LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

BLITZ DEFENCEBlitz defence. The blitz defence is a very aggressive defensive system which, whenperformed accurately, puts the attacking team under a lot of pressure.. The approach relies heavily on line-speed to go forward and eat up asmuch ground as possible between the defending line and the attackers.. As with the drift/push defence, the first movement is always forward -line-speed is key to any defensive approach.. The purpose of the Blitz defence is to shut off the attacker’s optionsoutside.. There are risks associated with the blitz - it leaves space behind thedefence which can be exploited by kicking options, gaps can open upinside as outside defenders rush up.Key factors of a Blitz defence:1. Defenders line up on defender’s outside shoulder (the shoulder furthestaway from the breakdown - opposite the drift) of the attackers.2. Defenders in ‘active’ position (split stand ready to accelerate off the line,hands up ready to make a tackle, talking to each other to organisespacing between defenders).3. Each defender gets off their line quickly to pressurise the attackers.Unlike the drift/push defence, defenders get slightly in front of theirinside defender in an attempt to shutoff attacking options.4. Players in the outside channels will typically call the ‘blitz’ system as theyhave a clearer view of the attacking set-up and level of threat.30m1st ATTACK 2nd ATTACK10mSET-UP DIAGRAMSET UP Ball passed to 1st receiverRUCK RUCKPractice Two zone attack - blitz identified by outside defender.Objective To develop the blitz defensive system under pressure.Key Factors1. All calling the ‘Blitz’ particularly the outside players, who initiate the call.2. Defenders line up on defender’s outside shoulder (the shoulder furthest away from thebreakdown) of the attackers.3. Defenders in ‘active’ position (split stance ready to accelerate off the line, hands up readyto make a tackle).4. Each defender gets off their line quickly to pressurise the attackers.Equipment requirementsBalls 2 Bags n/a Area 30 x 10 mCones 1 stack Suits optional Players 9+Shields n/a Bibs 6 Time 15-20 minutesPractice descriptionThree attackers attack a defensive line of three.All attackers are to be stopped - focus on same shoulder / same foot hit (not full tackle).Once attack is stopped the defenders move across and defend a second attack in channel 2.Defence is worked eight times before changing.Intensity and full tackle can be changed as defence and tackle technique improve.DEFENCEProgression / Regression guidanceProgress to full tackle focussing on players working in a chain of three.Progress by increasing number of attackers.Increase or decrease the size of the area to progress or regress.Increase intensity to emphasise speed of realignment.Coach to add in further key factors once players are performing consistently under pressure85