Breakdown A

TIP: We recommend reading Minis Curriculum, Session Planning & Design and Coaching Skills & STEP prior to this sample session. Pitch sizes and teams sizes below adjustable to group sizes/training space.

SESSION FOCUS: Concentrate on good offload technique, ‘winning’ the contact and decision-making throughout session for age-and-stage (See Curriculum)

0-15 mins - Coaches choice of Activation games

15-45 mins - Zone Circuit, Groups of 8-10 with 10 mins per zone (Add additional games and session time if larger groups)

ZONE 1 - CALEY BALL

Age-and-Stage Note: Adjust game to be touch and remove kicking and breakdown condition for younger year groups. Focus on principle of gaining extra position when reaching the other half.

Session Focus Points:

• Highlight use of the offload to attack space around tackle/touch and gain ground.

• Possible Conditions: Defenders drop-off after touch, ‘Wallace Ball’ over/underloads, offloads only in either half, one-handed offloads only.

• STEP: Rotate individuals with ‘can’t be tackled’ superpower in their either half.

ZONE 2 - WALLACE BALL

Session Focus Points:

• Highlight use of the offload to attack space around tackle/touch and gain ground.

• Possible Conditions: X passes before a score, Must pass after Y steps, ‘Attackers’ cannot/must score.

• STEP: Use different balls, adjust dimensions or scoring zone (multi-direction), defenders switch sides rather than attackers.

ZONE 3 - Skills & Technique

Skill Activity (7 mins): Breakdown Race

Groups of 3 with one ball. Group lie down in a line with ball with the middle person. Ball carrier calls ‘Go’ and places the ball towards either player. The other players complete to win the ball (via jackal) or secure/clear the breakdown (via bullet) depending on where the ball is placed. Rotate positions.

PROGRESSIONS: Retain focus on offload if tackled but make the grid larger/smaller and increase to 3v2s, 4v2s etc depending on coach call i.e. first number is attackers, second number is defenders.

Technique Activity (3 mins): Clearing/Jackal Technique Repetitions

Groups of 3 with one ball and one rucking shield to simulate breakdown roles. Player with the ball lies on deck presenting ball, player with shield starts as the defender over the player with the ball. Start by practicing clearout technique focus on positioning and driving through the shield. Move to practicing jackal with shield holder acting as attackig team to contest. Rotate roles within the group in each case.

PROGRESSIONS: Add more decision making by making shield holder more active i.e. do they contest or not?

45-60 mins - Rugby Games, Stay in Groups and use Zones as pitches (Round Robin if time allows)