LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

THE RUCKActivity Counter ruckObjective Develop the awareness of players competing for possession through counterrucking.Key Factors1. Recognise when there is an opportunity to counter-ruck..2. Target ball and keep the counter ruck target narrow.3. Stay on your feet and leg drive beyond the ball4. First players arriving should remove players blocking access to the ball so that followingplayers can target the ball.Equipment RequirementsBalls N/A Bags 4 Area 10 x 10Cones 4 Suits n/a Players 12Shields 8 Bibs Time 10-15minsPractice DescriptionFour tackle bags are laid out with two players at each holding a ruck shield resembling aruck. Each shield is marked with two matching coloured cones. A group of four playersstart at the centre, the coach will call a colour and the four defenders will then target thatindividual ruck. When the players are progressing forwards towards a ruck, this is classed asa positive breakdown (a tackle made behind the attacking gainline which creates thepotential to a counter ruck). When the players are retreating this is classed as a negativebreakdown as the defence is unlikely to have the momentum. In this situation the focusfor the defending players should be on setting the defence around the breakdown.When counter-rucking the focus of the defender should be on the player between themand the ball. Counter-rucking player must stay on their feet and continue to leg drivebeyond the ball.SET-UP DIAGRAMPractice Progression / RegressionsProgress by increasing the number of pads (attackers).Regress by narrowing ruck.Activity Attack clearout and defensive organisation at breakdownObjective Develop the ability of players to react to a tackle as an attacking supportplayer and a defending player.Key Factors1. Attacker attempts to get over gainline while tackler attempts to tackle behind gainline.2. Support players in attack react to positive/negative breakdown and clear accordingly.3. Support players in defence react to positive/negative tackle and clear accordingly.Equipment RequirementsBalls 1 Bags Area 30m x 20mCones stack Suits optional Players 10 per groupShields n/a Bibs 5 Time 10-15minsPractice DescriptionSplit group into two teams of five lined up facing each other along two parallel lines.Team A starts with the ball passing it laterally back and forward along the line. On thecoach’s command the player in possession of the ball attacks Team B’s line.Defenders from team B make a tackle and then attempt to disrupt.Ball carrier in Team A attempts to get over gain line and support players clear threats toensure ball retention.TEAM BDEFENCEATTACKSET-UP DIAGRAMTEAM APractice Progression / RegressionsProgress - imbalance the teams i.e four attackers versus six defenders in order to focus oncounter-ruck.Progress by allowing defenders to move forward in defence.96