GROUP TOUCH

DESCRIPTION

Aim: This game develops players’ abilities to attack wide spaces. The focus of the game is to develop accurate hand catch and pass skills, running lines and spatial awareness

Description:

• 14-18 players
• When a player from the attacking team is touched, all defenders must run in and group around the ball carrier, touching the defender next to them
• On the coach’s signal, the touched attacker plays the ball and the attack aim to beat the defence
• The ball is turned over once the attack has had 4 phases or if the ball goes to ground

COACHING POINTS

Key Coaching Points:

1. Ensure accurate passing by transferring the ball between waist and chest and finishing with hands posting to the target
2. Ensure early hand catch by stretching hands and chest towards passer, with fingers spread and elbows relaxed
3. Look to the catch the ball whilst running, rather than static, to prevent the defence moving forward
4. Preserve space on the outside by running straight, rather than drifting, to fix the defence.

Progressions:

• Coach can speed up play by letting some defenders stay wide to change where the space is
• Attacker must present the ball accurately when touched with a scrum half coming in to pass the ball
• Vary the phases when the defence has to ‘group’. Eg. every two phases, on the coaches signal etc.

Regressions:

• Give the attack more players so the defence have to work harder to cover the space