Contact Help center
Rugby Rugby
HOME Rugby SEARCH

Rugby: 2v1

2v1 DRILLS
View All

2 v 1 into 3 v 2

Drill to improve short space and wide space overlap play. Set up a grid 15m wide, split into a 5m channel and a 10m channel, and 10m long (see diagram). 4 attackers (red) line up along one side, A1 and A2 within the 5m channel opposite D1(blue). A3 and A4 line up in the 10m channel opposite D2 and D3. A1 and A2 run a 2v1 against D1 in the 5m channel. When A2 receives the ball they run out of the 5m channel into the 10m channel and into a 3v2 situation linking with A3 and A4 attacking D2 and D3. D2 and D3 can't move until A2 enters the 10m channel, and to start with can only move laterally along the try line. DISCUSSION: If players are struggling to execute the 3 v 2 situation, widen the 10m channel to 15m and once they have success at this width bring the channel back to 10m wide. PROGRESSION: D2 and D3 can move off the line to put pressure on the attack once A2 enters the 10m channel.

Decision making

2 vs 1 + 1 in 2 grids

2 attackers with a half back attack a defender The support player should be able to read the situation and apply the best techniques for ball security, either driving out or sealing off the ball.

Ball Presentation

2 vs 1

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play. The player in the middle always joins the player receiving the ball to play a 2v1 against the the 3rd player who becomes the defender. The attacking players run around the cone nearest to them and the defender runs in the opposite direction. When they meet inside the grid the attacking players must use the extra man to get around the defender - either by passing or taking the man on.

Decision making

2v1 around the coach

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play. The player in the middle always joins the player receiving the ball to play a 2v1 against the the 3rd player who becomes the defender. The attacking players run around the cone nearest to them and the defender runs in the opposite direction. When they meet inside the grid the attacking players must use the extra man to get around the defender - either by passing or taking the man on. Progression: 3v2, 4v3.

Decision making

Dislodge the ball 2v1

Set Up 3 players, 1 ball2 v 1 one player with ball tries to retain possession whilst other 2 work to dislodge ball. 30 secs of work - if successful before time up start again. Players must stay on their feet at all times.

Ruck Clear Out

Fixing Defenders - Handling Challenge

Groups 16+ Cones Attackers and defender line up at the start of the grid. The grid is 3 chanels all of differnt widths. attackers set off one way aorund the cone, defenders set off the other way. (2v1 or 3v2) They must go up and down each channel (3 of them) completing there passes, fixing the defenders. Defenders must be passive or it will ruin drill.

Handling

Join the attack: 2v1 - 3v2 - 5v4

With a group of nine, tell two of them they are attackers - for now. The rest will be in defence. Allocate your defenders within the grid, one defender at defenders cone 1, two defenders at defenders cone 2, and three defenders at defenders cone 3. Tell the defenders that they can move side to side, but not forward and back. Also - tell the players on defenders cones 1 and 2, that they will join the attack when they have finished their defensive duties. So after the first 2 v 1, the 1 defender joins the attack to make the next attack 3 v 2, when this attack is over - the two defenders join the attack to make the last attack 5 v 4. Have your demonstration group quickly complete a walk through, then a run through. Now get the other groups working. Don't forget to give the last four defenders a chance in attack.

Warm Up

Scramble Defence Drill

Groups of 6 Balls 2 attackers start with the ball the complete a simple 2v1 catch and pass. The first defender then has to scramble his way back to prevent the defenders scoring the 2nd 2v1 situation, from another defender a few meters behind.

Tackling

Scrum 2v1

Groups of 3. - 1 player is active, 2 players are resisiting. - Active player gets into scrumage position between 2 defending players. - Tries to push both players back, like a scrum.

Scrum

Speed, timing of run and talking in defence

Split your players into two teams and line them up behind four cones. The side with the ball sends out two players in a 2v1. The opposite side must communicate so that only one player runs out to defend against the 2 attackers. Defenders must talk to decide who is going out to defend. If two defenders run out to defend then all players on that team must perform 10 press ups to reinforce the importance of communication in defense.

School

2 v 1 Passing - Rugby Drills, ...

This is a simple 2 v 1. The two players have to get past the one defender without being touched, that's it. The defender will start 10 meters back, and can move anywhere inside the box. The attack must remain inside the box and all pass msut be legal. Don't forget to change the defender.

General

Scrum 2v1 Scrum - Rugby Drills...

Groups of 3. - 1 player is active, 2 players are resisiting. - Active player gets into scrumage position between 2 defending players.- Tries to push both players back, like a scrum.

General

2v1 Relay Handling - Rugby Dri...

One set of cones set wide, another set narrow opposite. Ball Players line up opposite each other on each cone. Constant 2 on 1s. One defender alternately pressurises the pass. High temp, High pressure.

General

2 v 1 into 3 v 2 Decision maki...

Drill to improve short space and wide space overlap play.Set up a grid 15m wide, split into a 5m channel and a 10m channel, and 10m long (see diagram).4 attackers (red) line up along one side, A1 and A2 within the 5m channel opposite D1(blue). A3 and A4 line up in the 10m channel opposite D2 and D3.A1 and A2 run a 2v1 against D1 in the 5m channel. When A2 receives the ball they run out of the 5m channel into the 10m channel and into a 3v2 situation linking with A3 and A4 attacking D2 and D3.D2 and D3 can't move until A2 enters the 10m channel, and to start with can only move laterally along the try line.DISCUSSION:If players are struggling to execute the 3 v 2 situation, widen the 10m channel to 15m and once they have success at this width bring the channel back to 10m wide.PROGRESSION:D2 and D3 can move off the line to put pressure on the attack once A2 enters the 10m channel.

General

2v1 around the coach Handling ...

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.The player in the middle always joins the player receiving the ball to play a 2v1 against the the 3rd player who becomes the defender.The attacking players run around the cone nearest to them and the defender runs in the opposite direction. When they meet inside the grid the attacking players must use the extra man to get around the defender - either by passing or taking the man on. Progression: 3v2, 4v3.

General

Join the attack: 2v1 - 3v2 - 5...

With a group of nine, tell two of them they are attackers - for now. The rest will be in defence. Allocate your defenders within the grid, one defender at defenders cone 1, two defenders at defenders cone 2, and three defenders at defenders cone 3. Tell the defenders that they can move side to side, but not forward and back. Also - tell the players on defenders cones 1 and 2, that they will join the attack when they have finished their defensive duties. So after the first 2 v 1, the 1 defender joins the attack to make the next attack 3 v 2, when this attack is over - the two defenders join the attack to make the last attack 5 v 4. Have your demonstration group quickly complete a walk through, then a run through. Now get the other groups working. Don't forget to give the last four defenders a chance in attack.

General

2 v 1 Drawing The Defender Dec...

One attacking team and one defending team.Exercise focused on decision making when in a 2 v 1 situation.Each team lines up either side of the coachOn 'GO' two attackers run round one side of the playing area and one defender runs round the other side. The coach passes to one of the attackers to initiate play.The aim is for the one attacker to reach the end line of the defender's side without being tackled/intercepted by the defender.

General

2 v 1 Around The Corner Decisi...

• The aim of the drill is to develop handling in a short space.

General

Dislodge the ball 2v1 Ruck Cle...

Set Up <br /><br />3 players, 1 ball<br /><br />2 v 1 one player with ball tries to retain possession whilst other 2 work to dislodge ball. 30 secs of work - if successful before time up start again. Players must stay on their feet at all times.

General

3 v 2 into 2 v 1 Passing - Rug...

Drill to practice overlap situations.Set up a grid roughly 10m x 10m, with another grid roughly 5m x 5m adjacent to it (see diagram - red cones and green cones).In the bigger grid have two defenders (red) and in the smaller grid have one defender (red).Three attackers (blue) attack the 2 defenders in the first grid. Once they have completed the 3 v 2 situation the player with the ball and one other support player run around the cone and attack the one defender in the smaller grid.Swap the attack and defence after 3-5 repetitions. PROGRESSION:The ball starts on the opposite side to practice passing in both directions.A coach/other player feeds the ball to the three attackers so the drill can start in any position. The coach/other player can kick or roll the ball to the attack to start the drill.

General

Simple Hands 2 V 1 Match Relat...

Coach or feeder standing on the touchline. Player A start five metres away and player B on the five metre channel. Once the coach has fed the ball in the players must complete a simple 2 on 1. If the feeder drifts across the player dummies and runs through.

General

Quick Feet into 2 v 1 Agility ...

The aim of the drill is to develop SAQ into beating defenders

General

2 vs 1 - Decision Making Decis...

Four players per group inside a 10m x 30m Channel. Requires 10 cones and 1 ball. Two players start outside of the grid with two players inside. One of the outside players passes the ball to one of the inside players before both of the outside players (defenders) run through the red gates. The two inside players (attackers) have to try and cross the try line before the defenders can tackle them, if the attackers are too slow they will create a two 2 v 1 situation.

General

2 vs 1 Gauntlet Decision makin...

Set up two 1m wide gates of cones (green and red) either side of a feeder, with a line of attackers opposite (5m away). Have a number of defenders (3) lined up behind the feeder.The first player passes the ball to the feeder then moves forward and receives a short return pass from the feeder. On receiving the return pass he uses footwork to go through one of the gates with a support player going through the other gate.Once through the gate the ball carrier puts in a fend on the first defender and passes the ball to his support player.They go on to attack the two other defenders and try execute 2 vs 1 scenarios to get to the end of the drill

General

Scramble Defence Drill Tacklin...

Groups of 6 Balls 2 attackers start with the ball the complete a simple 2v1 catch and pass. The first defender then has to scramble his way back to prevent the defenders scoring the 2nd 2v1 situation, from another defender a few meters behind.

General

2 vs 1 Decision making - Rugby...

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play. The player in the middle always joins the player receiving the ball to play a 2v1 against the the 3rd player who becomes the defender. The attacking players run around the cone nearest to them and the defender runs in the opposite direction. When they meet inside the grid the attacking players must use the extra man to get around the defender - either by passing or taking the man on.  

General

Continuous 2 vs 1 Decision mak...

Set up a grid roughly 5m x 5m with two lines of attackers on one side (blue), and two defenders on the other (red). The aim of the drill is for attackers to execute 2 vs 1 situations and score. The attackers start with the ball and run towards the try line (red cones). The ball carrier draws the defender and passes to his support player who scores. Once he scores he passes the ball to the next set of attackers who attack against the next defender. The previous attackers and defender get in position for the next repetition.The attack can start from any of the players, it does not have to start at the same side each time.

General

React to Situation - 3 vs 2 De...

Players should pass in a line on the whistle. The 2 players closest to the ball go out to the line and as soon as they turn the 3 remaining players then attack with the intention of scoring.

General

2 v 2 (switch) Decision making...

This is a basic 2 v 2 drill to allow players to progress from a simple 2 v 1. In a channel no wider than 10m, 2 attackers have 5 attempts to score a try on the red cones. The attackers try to create space and beat the defenders by running good support and holding lines. Condition defence so that the defender marking support runner stays out and doesn't move in to defend ball carrier

General

Out The Back Passing Decision ...

Groups of 6+ Ball3 Attackers line up opposite 2 defenders. The ball carrier takes the ball hard up to the line. A trialer runner stays hidden behind ball carrier.The 2nd Reciver does an out to in line of running (acting as the short crash ball) The trialer runner runs an arking line out the back (acting as a out wide option) The Defence make a decion whether to bite on the short runner or wide runner.The ball carrier tries to make the right option of what ball to give.

General

4v1v1 Down the Line Decision m...

Attackers (red players) work down the channel in 4s, working the runners left and right to create space. Defenders are only allowed to defend along their line, marked out with 2 cones. Attackers run in a diamond shape, onto the ball at pace. It's key the support do not get too flat and shoud all be involved. Focus on pass target.

General

2 vs 2 (loop and step inside) ...

This is a basic 2 vs 2 drill to allow players to progress from a simple 2 v 1. In a channel no wider than 10m, 2 attackers have 5 attempts to score a try on the red cones. The attackers try to create space and beat the defenders by running good support and holding lines.

General

2v1 DRILL CATEGORIES
View All
Ball Presentation Drills
Decision making Drills
Match Related Drills
Off Loads Drills
Ruck Clear Out Drills
Ball Presentation Drills
Decision making Drills
Match Related Drills
Off Loads Drills
Ruck Clear Out Drills
2v1 SESSIONS
View All

Developing Invasive Attacking Skills!

Improve your players decision making to help them recognise where the space will develop and how they can maximise their success when they create the space, either by going into contact and offloading, or passing before the tackle.

Developing reactions and decision making skills to dominate support play

A player needs to make hundreds of decisions on the pitch. Get them making the right ones when in attack to utilise the support to sustain attacking pressure on the opposition.

Jackal at the Tackle - Technique and Confidence Session

Can your players tackle and jackal? Use this session to introduce your players to the jackal and improve their technique in 1v1 and game situations

Developing your Key Decision Makers (KDMs)

Can your players take the bull by the horns and make the right decisions when attacking? Find out in this attacking decision making session!

2v1 Attacking Skills Session |...

Improve your players' 2v1 confidence and introduce them to the dummy pass, support running and offloading in this attacking session!
2v1 ANSWERS
View All

How should I defend against this team?

They are a very fast club with a lot of skill and pace. Though they tend to fall short in the more physical aspects of the game. We beat them last year by pounding them into submission with our forwards, but their speed always makes them very dangerous. The best player is their flyhalf, who is also shy in contact. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help guys, their aren't too many coaches to talk to down here in Guatemala.

Josh Macy Coach, United States of America

New rules... how best to take long corners ?

Given the lovely new rules... Can you suggest how to coach a team taking long corners. No player can be 5 yards from player taking the long corner - So creating a 2v1 now is impossible. How do you coach this ? Thanks

Grant Hunt Coach, United Kingdom

where can I get an under 8 year program of training?

where can I get an under 8 year program of training or activities to introduce them to the game of Rugby?

Archived User Coach

Our under tens when they go into a ruck situation often go straight over the ball leaving it in the open. A is this ball then available to be played by any player from both teams and B if this ball is out how can we teach them to secure the ball.

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

Looking to open a bit of a debate. I was running a?

Looking to open a bit of a debate. I was running a 'coach the coaches' course last night and I asked the candidates 'do you coach your players to run at the man? or run at space?'. There was a 50/50 split, the older coaches said 'the man', younger ones 'the space', and others who'd never played before 'both!'. What do you coach?

Archived User Coach

Does anyone have a really good drill to encourage backs to stay steep?

Does anyone have a really good drill to encourage backs to hold their steepness when attacking - my team of dreams are Under 11's

Archived User Coach

Vision and Anticipation??!!!

Hi guys, Thanks for everyone that answered my question on Stats!!! I am in the process of drawing up a sheet and sharing it with those that want. Next Question%3A I have come up with a few drills that I think will improve my players Vision, anticipation and decision making. I am wondering if anyone will share their ideas and process to improve these aspects of players especially VISION? I know the 2v1 and 3v2 drills ext for decision making but I want to focus more on VISION and ANTICIPATION. Any ideas??? Thanks again. Shaun

Archived User Coach

Perform and use possession from a 2v1 scrum?

What would be the best way of coaching a drill called, Perform and use possession from a 2v1 scrum? Many thanks.

Archived User Coach

U8s staying on side and use of space

I am currently coaching an U8s tag team, is ther any drills to teach them to stay onside after a tag and to stay spread out as they seem to bunch very quickly

Tony Bunyan Coach, England

I need a drills that demonstra...

I need to have a drill that demonstrate 2v1 alignment options and 2v2 go foward/change direction options.

Dennis Wright Coach, England

please create a 1 v 1 and 2 v ...

I am currently teaching tag rugby at school and am doing 1 v 1 and 2 v 1 attacking drills. If someone could create an animated drill for each of these that would be great. Thanks

Morven Park Primary School Coach, England

What do alignment and go forwa...

in a 2v2 or 2v1 options

Dennis Wright Coach, England

my youth teams are seriously c...

I coach both males and females. In training they seem to get it however in games they tend to pass the ball from side to side but they seldom go forward. They play pretty rugby with switches, loops and miss ones.

Archived User Coach

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_rugby
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Set Yourself Up For Success This Year

Set Yourself Up For Success This Year

Create a resolution to develop your coaching confidence by seizing the opportunity to discover new drills, turn ideas into action and seek advice from the coaching community.

December 31st, 2023
|
Archie Dunnill
Should Aaron Smith's World Cup Final try have stood?

Should Aaron Smith's World Cup Final try have stood?

World Rugby has reportedly conceded Aaron Smith's disallowed try in the World Cup final should have stood.

November 14th, 2023
|
Archie Dunnill
Sportplan Spotlight: Vary Your Sessions

Sportplan Spotlight: Vary Your Sessions

"It is not only useful for staff who are experienced but a valuable tool for those subject staff who have to take teams."

January 25th, 2023
|
Archie Dunnill
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
maulwarm upfitnesstag rugbytacklingdefencelineoutlines of running7sevenstouch rugbyruckingtacklejunior backline drillsunder 8ruckscrumtagpassingtouch

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!

Heather Weston Rugby Coach, United States

I am so pleased with all of the drills and advice on rugby. I am a player for my local club and we don't have a coach at the moment so I, as a senior player, am filling that gap. With your help, the team has been able to improve our skills.

Mokie Tau Rugby Coach, Papua New Guinea

Your tips and session ideas have really brought some interest back to our rugby training. The players and I now really enjoy our training sessions.

Eifion Highes Rugby Coach, United Kingdom

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create professional rugby coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested rugby plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3 v 2 7 counter rucking defence defense fitness football forward drills junior  backline drills lesson plans line out lineout lineout drills lines of running maul passing ruck rucking rugby scrum scrum machine search sevens tackle tackling tag tag rugby touch under 8 warm up
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of rugby coaches plus 1100+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT