when fending i.e. push off. Contact area
on shoulder, head or chest. Make contact and push
away with a step.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A32
FEND 2
Attacking player with the ball jogs towards the
Defender and fends off of him. Ball is carried in
both hands before shifting it away from contact.
Variation: If there aren’t enough balls players can
do the exercise without. Step 1: Stationery
Defender. Step 2: Moving Defender.
Coaching Points: Arm bent slightly and then
straightens when fending i.e. push off. Contact area
on shoulder, head or chest. Make contact and push
away with a step.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A33
HIT AND SPIN
Attacking player with the ball runs towards the
Defender holding Hit Shield, hits and spins. Ball is
carried in both hands before shifting it away from
contact.
Variation: You can progress to a hit and spin with
an offload to a supporter.
Coaching Points: Hit the inside part of the shield
and spin the opposite way i.e. hit with your right
shoulder on the left of the shield (ball in left hand)
and spin to your left. Use your forearm to block /
control the defender.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A34
BERMUDA TRIANGLE
A Player approaches the triangle and either runs
an overs line (out / away) or an unders line (in /
towards) before receiving the ball.
Variation: A Defender can be added.
https://youtu.be/RoRV2E4-y_c
https://youtu.be/ctukfkDZqOk
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A35
100
Skip pass
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A36
SKUD
Play behind the outside runner who runs an
overs lines.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A37
LARRY
Play outside runner on the unders line.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A38
CRAB
The outside runner is played after the carrier
and supporter drift.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A39
BLADE
Inside pass
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A40
RAZOR
0
Inside skip pass
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A41
SNIPER
Dummy Zorro and pop back inside to trailing
runner.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A42
BEEFY
Ball carrier draws his man with an unders line
and pops to the trailing runner. The outside
player must square up his defender.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A43
100 AXE
Skipped player loops
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A44
BOZO
After passing the player loops around the
outside player. He receives the ball again from
a pass behind the outside player.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A45
TRAIL RUNNING
Ball carrier takes the Defender away. If he goes the
same way as his front runner (closest supporting
player) follows him. Ball carrier plays back inside to
the trail runner. Trailing runner always follows the
ball carrier. Ball carrier creates the space for the
trail runner to follow through. Trail runner creates
second support line.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A46
PERIPHERAL DRILL
The player in the middle of the grid faces towards
the outside player. He needs to keep in line with
him and the player to his left. The outside players
can move either direction. He needs to use his
peripheral vision to keep in line with the player on
his left.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A47
EVASION DRILL
Two players start in the middle, back to back. On
the whistle they run around their opposite cone
and attack or defend. As an evasion drill the
defender needs to try and tag the attacker with
two hands.
Progression:
The same set up can be used to evaluate front on,
side on left and side on right tackles. In this case
the attacker is told what side to attack e.g. front on
or the left etc.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A48
1 vs. 1 EVASION GRID
The attacker attacks towards his try line. When
he is tagged he then gets back to defend etc.
Coaching Point:
Continuous drill
https://youtu.be/4pXxfRZUTAs
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A49
ATTACK VS. DEFENCE CHANNEL
The coach can vary the defence that the attack comes
up against e.g. 1 – 2 or 2 – 1 etc.
Coaching Point:
Isolate the defender and encourage attackers to take
them on. Get in behind the ball i.e. trail runner.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A50
LINE ATTACK
Ball carrier takes the defender off the line (either
way) and passes to his support runner.
Coaching Points:
Support runner is going in a straight line (doesn’t
matter what way the ball carrier goes).
You don’t want to drift sideways when you going
through a gap.
ATTACK & EVASION
Head of Rugby: Allan Miles A51
SUPPORTING THE BALL CARRIER
Play the second attacker through gap. He draws the
defender to keep the ball alive.
Progression: Everyone is supporting the ball carrier
this is why the attack gets lateral/overrun it. Give
each player a number e.g. 1, 2, etc. 1 supports the
ball carrier and then 2 supports 1 etc.
Coaching Points: Be as explosive with the ball
without it. Every player must be a threat. Run,
catch and pass to fix defender. Ball carrier must do
the work.