Mastering the Offload: Contact Skills and Support Play

1. Overview

Keeping the ball alive through contact is one of the most effective ways to break down a well-organised defence. The offload forces defenders to react to secondary threats rather than resetting their defensive line, creating overlaps and line breaks. This drill is designed to teach players the technical requirements of the offload—specifically body height, ball presentation, and spatial awareness—while simultaneously training support players to run effective, anticipatory lines.

Use this drill when your team is struggling to generate momentum in the tight exchanges or when players are becoming isolated in contact. It bridges the gap between individual contact skills and collective attacking continuity.

2. Setup

To run this session effectively, you will need a marked channel and clear starting positions for both attackers and defenders. The initial setup requires a 40m x 30m grid, divided into three distinct zones: Attack, Contact, and Support.

Equipment Needed

• 12-15 marker cones (preferably two different colours to mark zones)
• 3-4 rugby balls
• Tackle shields or hit shields (optional for early progressions)
• Bibs for defenders

Pitch Setup and Player Positions

Set up a grid 40 metres long by 30 metres wide. Place start cones at the 0m line. Mark a 'Contact Zone' between the 10m and 30m lines using different coloured cones.

Assign players to the following roles:

• Ball Carrier (No. 8): Starts at the edge of the contact zone.
• Scrum Half / Feeder (No. 9): Positioned behind the ball carrier to initiate the drill.
• Support Runners (No. 12 & No. 13): Positioned on either side of the ball carrier, ready to react.
• Defenders (D1 & D2): Positioned inside the contact zone, ready to apply pressure.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Feed: The Scrum Half (9) initiates the drill by passing the ball to the Ball Carrier (8), who is accelerating towards the Contact Zone.
2. The Approach: The Ball Carrier must square up the primary defender (D1), attacking their inside or outside shoulder to dictate the terms of the collision.
3. The Contact: As the Ball Carrier engages D1, they must drop their body height, sink their hips, and drive through the tackle, keeping the ball secure in two hands.
4. The Scan: Upon taking the impact, the Ball Carrier keeps their eyes up and scans for the support runners (12 and 13).
5. The Offload: The Ball Carrier extends their free arm (the one furthest from the defender) and rotates their torso to deliver a sympathetic pop pass to the arriving support player.
6. The Support Run: The support players must read the collision, adjust their depth, and accelerate onto the ball at pace, communicating their position clearly (e.g., "Left!" or "Right!").

4. Key Coaching Points

• Win the Collision First: An offload is only effective if the ball carrier wins the initial contact. Emphasise leg drive and low body height before attempting the pass.
• Two Hands on the Ball: The ball carrier must enter contact with the ball in two hands. This protects the ball and keeps the defender guessing whether a pass or a carry is coming.
• Eyes Up: The ball carrier must keep their head up through the contact to identify where the space is and where their support is arriving.
• Sympathetic Passing: The offload should be a soft, sympathetic 'pop' into the space for the support runner to accelerate onto, not a bullet pass.
• Anticipatory Support: Support players must read the body language of the ball carrier. If the carrier is dominating the collision, the support should be flat and fast; if the carrier is static, the support should be deeper to offer a safe outlet.

5. Common Mistakes

• Forcing the Offload: Players often try to offload when the tackle is dominant or the ball is wrapped up, leading to turnovers. Teach players to accept the tackle and present the ball if the offload isn't clearly on.
• Poor Body Height: Entering contact too upright allows the defender to wrap the ball and the arms, killing the offload opportunity immediately.
• Over-running the Carrier: Support players often get too flat or run ahead of the ball carrier, forcing a forward pass or taking themselves out of the play.
• Throwing Blind: Passing without looking, hoping a support player is there, frequently results in interceptions or knock-ons.

6. Variations & Progressions

Once the basic mechanics are established, increase the complexity and match-specificity of the drill.

Progression 1: 3v2 Channel Attack

Introduce a wider channel and a second defender. The attacking trio (12, 13, and a close support player like a Flanker, 6) must manipulate the two defenders. The ball carrier (12) engages D1, while the support players offer an inside option (Option B) and a wide option (Option A). This forces the ball carrier to make a decision based on the movement of D2.

Progression 2: Live Scenario - The Chain Offload

Transition to a larger, full-pitch scenario (e.g., starting from a ruck on the 22m line). This progression focuses on stringing multiple offloads together. The initial carrier (8) offloads to a forward (7), who immediately seeks to offload to a back (12) arriving at pace. This requires rapid realignment and continuous communication from the support players.

7. Age Adaptations

• Under 8s to Under 10s: Focus entirely on the concept of 'passing out of the tackle' rather than full contact. Use two-handed touch or tag rules. Emphasise running into space and popping the ball to a teammate.
• Under 12s to Under 14s: Introduce tackle shields. The ball carrier hits the shield, drives for two steps, and then pops the ball to a support runner. Focus on the 'two hands on the ball' and 'eyes up' coaching points.
• Under 16s to Open/Senior: Run the drill live with full contact. Introduce decision-making elements where defenders are instructed to either chop tackle (allowing the offload) or wrap the ball (forcing the carrier to go to ground).