Two waves tactic

The "two waves" tactic, where forwards run behind the backs to support an offload or break, is an ideal addition to the game plan of teams with strong offloading skills, a good support ethic, and which look to make half breaks through the defensive line... as well as for teams with slow forwards!

Players who are slower or not part of an initial backs move line up behind the front line attack, offering themselves to support a line break. So you create "two waves" of attackers. This may mean forwards in particular having to run backwards from a set piece.

Now, instead of cramping the midfield with forwards (as in the top half of the picture), these players form a secondary line or attacking wave behind the backs or strike forwards (as in the lower half of the picture).

Rugby coaching tips for two wave attack

When the break comes, or even the breakdown, you will then have players on hand to take the offload and stream into the gaps, or make runs to create further havoc in the defence, or quickly clear out defenders from rucks.

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For rugby coaching tips on offloading skills, click here.

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