Wrap multiple layers onto your defensive system There are plenty of recognised defensive systems in rugby, from the often imitated rush defence, to the drift, the slide, the umbrella, the cut in and out, and of course the at times difficult but always effective man on man “hit system”. The latter is probably the closest description to the All Blacks defence, one that knows that their fellow man will make the tackle, a system driven by Mana and a fierce determination from every part of the chain, that every man who makes the tackle, will be the strongest link. BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS A LAYER? Most defensive systems by their very nature have at least two layers. Some, such as a hang back drift or slide defence, can ultimately have five or six players (tacklers), as the entire defensively line sweeps initially almost that it becomes vertical – before charging across in a series of horizontal layers – shutting down the illusion of space in the middle of the field. (See diagram below) One of the principal layers of defence is that of the halfback and fullback, again pending on your system. However before we start going into some other details, remember the key with every defence. KISS. Overly complicated systems will lead to confusion and ultimately hesitation – which is the worst enemy of any defensive system. The finest tackling lines move with purpose and intent, which comes from players knowing exactly what they need to do. You want your defence to be instinctive, almost automatic. But remember for now we are talking about layers, the secondary element of defence, and the contingencies that are in place for missed tackles. So back to halfback and fullback then. The number nine often acts in a sweeper role, hanging off initial defensive duties where possible, thus enabling a potentially quick pounce if there is turnover ball. Their role is also to act as an ‘immediate line’ that is a halfback hanging back off the ruck will often be called into action if the ball carrier breaks the tight defence around the breakdown. A fullback is the ‘last line’, who will track play and be in position should a kick or attacking player come into their team’s half. However sometimes, by either design or chance, the number 15 is the ‘second to last line’ as they often cause the ball carrier to hesitate or shift. This enables the activation of another line, the quick switch. The quick switch is not common but is reserved for a player quick on their feet, quite often an opposite wing who will often stand with their back to the touchline. This enables them to hang off an attacking play, usually an important measure if the fullback has been called into the offensive line, and the back to the touchline aspect means this player won’t have to waste that precious second turning around. ARE THERE OTHER LAYERS THAT CAN BE APPLIED? - The non-hitting defensive line. That is a wave of players appearing to move into defence that actually create an effect without tackling. This can be cutting down space, rushing up causing hurried option taking, or just causing general hesitation in the attacking line. - Don’t forget a roaming loose forward, often the preferred layer on defence in the modern game. Station your openside or blindside to a point that they can come in, often undetected, as a shock element on your defensive play. - Having a tight forward hanging off the ruck menacingly by a few metres is a nice layer, mopping up the work of his fellow mates in the tight. - The opposite wing, if not being used in a ‘quick switch’ play, is often a tracking layer for defence. - Depending on the effectiveness of your initial defence, say for example your tight forwards, then there is nothing to prevent the coaching brain’s trust to establish what is almost a full second layer of defence. Again, don’t get over elaborate. In a perfect world, a layered defence is only needed in principle, for if it is called into action, it means that a first up tackler has missed. However this is a scenario you must be prepared for. Few sides in history have gone an entire match without missing a single tackle. (Getty Images)
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 18:00:01 +0000
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