Rugby tips for coaching a spread defence

A spread defence fills the pitch laterally. This rugby drill's objective is to prevent the opposition from going around the defensive line.

The session

Set out a 20 by 10 metre area with four different coloured cones scattered around.

Eight players start on one side of the area.
On your command one cone becomes an imaginary ruck. The players have to move to it and organise their defensive line.
The players nearer the cone set up as if defending the ruck. On your call of "UP" (or another set call), the players move two or three paces forward as a line. (Remember to nominate a player to do this in matches, for instance your 9.)
Then call another colour cone and the players set up at the new imaginary ruck.

Progressions

Ask the players to gather round the nominated cone before spreading out into their shape.
Instead of calling "UP" touch a ball on the ground to signal for them to move forward.
Ask three players to kneel by the nominated marker while the rest get organised into the defensive line.

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