Backline Communication

The key to good backline defence is communication. A player needs to cover all of an opponent’s attacking options. A common mistake is when players get caught “ball watching” when the ball is still back at a breakdown. This can lead to overlaps, and mismatches. It is important for players to observe any formation changes in the opposition backline and communicate this to thier own players.

Key points to get across to your players when coaching defence

• Tackling technique is important, particularly at youth level coaching proper tackling technique is key
• Use your speed to close down an attackers space
• Use control and balance when approaching the attacking line
• Support your outside player`s inside shoulder.
• Put pressure on the player you are marking
• Don’t be afraid to adapt or change defensive patterns, to stop the opposition reading your plan
• If you commit to a tackle, make sure you commit the attacker to a decision

Where’s your head at?

Defence is a mental game.  You often see at junior levels young rugby players showing fear of tackling larger players. Coaching this fear out of younger players is an important aspect of teaching defence at younger levels of the game. If your players won’t tackle, they aren’t going to win games. Fear can be coached out of younger players with experience. They soon see that bigger players fall harder, and if you work on their fitness, and technique there is no reason why an aggressive small team can’t steam roll a much larger side.

Formations

It is often a good idea to explain your defensive plan in terms of formations. The following are a few basic formations used in our modern game, some of which originated from Rugby League.

Slide Defence or “Up and Out”

Slide defence is all about marking up and standing inside your opponent giving them space outside you. This encourages opponents to slide towards the sideline. This is a good tactic if you have very fast backs, as your players need to have the wheels on their opposition.  It works as your are encouraging opponents to use the outside space, but at the same time you are using your speed, and the side line to limit their options.

Up and In

For an “Up and In” defence you stand and mark up on the outside of your opponent, limiting their outside options, and driving them back towards your forwards. This is a good plan when you suspect your backs are slower than the opposition, and where you have a much bigger forward pack. This formation encourages more action in tight where your forwards operate.

Up and Decide

The “Up and Decide” formation is a combination of both the above. Where the first 4 players from the ruck mark up on the outside, forcing close play to stay tight. This closes down space for those players hitting the ball up. However, if the ball is spread wide, outside backs mark up on the inside of their opponents, and use slide defence, speed and the sideline to limit their opponent’s space.

Drills

Some great drills for coaching defence from our Rugby Coaching Videos section:

1v1 Tracking Square

Continuous Defense

4v3 Moving Defenders

Image credit: Suewells10

Category: Passing
Objective: To improve ball handling skills.
Gear: 1ball, 10 metre grid (can use cones or anything to mark area)
Players: 2 teams of 4 to 6

1. Each player in a team is given a number.
2. The ball must be passed between team members, but the rule is that it must be passed in order. i.e Player 1 must pass to 2, 2 must pass to 3 etc.
3. The game is like Piggy in the middle but as a group.
4. The defending team must try and break play down. If the player with the ball is held, or if a pass is dropped the ball is turned over.

Category: Ruck
Objective: Players consider options at Ruck Time
Gear: Hit shields (at least 2), balls
Players: Groups of 4 to attack, 2 hold hit shields

1. Two players hold hit shield close together facing attacking players.
2. 1st player of attackers comes up, hits the shield, and goes to ground
3. The next three players follow closely and make a decision as the first hits the ground…to either:
   • 2 players blow over the ball, 3rd picks up or
   • each player can attempt a pick and go.
4. The defending players can steal the ball, disrupt play.

Category: Kick-Off / Restart
Objective: To make a restart from half way or the 22m line.
Gear: Balls, and tee
Players: 4

1. The player who needs to practice their kicking takes to ball to halfway, midfield.
2. 3 forwards lineup at halfway in a group, in line with where the kick will be aimed.
3. The kicker then attempts to kick the ball, it must travel at least 10 meters.

The aim is for the kicker to land the ball over the 10 meter line on the full, but kick the ball high enough that the forwards chasing can reach the ball on the full.

At higher levels the forwards should be aiming the reach the ball in time to attempt to lift one player, and catch the ball in mid air.

Category: Lineout
Objective: To throw the ball in accurately
Gear: 1 ball, 1 Rugby Post.

1. Hooker stands on the goal line facing the side of the goal post.
2. Aim to hit the upright at various heights.
3. The thrower needs to progressively set targets at practice, e.g. three is a row, then five in a row.
4. You can use cones to set out distances from the post to represent the different distances to lineout jumpers i.e. Jumper at number 2, or 4.
5. Once precision is mastered, the hooker should practice with real jumpers to master timing.

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Category: Place Kicking
Objective: Improve Accuracy of a place kick
Gear: 1 ball for every player

Drill Explanation

1. Right in front of the posts (close as you like) takes 5-10 shots at goal.
2. Move to the left of the centre (15m) and take 5-10 shots.
3. Move to the right of the centre (15m) and take 5-10 shots.
4. Move right over near touchline of both sides and have 2-3 shots.
5. Move back from the 22m and have 2-3 shots.
6. Go back to the start if you need to, and begin again.

Place Kicking Tips

1. Expose sweet spot
2. Address ball
3. Move back to a comfortable position
4. Use imagery
5. Approach in arc
6. Turn Shoulder
7. Place non-kicking foot inline with target
8. Swing through strike zone

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