Note RED player = 9. GREY player = wing, and the opposite wing [right hand side yellow] is forward of 10.
Ruck Defense
Defending close to the ruck requires organisation. Since you are likely to have different players in position at each ruck, it is always worthwhile reminding you of the players' roles.
Close defence at the ruck
Two players stand either side of the ruck. The closest player to the ruck is the “ROCK”. They stand just by the back foot and ensure no player attacks by the side of the ruck. They will also defend the first channel for any inside pass from the first receiver[FIRST HANDS].
Two players stand either side of the ruck. The closest player to the ruck is the “ROCK”. They stand just by the back foot and ensure no player attacks by the side of the ruck. They will also defend the first channel for any inside pass from the first receiver[FIRST HANDS].
The second player out is the “AXE".
They should stand no more than two arms’ lengths away from the “ROCK”, protecting the outside. They can also double up if an attack comes close into the ruck. There role is to cut-down the first receiver. Ensure AXE aligns on the inside shoulder of FIRST HANDS.
The three point stance
If they have time, players close to rucks could adopt a “three point stance”. This means they make three contact points with the ground, two legs and one arm.
From this stance they are in a good position to drive forward to tackle players close to the ruck. It is based on American Football’s “linemen”.
They should stand no more than two arms’ lengths away from the “ROCK”, protecting the outside. They can also double up if an attack comes close into the ruck. There role is to cut-down the first receiver. Ensure AXE aligns on the inside shoulder of FIRST HANDS.
The three point stance
If they have time, players close to rucks could adopt a “three point stance”. This means they make three contact points with the ground, two legs and one arm.
From this stance they are in a good position to drive forward to tackle players close to the ruck. It is based on American Football’s “linemen”.
Winning through defence
There is more to a defensive strategy than making big hits. Here are some things to think about and rugby coaching tips to help you plan your strategy.
Numbers
As a team, we advocate committing only two players to any defensive ruck.Once the ruck is DEAD, only one player should stay and be a pest by trying to disrupt the ruck.
We need to balance trying to disrupt good possession by contesting the ruck, with leaving enough players spread across the field to provide adequate defensive cover elsewhere. The PEST can call BLITZ if he feels the team with possession are weak in the ruck and could easily turn the ball over. The ROCKS can join the PEST to drive over the ruck when hearing the BLITZ call.
Generally, however, committing more than two or three players to a defensive ruck is unnecessary. The extra player arriving at a ruck is unlikely to make much difference, due to the amount of bodies around the ball and leaves an overlap in the defensive line.
Defenders need to know where and when to look up and look ahead to make sure they are covering all the opposition's attacking options.
The ROCKs must communicate the HOLD and UP to their team so that the defensive line can scan.
The temptation in defence is for players to look at the ball at the back of the breakdown and not at what is in front of them. The ROCKS will look at the ball and communicate to their defensive line to advance.
If the AXE and other players watch the ball at the base of the ruck, it often leads to them not noticing what the opposition attackers are doing. In turn this can lead to overlaps or defenders being caught out of position.
If the AXE and other players watch the ball at the base of the ruck, it often leads to them not noticing what the opposition attackers are doing. In turn this can lead to overlaps or defenders being caught out of position.
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| 1 and 3 are the ROCKS |
The picture shows a typical defensive formation from a ruck. In 10s we would move the 9 into the defensive line rather than having them behind the ruck.
The two defenders immediately round the ruck (as marked 1 and 3) watch the ball at the base. They are in charge of telling the defensive line when to move up.
These players need to be vocal and observant as the rest of the defenders rely on their judgement.
The rest of the players have to focus on their opposite man and scan the players on either side of him. Tell them not to ball-watch but trust the call of the players inside them.
The two defenders immediately round the ruck (as marked 1 and 3) watch the ball at the base. They are in charge of telling the defensive line when to move up.
These players need to be vocal and observant as the rest of the defenders rely on their judgement.
The rest of the players have to focus on their opposite man and scan the players on either side of him. Tell them not to ball-watch but trust the call of the players inside them.
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