Rush defence rugby drill
So many teams think they know how the rush defence ("blitz") works and yet it is more than just a fast rush up. This rugby coaching session looks at one version of the system, with your players asked to make more than one decision about their defensive roles.
What you tell your players the drill session is about
- Using a rush defence to pressurise the attack.
- Identifying when to use the rush (or blitz) defence.
What you tell your players to do in the drill
- Make sure you have at least equal numbers or better if you are going to use a blitz defence.
- Focus on the players who are going to be "hit" in the blitz.
What you get your players to do
Line speed rugby warm up drill
- Three players stand in a line and move forward when you touch a ball on the floor.
- Check for pace, staying in line, spacing and communication.
Ballroom blitz drill
- Set up a training drill square with two teams - three attackers v three defenders. (Adjust these depending on the number of players you have and their skill levels.)
- The ends of the training square represent the back feet of a ruck.
- Stand the players next to you outside the main training square, as in the picture.
- Shout "GO" to release the teams to move into position as attack and defence. Release the ball when you are ready.
- The defence needs to cut down the attack before the ball reaches the second receiver.
Develop the drill
The training drill can be developed as follows.
- Overload the attack or defence. If defenders see more attackers, they should cancel "blitz."
- Allow the attack to try out moves such as switches or miss passes.
Rugby coach's notes
What to call out
- "Go straight up, slightly outside your target."
- "Identify your targets early."
- "Lots of noise."
- "Trust your inside and outside co-defender."
What to look for in the drill
- Attackers stepping back against the blitz. The defenders must be balanced as they go forward with their shoulders square.
- Dog legging in the line. The defender's line speed is vital, but the line must come forward at the pace of the slowest player.
What to think about in the drill
- What calls are you going to use to initiate the blitz?
- What space do you want between your blitzing players? A finger tip apart or slightly wider?
Putting this drill into a game situation
Game rules
- Split your players into two teams.
- Vary the pitch size, depending on the number of players you have and their skills levels, and to make sure the players have to work hard to be successful.
- Start one player on each team with a ball (not a scrum half).
Playing the game
- The two ball carriers follow you as you run around the pitch. Touch one of them to start the game.
- The other ball carrier stands out of the game. If you want to overload the attack or defence, call a number of players to stand out with the non-playing ball carrier.
- When a ruck is formed, count down the time allowed for the ball to be released. Then play for one phase only, until another ruck is formed, the ball goes out of play or an offence is committed.
Scoring
- The attack scores one point for getting over the gain line and two points for a try.
- The defence scores one point for stopping the attack before or at the gain line and two points for taking "man and ball" in the tackle.
- The defence then has to decide whether to blitz the attack or not.
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Click the link for another blitz defence rugby drill.
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