Attackers often come around the corner of the ruck to attack on a second or third phase. This session works on their alignment, timing and passing skills to make sure they run straight and fix defenders. It builds towards a 4v3.
Attackers often come around the corner of the ruck to attack on a second or third phase. This session works on their alignment, timing and passing skills to make sure they run straight and fix defenders. It builds towards a 4v3.
Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-8
What to think about
“Around the corner” is a style of play that keeps attacking the same way from each ruck, with the idea that you exhaust the defence as they cover across.
It does not work if the attackers are running sideways when they receive the ball because the defence only has to shuffle across and is not fixed. The hardest work comes for the players on the outside, who have to make the distance across and then straighten up.
set-up
- Work hard around the corner, by getting into a position to straighten up.
- Attack the ball so you straighten up.
What you get your players to do
Put three attackers at the side of an area and a feeder by a cone about 7m away from them (see picture 1). Get the attackers to run around one of the designated cones and come round to take a pass. They pass the ball along the line.
Check for straight running and pace on to the ball plus not making the last pass until after they are level with the feeder. Use a cone to help players get their depth right.
Three attackers running around a designated cone and lining up to pass the ball along the line from a 9.
Development
Put two defenders 2m from three attackers next to a 20m channel. The 9 runs to a designated cone while you call another cone and the attackers and defenders get into position. The ball is passed to the attackers as they are coming around the corner as in picture 1. Use touch tackling (see picture 2).
A 9 runs to a designated cone, where he puts the ball down. In the meantime, attackers and defenders run into position for an attack around the corner. Use the whole width of the box (in this case 20m).
Game situation
Put a ball carrier opposite a defender in a small box, with a 9 behind the ball carrier. Put four attackers 5m, 10 or 15m away, with three defenders 2m opposite them.
Get the ball carrier to run forward and be tackled. In the meantime, attack and defence run into position. The 9 passes the ball after the tackle is completed. Use touch tackling or progress to full tackling once the ball is released to the attackers.
The ball carrier is tackled and the 9 releases the attackers as they come around the corner to face three defenders.
What to call out
- “Get your depth before you run into position”
- “Communicate to the inside and outside players”
- “Look at the defence as you are getting into position – any mismatches?”