Offloads B
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 POINTS:
Focus on running forward and looking for recipient before passing
Encourage risk and comfort with offloading (and for players without the ball to a good space to receive the pass)
STEP: Use narrower pitches, defenders drop-off to create more space/easier decisions, mix between offload from ground i.e. players go to deck when touched, and on feet
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 - 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.
ZONE 2 - WALLACE BALL
STEP: Narrow pitch to create linear defense and encourage more offloads in tighter situations
ZONE 3 - Skills & Technique
Skill Activity (7 mins): Numbers Game (Narrow)
Setup grid for 2v1s (15x5m), split into a group of attackers and defenders with each group lining up in single file at the side. On coaches call, 2 attacker enter grid from one side, and 1 defender enters from the other. Coach feeds the ball to attackers to execute a 2v1, with an offload if tackled. When finished players return to group and repeat.
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): Offload Returns
Setup a small square grid (4 cones, 5x5m) with 1 player on a corner with a ball and another on the opposite corner. The remaining player(s) runs back-and-forth between the remaining cones receiving and making a one-handed offload between the 2 static players - similar to the below video. Do 5 passes on each hand then rotate players. Make enough grids to minimise inactive players (prob 2 or 3).
PROGRESSIONS: Mix conditions i.e. catch with 2 hands, pass with 1 or catch with 1 hand, offload with the other. Use a variety of balls.
45-60 mins - Rugby Games, Stay in Groups and use Zones as pitches (Round Robin if time allows)