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Drift Defense Drill

Description

Small-sided drill focusing on defensive drift technique and communication.

Purpose

Improve understanding of drift mechanics and teamwork in defense.

Learning Outcomes

  • When to use drift when in an outnumbered situation
  • Proper body positioning and angling
  • Communication cues

Equipment

  • Cones
  • Balls

Setup

  • 15 x 20m playing area
  • Use cones to mark player starting positions and boundaries
  • Coach plays scrum half to initiate play

Drift Setup

Instructions

  1. Divide players into two teams: Attackers (3) and Defenders (2).
  2. Attackers start with the ball and attempt to advance towards the try line.
  3. Defenders work together to drift and cover the attacking players.
  4. Coach plays the ball to the attackers to start the drill.
  5. Defenders must communicate and adjust their positioning as the attackers move.
  6. Rotate players after a set time or number of plays.

Drift Drill

Coaching Points

  • First defender should focus on the ball carrier while the second defender provides cover.
  • First defender should target inside shoulder of the ball carrier to force them wide.
  • Second defender should be ready to support and cover any gaps targetting support runner's outside shoulder.
  • Defenders should be ready to slide off attacking players as passes are made or be ready to tackle if attack straightens up.
  • Concede ground if outnumbered but maintain defensive structure.