LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

BACK THREE DEFENCEBack 3 defenceThe back 3 should operate as a unit covering all areas of the backfield whilst providing outside cover for the defensive line. The back 3defend as if ‘attached to a piece of string’, working together (in atriangle). If the ball moves to the left winger’s (11) side of the pitch,he/she should join the defensive line, the full back (15) should coverthe left side on the back field while the right winger (14) should dropback to cover the right side of the back field.Key Factors1. Cover the back field.2. Work and communicate as a team of three.3. Link and communicate with front line defence.Activity Back 3 defence (10v8)Objective Develop players ability to defend effectively as a back 3 unit. Developedthrough knowledge of positioning depending on field and ball position.Key Factors1. Communicate with back 3 members and inside defenders.2. Read the play of the opposite team and react accordingly.3. The back 3 should operate as if they were attached to a piece of string.Equipment RequirementsBalls 1 Bags n/a Area 30m x 50mCones 1 stack Suits n/a Players 18Shields n/a Bibs 8 or 10 Time 10-15minsPractice Description8 players attack 10 . Can be touch, scrag or full contact but the attacking team alwaysretain the ball. As the ball moves across the pitch the back 3 should react accordingly. Theattacking team may run, pass or kick the ball into space.When in open play, the full back should always be in line with the ball while the wingersshould either sit back or join the defensive line.If the ball moves to the left wingers (11) side of the pitch, he/she should join the defensiveline, the full back (15) should cover the left side on the back field while the right winger(14) should drop back to cover the right side of the back field (See diagram).30m50m111411SET-UP DIAGRAM151514Practice Progression / RegressionsIncrease the width of the pitch to create more space for the defence (Back 3) to cover.Progress by increasing numbers in attack or decreasing numbers in defence to make theback 3 work harder to cover more space.88