Rugby coaching tips to develop defender vision
Defenders need to know where and when to look up and look ahead to make sure they are covering all the opposition's attacking options. Use these rugby coaching tips to develop your defenders' vision and awareness skills.
The temptation in defence is for players to look at the ball at the back of the breakdown and not at what is in front of them.
This often leads to them not noticing what the opposition attackers are doing. In turn this can lead to overlaps or defenders being caught out of position.
Key rugby coaching tips to develop defenders' awareness and vision
The picture shows a typical defensive formation from a ruck.
The three defenders immediately round the ruck (as marked) watch the ball at the base. They are in charge of telling the defensive line when to move up.
These players need to be vocal and observant as the rest of the defenders rely on their judgement.
The rest of the players have to focus on their opposite man and scan the players on either side of him. Tell them not to ball-watch but trust the call of the players inside them.
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