Rugby: Counter Ruck

Use this session to introduce juniors to the ruck and improve older players' rucking ability - Starting slowly and use the progressions to increase the intensity

4 blue players must try and defend with shields two gates from the attacking red team.

The ball carrying player must meet the defending players and then go to ground and place the ball. Once this has been done the attacking side must form bind together and ruck the shields out of the way - to 'come through the gate'.

The final red player to come through collects the ball and runs anti-clockwise to the next gate and the next set of defenders to repeat the drill.

The two original defenders must now move to defend the other side of the grid.

Groups of 4 and two groups of defenders with contact pads. 1 ball per group.

1. The ball carrier drives into the contact pads and presents ball backwards. Player 2 binds on, face to face and secures ball, player 3 binds on the other side to form a front row.
2. All attackers bind together and drive defenders back 2-3 metres. Player 4 takes ball out at back and runs back around cone with players 1-3 in support.
3. Repeat going back the other way until all attackers have practised each role.

Player 1 runs out with ball but player 2 has stepped up to meet them halfway.

Player 1 drives into player 2 - goes two steps before then going to ground.

Player 2 steps over the player on the ground, picks up the ball and runs on to be met by player 3 who takes the next contact.

Repeat.

Have 3 or more pad holders, this depends on how many rucking units you wish to have and how many players you have at training - but work hard to keep every player busy and active.

The 3 pad holder should be about 5 meters back from the rucking units, and they should be holding the pads safely.

Players should work in groups of 2, and there will be 1 scrum half. Only one ball is needed as the scrum half will move the ball from unit to unit.

Get the players moving quickly, and tell the players the following....

1. One player carries the ball into contact and presents the ball.
2. The other player provides covers and time for the scrum half to move the ball to the next unit.

The scrum half should move the ball from unit to unit, and the units/pads should reposition themselves for the next line of attacks. Keep the action going, and don't forget to change the players on the pads.