Rugby: "ABC" Gap Defense

Description

Setup:

-4 cones in the middle to simulate a ruck 

-3 cones outside both sides of the ruck to set A,B,C gaps

- 6 offensive players (3,3) and rest on defense in groups of 3 

On the whistle the defensive players will fill ABC gaps, A being filled first, and be in a low stance. A gap is in a 3 point stance with outside foot forward. Defensive cadence is loud and synchronized; set, set, set.. 

Scrum 1/2 will relese the ball to the O who are set up in 1 of 2 ways. Ball is trying to get through the hands fast to the outside OR lead player trys to manipulate D to open a hole for the 2 line runners. 

Defense moves to offense and the defense alternates L & R sides. 

Coaching points

• Tight wall defense filling A gap first 
• Defensive cadence, up flat as one 
• Ball security in contact