Rugby: defence down

I recently received this in my "inbox"%3A Building a Flat Line Defence System Dear Rugby Coach, Whether your in the northern hemisphere and winding down for this season, or maybe already planning for next, or your in the southern hemisphere and the new season has just begun, this week we are pleased to present the workings of a Flat Line Defensive System. The following is the principles of how the system is implemented, Full Members can download the training drills to coach the system with their team. Upgrade to full access today. When teaching any defensive formation, you must always consider, how it works both in open play / set-pieces and from the breakdown, and that all players understand the roles they play. Priniciples for Open Play Key pointsThe make sure you choose the system to fit playing strength%3A Either IN-2-OUT or OUT-2-IN. Considering using INSIDE-2-OUT Midfield Gain-Line never broken. Surrender very wide attack to cover defence. Offensive 2m tackles. Pendulum wide cover. Huge communication requirements. Step-in System. Up and Drift. Forgive me but I haven't got a scooby do (clue) what the above means - please could the technobabble be explained (maybe we should start a dictionary of coaching terms?)

Describe a 'step-up' or 'big hit' tackle. How would you coach it, what is the technique and what are the key factors technically?

How can I improve my tackling? I'm new to the game this year, and I had a couple of injuries to my shoulder and ribs early on which held me back somewhat. I was diving in and making good hits before- now as I approach being fully fit again I have found if I hit a player running at me with my shoulder around hip-height, I make good contact, but fail to get the wrap with the arms, and often don't bring the man down. On bigger lads I've tried hitting as low as possible, but often end up with one leg, sometimes two, and very low, still not getting the desired effect.... So, depending on the size of the opponent, where should I be hitting with the shoulder? Hips, knees, or other? And any tips on getting the wrap right? Thanks

Not sure if this question has been asked...but is drift defence REALLY the BEST way to combat the fullback entering the line?

Hi, I have an enquiry about the post lineout rules. A lineout jumper successfully catches the ball, returns to the ground and precceds to maul. The defending team has three options to put (1)leverage against with defending maul, to (2) attack the main front men of the maul but also I heard on this weekends commentary there is a (3)dragging down. When the lineout jumper is returning to the ground it seems the defending team can hold the jumper as long as no pressure is excerted and when they hit the floor the defending team can tackle him (drag him to the ground) stopping the maul. Is this right and if so are there further rules governing this that i cannot yet find? I have read the IRB 2009 laws but still i have no answer. Many Thanks

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Flanker protecting the Scrum Half? How can a Flanker protect the Scrum-Half at a scrum without holding on to the oppositions Scrum Half? Also any advice for an Openside flanker on tackling the fly-half from scrums?

I assume the key factors to be looking at the ball, get in line with the trajectory, reach for the ball and cradle, sideways stance. Is that right?

My son has played all season U9's on the wing and has now be brought into a inside centre role. What are the key differences he needs to make to be successful in his new position

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Making the full-back position an attractive proposition. Often over-looked, the full-back position is a vital player in anyones team if he is used and brought into the game. Does anyone have any technical/positional material to coach prospective players in this position?

Why is it important to get players to score the try when completing a handling/running drill?

I have started an under 10s team up, and I would say about 8 from the 13 children I have , did not play rugby until about 6 months ago. Of these players, there seems to be a lot of potential, as we are scoring tries against teams, that very rarely concede tries.the problem I got with them, is that we are very poor at organising our selves in defense when the opposition has the ball, which does result in us conceding quite a few tries. We have some very good tacklers in the team. Can anyone offer some ideas on how I can get them to organise themselves? Thanks . Chris.

Getting quite frustrated that my u10's are not using the space on the pitch and tend to bunch up. Despite various drills and game scenarios to force them to spread out and pass to someone in space they revert in any game to bunching up around the ball and taking it back into the thick of the opposition rather than looking left or right! Any ideas how to change their ways?

Hi. Please let me have your input. 15-a-side Boys. Whose responsibility is it to tackle a player that cuts into the backline? Lets say the attacking team's FB cuts in between the C's , should my inside C then go for the tackle? We have sweepers (usually the SH and no 8) to cover breaks.

Hey, what are good exercises / drills to exercise team dedense when you have only one team? thanks