Contact Help center
Rugby Rugby
HOME Rugby Coaching Trends SEARCH

Rugby: 3 v 2

3 v 2 DRILLS
View All

3 'v' 2

This is a simple 3 v 2. The three attackers have to get past the two defenders without being touched, that's it. The defenders 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 defenders.

Passing

3 v 2 Positioning

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

Decision making

3 v 2 Reverse Drill

Drill to practice 3 v 2 attacking scenarios. Set up a channel 20m long and 15m wide with cones every 10m along the length (red, yellow, green). Set up 5 lines of players between the first two cones, the two players on each end are the defenders (red), and the three in the middle are attackers (blue). The ball starts with one of the defenders on one side and that player runs forward and throws a long pass to the defender at the other end of line. He then continues his run around the far (green) cone to defend. The defender who has caught the ball puts it down on the middle (yellow) cone and continues his run around the far (green) cone to defend. Once the second defender has put the ball down on the yellow cone the attackers may begin their attack. The player nearest the cone runs to pick up the ball and then they attack the two defenders, trying to score over the line marked by the green cones. PROGRESSION: Start from the opposite side to practice passing in both directions. Reduce the width of the channel to make it harder for the attackers to score Add a defender to come round late and create a 2 v 1 after the 3 v 2

Passing

3 v 2 v 2

Set up a channel with two sets of defenders working in pairs inside. Three attacking players start with the ball and run around the far cone, realigning as they run around the cone. Players then play out the 3v2. After this first 3v2 the attackers must move the ball quickly and play out the second 3v2.

Handling

3 vs 2

Simple 3 v 2, with two defenders with tackle bags. The attackers must pass their way through the grid, using quick passes and good handling, while the defenders work hard to pressure them.

School

Attacking Skills version 2

Tell your players the following...... Players will attack in teams of 3, each attacking unit will have their own ball. At the pads, the ball carrier must hit and roll or hit and spin or sidestep. They will then face 3 v 2 situations following each pad. Their objective is to get to the other side, without making a mistake, and score a try! The following group of 3 can go when they feel there is a reasonable gap between the attacking units. Don't forget to change your players about.

Sevens

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

Overlap - 3 'v' 2

Tell your players the following...... The first attacking unit will go, at the same time 2 of the defenders will round the top of the grid and defend. It is effectively a 3 v 2 situation. When the attack is complete the defence should return to their starting position behind the next group of defenders. The attackers should also return to their starting position, behind the next attack. The next attack and defence should now go. This activity should be at pace, and it is full contact. Don't forget to change the defenders with attackers.

Sevens

Race to cone - 3 v 2

One ball and 6 cones. 15m x 15m. Setup the practice as shown. The first two players run up to the half way line of the grid and place the ball down before continuing their run to the end of the grid before turning around to defend. The remaining 3 players (attackers) can go as soon as the ball is placed down and then they play a 3 v 2.

Decision making

3 'v' 2 Passing - Rugby Drills...

This is a simple 3 v 2. The three attackers have to get past the two defenders without being touched, that's it. The defenders 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 defenders.

General

3 on 2 Attack and Defence Dril...

Set an area with two different coloured cones on the touch line in the middle, one for defenders and one for attackers. At the prompt of the coach the players run around designated cones and attack the defenders to score. Ball carrier should initiate the attack by attacking the inside shoulder of the first defender to stop a drift defence. Draw the first defender and make the pass to your next support runner who should do the same to pass to the outside runner who can go and score. Once attacked three or four times players should swap to defence but not every single time to create continuity and positive development.

General

Continuous 3 vs 2 Decision mak...

Set up a grid roughly 7m x 5m with three lines of attackers on one side (blue), and two defenders on the other (red). The aim of the drill is for attackers to execute 3 vs 2 situations and score. The defenders can only move side to side between the red cones.The attackers start with the ball and run towards the try line (red cones). The ball carrier has two options of who to pass to, the near support player or the wide support player. The ball carrier must draw the first defender and then react to the movement of the second defender to decide who to pass to. He passes to his support player who scores. Once the attacker scores he passes the ball to the next set of attackers who attack against the same defenders. The previous attackers 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

3v2 multiple channel Handling ...

Cones Ball3 channels of different widths are lined up next to eachother3 attackers and 2 defender run around opposing cones before attacking each other. Defenders must put pressure on but be passive as will ruin the drill if they disrupt the play.Running around the corner will encourage the attackers to realign, and adapt to the different space requirements.

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

3 v 2 Positioning Decision mak...

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

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

Rugby: 2v1 Into 3v2 - Off The ...

The aim of the drill is to develop mechanisms to unlock defences in open playThe first defender/feeder starts with the ball at a cone set up on the touch line five metres out from the try lineSet another 2 cones 15 meters up on the same touch line. Two players (defenders of the 3v2) start from here once the 2v1 is completed.Set 2 cones on the try line 5 metres apart to create the start position for the two attackers and the attacking channel for the 2v1The ball is fed from the first defender, with the attackers completing a 2v1The defender joins the two attackers to create a 3v2Two attackers then become the two defenders for the next repetition of the drill

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

3 v 2 v 2 Handling - Rugby Dri...

Set up a channel with two sets of defenders working in pairs inside. Three attacking players start with the ball and run around the far cone, realigning as they run around the cone. Players then play out the 3v2. After this first 3v2 the attackers must move the ball quickly and play out the second 3v2.

General

3 v 2 Fixing Defenders Passing...

This is a backs moves passing exercise, aimed at drawing and fixing up a defender, to give a supporting teammate more space and take the defender out of the play3 attackers line up along one side of the area, 2 defenders stand next to each other on the short side next to the coachOn GO, the defenders run into position and the coach passes to the first attackerThe attacker runs with the ball towards the first defender before passing sideways to their teammateThat player then runs at the second defender and before contact passes across to the spare attacker to run to the other end of the area.

General

3 v 2 Reverse Drill Passing - ...

Drill to practice 3 v 2 attacking scenarios.Set up a channel 20m long and 15m wide with cones every 10m along the length (red, yellow, green).Set up 5 lines of players between the first two cones, the two players on each end are the defenders (red), and the three in the middle are attackers (blue).The ball starts with one of the defenders on one side and that player runs forward and throws a long pass to the defender at the other end of line. He then continues his run around the far (green) cone to defend.The defender who has caught the ball puts it down on the middle (yellow) cone and continues his run around the far (green) cone to defend.Once the second defender has put the ball down on the yellow cone the attackers may begin their attack. The player nearest the cone runs to pick up the ball and then they attack the two defenders, trying to score over the line marked by the green cones. PROGRESSION:Start from the opposite side to practice passing in both directions.Reduce the width of the channel to make it harder for the attackers to scoreAdd a defender to come round late and create a 2 v 1 after the 3 v 2

General

3 v 2 Positioning Decision mak...

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

General

3 vs 2 School - Rugby Drills, ...

Simple 3 v 2, with two defenders with tackle bags. The attackers must pass their way through the grid, using quick passes and good handling, while the defenders work hard to pressure them.

General

3v2 School - Rugby Drills, Rug...

Set up two lines of 3 cones, about 10 meters apart, with players on each of the three cones. On the coach's whistle players play out a 3v2 (always 3 attackers and 2 defenders). Defenders should look initially to defend the first 2 attackers.

General

Race to cone - 3 v 2 Decision ...

One ball and 6 cones. 15m x 15m. Setup the practice as shown. The first two players run up to the half way line of the grid and place the ball down before continuing their run to the end of the grid before turning around to defend. The remaining 3 players (attackers) can go as soon as the ball is placed down and then they play a 3 v 2.

General

Rugby: 3v2 Passing Channel - S...

This is a 3 v 2 attack v defence situation where the attacking team must make passing decisions to get past the defenders and 'score a try'.Set out a playing area of about 10m x 5mThree attackers and two defenders line up next to the coach in the middle of the sideline of the areaOn GO, the players run round their ends of the area and the coach passes to one of the three attackers - the 3 v 2 is liveAttackers must try to get to the defenders' back line

General

3 vs 2 - Support Running Match...

3 vs 2 in a grid. Defenders must stay in position to start. Once skills progress defenders can move to try and stop attackers either by intercepting the ball or touch tackling the ball carrier.

General

Overlap - 3 'v' 2 Sevens - Rug...

Tell your players the following...... The first attacking unit will go, at the same time 2 of the defenders will round the top of the grid and defend. It is effectively a 3 v 2 situation. When the attack is complete the defence should return to their starting position behind the next group of defenders. The attackers should also return to their starting position, behind the next attack. The next attack and defence should now go. This activity should be at pace, and it is full contact. Don't forget to change the defenders with attackers.

General

3 vs 2 - Sprint to support Dec...

15m x 35m Grid. 1 Attacker starts on the half way line of the grid, with the other two outside of the grid back to back with two defenders. On the command the one attacker runs around the red cone, with the other one running around the blue cone - likewise for the defenders. Once they have run around the cones a 3 vs 2 will develop. If the player with the ball passes immediately this will give a 3 vs 2 in the middle of the pitch.

General

4v3 Passing Channel Passing - ...

This is a 4 v 3 overload drill in favour of the attackersThe area is set out, with four attackers spread out across the back line, three defenders 5 yards in front them, and another row of three defenders 5 yards behind themOn GO, the coach passes to the first attacking player, and the ball travels along the line to eventually reach the end playerThat player is then first to reach the next line of defenders, and the ball is passed back along the line and the original attacker should receive the ball in space to 'score a try'.

General

3 on 2 Attack and Defence Dril...

Set an area with two different coloured cones on the touch line in the middle, one for defenders and one for attackers. At the prompt of the coach the players run around designated cones and attack the defenders to score. Ball carrier should initiate the attack by attacking the inside shoulder of the first defender to stop a drift defence. Draw the first defender and make the pass to your next support runner who should do the same to pass to the outside runner who can go and score. Once attacked three or four times players should swap to defence but not every single time to create continuity and positive development.

General

2 v 1 Around The Corner Decisi...

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

General

3 v 1 Grid Passing - Rugby Dri...

6x6m Grid Ball Players line up in 3s opposite sides of the grid. Simply pass the ball along the line. 1 defender is in the middle of the grid putting pressure on all ball carriers.Once hand completed the next line starts immediately. Defender swaps out when there is a mistake or when he touches someone with the ball. Progression: add another defender, make the passes wider.

General

Colour Cone Attack Decision ma...

Drill to practice attacking from different positions.Set up a grid roughly 20m wide and 15m long with three defenders (yellow) and four attackers (blue). Within the grid place a number of different coloured cones.The attack start with the ball and the coach will shout the colour of a cone, the attack must touch the ball on that cone before they can attack. Once the attack have touched the ball on the cone the defence can start to defend.PROGRESSION:To start with the defence can only move laterally along the try line, then are allowed to move off the try line.

General

1 vs 2 Handling - Rugby Drills...

The aim of the drill is to develop ball carrying in a contact zone.

General

Rugby: 2 vs 1 - Decision Makin...

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

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

2 v 2 Box Sevens - Rugby Drill...

Tell your players the following...... Whichever group of 2 is given the ball becomes the attack, and should attack upon receiving the ball. The opposite group of 2 becomes the defence, and should defend right away. The object of the exercise is for the defence to turn the ball, and for the attack to score a try by cross the defences line and touching the ball down. Dropped balls, knocked on, forward passes etc. are illegal and will be consider a point for the defence. Illegal actions by the defence will be consider a point for the attack. Each group of two should keep their own score. When the attack is over, the ball should be returned to the coach for the next phase. Have more than one training area in order to keep your players as active as possible.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
3 v 2 SESSIONS
View All

Releasing the overlap

Once the overlap has been created, what do we do with it? In this session we look at ways to continue the attack by releasing the ball at the right time!
3 v 2 ANSWERS
View All

what are simple drills for touch rugby...to get ready?

what are simple drills for touch rugby...to get ready for the season?

Archived User Coach

can anyone recommend a good drill for practising the missed pass, besides just passing along a line?

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and IRB Educators.

Archived User Coach

what active coaching games can i use to coach the miss pass?

what active coaching games can i use to coach the ,iss pass to under 10's at a local rugby club

Mitchell Renton Coach, England

We have a new team forming, all of the fowards are novices except for two of us (Prop and Hooker) from a different team helping out. Any drilling advice woud be very appreciated

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and IRB Educators.

Tony Meza Coach, Costa Rica

In what situation is the miss pass best employed

In what situation is the miss pass best employed

Archived User Coach

what drills are there for a 3 v 2 situation?

what drills are there for a 3 v 2 situation?

Archived User Coach

Looking for Lateral pass coaching games

Looking for Lateral pass coaching games

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

I am looking for Loop pass coaching games to improve?

I am looking for Loop pass coaching games to improve my player game.

Archived User Coach

Looking for day 0 skills to teach children?

I am looking for a Day 0 type of session for American children who may have never held a rugby ball. If I move forward with a rugby exhibition/team creation in the neighborhood, I want to make sure I know how/what to teach Day 0. I'm hoping that interest is growing for touch and flag rugby due to the recent in Philadelphia between the USA Eagles and the Maori All Blacks. I was there. It was fantastic. Tickets sold out so fast, I think there will be more of these in the area. Thanks.

Doug Jones Coach, United States of America

progression

How do you make is easier or harder for people that find the drill too demaning/difficult or people that find it too easy

max gardiner Coach, England

detail

do you have a diagram as the video shows 3 v 2 not 4 attackers

Gavin david Harris Coach, England

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 COACHING TRENDS
Pick and Go: Why Low-Volatility Rugby Is Dominating the 2026 Six Nations

Pick and Go: Why Low-Volatility Rugby Is Dominating the 2026 Six Nations

The teams winning in 2026 aren't taking risks - they're grinding out territory with relentless pick-and-go phases. Here's how to coach it.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Smart Mouthguards and Concussion Protocols: Coaching for Player Welfare

Smart Mouthguards and Concussion Protocols: Coaching for Player Welfare

Player safety technology has arrived at every level of rugby. Here's what coaches need to know about smart mouthguards, concussion protocols, and training safely.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Six Nations 2026: Tactical Trends Every Coach Can Steal

Six Nations 2026: Tactical Trends Every Coach Can Steal

From France's collision dominance to England's folding defence - what grassroots coaches can learn from the 2026 Six Nations.

February 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
lineoutruck7under 8defencesevensscrumtag rugbylines of runningfitnessjunior backline drillswarm upruckingtouch rugbypassingtagmaultackletouchtackling

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