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how do u play a smaller pack against bigger opposition? especially at scrum time. Thanks
Running Lines with Defence
DESCRIPTION
Running straight and changing your running line will make players better attackers and underpins an effective 2 v 1 Start with a 5 v 3 situation, all five attackers start in a slightly angled line with the end player with ball in hand On Go, the play starts and the first pass is made. The receiving player runs a straight line toward the opposing player and 'fixes them up', meaning the defender is square on and must make the decision to either tackle or anticipate the pass
Running Lines with Defence
DESCRIPTION
Running straight and changing your running line will make players better attackers and underpins an effective 2 v 1 Start with a 5 v 3 situation, all five attackers start in a slightly angled line with the end player with ball in hand On Go, the play starts and the first pass is made. The receiving player runs a straight line toward the opposing player and 'fixes them up', meaning the defender is square on and must make the decision to either tackle or anticipate the pass
Marius Coach, South Africa
ANSWERS
Cam HughesCoach, United Kingdom
Hi Marius,
Playing a smaller pack against a bigger opposition, particularly at scrum time, requires strategic thinking, technique, and teamwork. Here are some tactics commonly employed:
Technique over size:
- Focus on perfecting your technique rather than relying solely on brute force. Ensure that your scrummagers have excellent body positioning, leverage, and timing. Proper technique can compensate for lack of size to some extent.
Speed and agility:
- Use your smaller players' speed and agility to your advantage. Try to engage and disengage quickly in the scrums to avoid being overpowered. By hitting and withdrawing swiftly, you can disrupt the opposition's momentum and possibly win penalties.
Target weaknesses:
- Identify weaknesses in the opposition's scrummaging technique and exploit them. This might involve targeting specific opponents or areas of the scrum where they are vulnerable.
Mobility in the loose:
- Encourage your forwards to be mobile and active around the pitch, looking for opportunities to exploit gaps in the opposition's defence. Utilise quick ball movement and offloading to keep the bigger pack on the back foot.
Smart tactics:
- Employ tactics such as "hit and spin" where your pack hits the opposition hard at the engagement but then quickly spins out of the scrum to avoid being pushed back. This can disrupt the bigger pack's stability and give you a chance to compete on equal terms.
Set piece variation:
- Mix up your set piece plays to keep the opposition guessing. Incorporate clever line-out and scrum variations that exploit weaknesses in the opposition's defence and create scoring opportunities for your team.
Fitness and conditioning:
- Ensure your players are well-conditioned and fit enough to maintain intensity throughout the game. Fatigue can affect larger packs just as much as smaller ones, so exploit any drop in performance as the game progresses.
Adaptation:
- Continuously assess the effectiveness of your tactics and be prepared to adapt your approach based on how the game is unfolding. Stay flexible and be willing to make changes on the fly to maximise your team's chances of success.
I hope this helps,
Cam
