How to use the smashmouth bullies tactic

A simple offensive rugby tactic to bully your opponents.

Smashmouth is a crude offensive tactic, says Philip Copeman. Simply run the ball up the guts of your opponent's defence and force them to deal with it. The moment they double up in defence to handle the pressure, attack the gap left behind.

How do you play Smashmouth?

1. Nominate your best ball carriers: Select your strongest runners from among your best ball carriers. Then make sure that the ball gets to them.

2. Identify their weakest defender: Your opponent's weakest defender should be easy to spot. He is the guy who never makes a front-on tackle.

3. Run your best ball carrier straight at their weakest defender: Make sure your runner does not run around the defender or run off his shoulder - he must run straight at the defender and try to knock him onto his back. If your runner tries to avoid the defender, the defender may get an opportunity to jump on your runner and bring him down.

Your runner could spin out of the hit, but only after knocking the defender to the ground. If the defender stays on his feet, your runner should do likewise and either start a rapid rolling maul, or offload to a supporting player.

Try to back up your runner with a support player (the "snake") to create a double team. Dan's "Rocket Ball" which is taken from Smart Sessions could help you achieve this.

The benefits of Smashmouth

If this "bullying" tactic is successful, it forces your opponents into a difficult position. Either they let you keep on doing it, with the result that you march up the field and score, or they draw in another defensive player to support their weakest defender.

In which case, a gap is created from wherever the supporting player is moved. And since two defenders are now covering the same ground, you effectively will have 15 men against their 14.

Summary

Identify your strongest running ball carrier.
Identify your opponent's weakest front-on tackler.
Ensure your runner attacks this defender front-on, and with support.
If your runner breaks through the defensive line, make sure he keeps going!
If your runner is held up, ensure he stays on his feet either for a rolling maul, or to offload.
Continue with this strategy until your opponents have to double up to cover for their weak defender.
Then move the ball into the space created for you by your opponents.

Philip Copeman coaches rugby defence in South Africa. He is a former Gridiron player.

Click here to find out what to do if the smashmouth bullies tactic doesn't work.