Practice Technique

Clearing the ruck and contesting possession

DC100/200/300

Primary Cleaner versus the Jackal

The Primary Cleaner is the first player of the attacking side arriving at the break-down.

The Jackal is the player of the defensive side contesting the possession of the ball.

The DominantContact range emphasize the correct practice techique and conditioning of both the Cleaner(s) and the Jackal.

Emphasis is on dynamic low body-angle and leg-drive.

Not only is the DominantContact range the only equipment that can simulate the contact, but all seven techinques can be applied.

Clearing the Ruck

Notes

  • - Body should be in a full forward squad position before the contact; 
  • - Head-position very important;
  • - Eyes on the target;
  • Aeroplanes lifting-off movement in the contact;
  • Short steps; and
  • Use momentum
  • Stay on or get back to feet as soon as possible

 

Techniques

 1. Frontal Clear

The square positioning of the Jackal results in a square engagement.

2. Pile-drive

The side-on positioning of the Jackal results that leg and arm are visible before engagement.

3. Drag-down

The Jackal has already his hands on the ball, making it difficult to clear him without conceding a penalty.

4. Rotation-in-Contact

Contesting player is already in a position to poach the ball, but does not have his hands on it yet.

Other techniques

 5. The Slap

6. Tin-opener

Not only is the DominantContact range the only equipment that can simulate the contact, but all techinques can be applied.

Contesting the Breakdown

The Jackal

Emphasis on joining the tackle through the 'gate' and contesting or slowing down possession.

Techniques

  1. The Flop-over
  2. All-fours
  3. The Slide
  4. The Grapple

CARRYING THE BALL

DC100/200

Primary Ball Carrier

Pre-contact

The emphasis is to avoid the contact or to minimise contact. The DC100 is being simulates the shoulders of the defender (when held horizontal). The primary ball-carrier then uses evasive techniques to minimise the impact of the contact. It improves the vision and instinctive decision-making of the ball-carrier through the replication of the actions of the defender in a game-speed training environment.

Techniques

 Emphasis is on dynamic low body-angle, leg-drive, protecting and presenting the ball dynamically in the tackle.

1. Square Presentation

This is the traditional of coaching ball presentation. Knee, hip, then shoulder with head-to-toe position parallel to goal-line.

2. Long Body

Head-to-toe position parallel to touchline with maximum distance between ball and defenders.

3. Roll-over

Player using his momentum to roll-over to ensure he buys time for his supporting players.

4. Scissors

Player drop down on the ball but present the ball by turning on his side and place one leg across the ball.

5. Squeeze

Player drop down on the ball, then returns to his knees and presenting it between his feet, through his knees.

 

DEFENDING

DC300

Primary defender

Emphasis is on dynamic low body-angle, leg-drive and returning as fast as possible to your feet after completion of the tackle to contest the possession.

Techniques

1. Frontal tackle

2.Side tackle

3.Rear tackle

4. Angled tackle

5. Wrap-up  tackle (use to counter pick and drive);

6. The Sack(use to stop the maul) 

7. Wet-weather tackle

8. The Hip-toss

Notes

Each coach will have his own philosophy coaching the tackle. However, the tackle is only completed when the tackler prevent to off-load of the ball, return to his feet and contest the the ball. The DC300 give the primary defender the opportunity to improve his technique and instinctive awareness to contest the ball in the tackle.

Other exercises for the DC300

  1. Line outs simulation
  2. Counter ruck simulation