......from bob woods coaching pages see the links page for this link and other useful league links
Ruck Play or try them as back plays........
The Wedge or 2nd Man Ruck Play
involves Runner 1 (the inside) runner being slightly ahead of Runner 2 (the outside runner).
Runner 1 times his run to hit the advantage line so that the Dummy Half can throw a flat pass behind him to the second runner. Runner 1 runs an Unders line against Defender A. By calling for the ball and running the Unders he should attract the attention of A. He continues his run to block the chasing Marker.
Runner 2 mirrors #1's run and the Dummy Half passes behind #1 (wedge) to runner 2. Runner 2 is trying to get in behind the A defender.Make sure that Runner 2 is not too wide. If he is too wide he will be running straight at Defender B.
The Shoot or Face Ball
involves Runner 1 (the inside) runner being slightly behind Runner 2 (the outside runner).
Runner 2 times his run so that the Dummy Half can throw a flat pass in front of the decoy runner (#1) to hit him at the advantage line. Runner 2 should mirror runner 1's change of angle.
Runner 1 must sell the decoy run to the defence by having his hands up and calling for the ball. He continues his run to block the chasing Marker.Make sure that Runner 2 is not too wide. If he is too wide he will be running straight at Defender B.
The Guts run
The Guts run is used as a settler or to keep a roll on going. The player running the guts run hits the ball flat on the advantage line and runs an Unders line against Defender B.
The Guts run should follow a fast play the ball, while the defence is still recovering. A quick Guts run can keep the defence on the back foot and draw defenders into the middle - opening up opportunities wider out.
The drop off
Player 2 runs an Overs line against his defender.Player 3 intitially runs at the outside defender, but then changes to run the inside angle.Player 2 drops off the ball to player 3 running the inside angle.
The hangThe ball runner (2) runs an Unders angle against his defender.The Hang Player (3) is hidden behind #2 and when #2 changes angle, #3 runs into gap.Player 4 runs an Overs angle on the outside defender to try to widen the gap for the Hang Runner (3).
