Offloading Under Pressure: The Dynamic Contact Drill

Setup

• Area: 20m x 20m grid, divided into four 10m x 10m boxes.
• Players: 8 players (can be adapted for 6-12). Split into two teams of 4. Each team has two attackers and two defenders in each box? Actually, simpler: Set up two adjacent 10m x 10m boxes. In each box, place 2 attackers and 1 defender. Two additional players act as support runners on the sides.
• Equipment: 2 rugby balls (one per box), 8 cones to mark grids, 4 tackle bags (optional for progression).
• Set up: Mark two 10m x 10m boxes side by side with a 5m gap between them. Place a cone at each corner. Have attackers start at one end of each box, defenders in the middle. Support players stand outside the boxes on the sides, ready to receive offloads.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Organise groups: Divide players into two groups of 4. In each group, designate 2 attackers, 1 defender, and 1 support player. The support player starts outside the box on the side.
2. Start the drill: On your whistle, the first attacker in each box runs forward with the ball. The defender advances to make a tackle.
3. Engage contact: The attacker must engage the defender, using proper technique: get low, drive with legs, and keep the ball in two hands. The defender attempts a controlled tackle (not full contact if players are young; use touch or grab).
4. Offload decision: As the attacker feels the tackle, they must decide whether to offload or go to ground. If the support player is in a good position, the attacker offloads out of the tackle to the support player.
5. Support player action: The support player must time their run to receive the offload at pace, then immediately attack the opposite end of the box, scoring a try by grounding the ball beyond the cone line.
6. Rotation: After each attempt, rotate roles: attacker becomes defender, defender becomes support, support becomes attacker. Ensure all players experience each role.
7. Progression: After a few minutes, add a second defender to increase pressure, or allow the offload to a second support player who has entered the box.
8. Continuous play: Keep the drill flowing; have balls ready to restart quickly. Aim for 4-5 minutes of continuous work per group, then switch groups.

Coaching Points

• Body positioning: Attackers should get low and use a strong base to maintain balance in contact. Keep the ball in two hands, away from the defender's reach.
• Timing of offload: Offload just before or as the tackle is completed, not after. The pass should be short and accurate, often a pop pass.
• Support lines: Support players must communicate and run at pace, targeting the space just behind the tackle. They should be ready to catch the ball and immediately accelerate.
• Decision making: Attackers must assess the defender's position and the support player's availability. If the offload isn't on, they should secure the ball and present it.
• Defensive pressure: Defenders should apply realistic pressure but not dangerous tackles. Focus on technique: head to the side, wrap arms, and drive.
• Scanning: Attackers should scan before contact to identify support and space.

Common Mistakes

• Offloading too late: Attackers often try to offload after they've been stopped, leading to a knock-on or turnover. Emphasise offloading before momentum is lost.
• Poor support angles: Support players run too flat or too deep, making the offload difficult. They should run from depth at an angle to receive the ball.
• Telegraphing the offload: Attackers look directly at the support player, alerting the defender. Use peripheral vision and disguise.
• Defenders tackling too hard: In a drill, defenders should control the tackle to allow safe offloading practice. Remind them to focus on technique, not power.
• Static play: Players standing still after the offload. The support player must immediately attack, and the offloader should get back to their feet to continue.

Progressions & Variations

• Progression 1: Add a second defender to the box, creating a 2v2 situation. Attackers must draw both defenders and offload to a support player who enters the box.
• Progression 2: Allow full contact (with appropriate safety gear) and introduce a ruck if the offload isn't made. This teaches decision-making between offloading and setting up a ruck.
• Progression 3: Increase the size of the box to 15m x 15m, giving attackers more space but also more time for defenders to react.
• Variation 1: Offload to a specific player: designate one support player who must receive the offload, encouraging communication and timing.
• Variation 2: Use tackle bags instead of live defenders for younger or less experienced players. Attackers practice the technique of offloading while a coach holds the bag.
• Variation 3: Add a time limit: attackers must score within 10 seconds, encouraging quick decisions and offloads.
• Variation 4: Offload in a 3v2: Three attackers against two defenders, with one attacker acting as a distributor who can offload to either of the other two.