Contents Legal notices
2
Credits
3
Foreword
4
Contributors
5
How to attack
6
How to defend
16
Tactics
24
Set pieces
30
A world class session in two hours
40
Coaching a tournament
46
The manager
50
Laws
55
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
1
Legal notices Disclaimer Whilst the editor and publisher have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and above all safety of the information and advice contained in this publication, and have gathered the information from sources believed to be reliable, Green Star Media Ltd makes no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the information, and is not responsible for any errors or omissions. In no event will Green Star Media Ltd, its affiliates or other suppliers be liable for direct, special, incidental, or consequential damages (including, without limitation, damages for personal injury or related claims) arising directly or indirectly from the use of (or failure to use) the information in this publication, even if Green Star Media Ltd has been advised of the possibility that such damages may arise.
Copyright notice This publication is protected by national and international copyright laws. No part of it may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical (including photocopying), recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission from Green Star Media Ltd. Green Star Media Ltd will take legal action against any individuals or organisations found to be infringing its rights, and will make that action public. Purchasers of this publication may circulate electronic or hard copies only to members of their own club or school, provided this is done without commercial gain. However, no part or whole of this publication may be circulated elsewhere or displayed on any website or distributed commercially except under licence from the copyright owners. Green Star Media Ltd will pay a £250 reward for information leading to the successful legal prosecution against individuals or organisations copying or republishing this information in any format, including websites and bulletin boards. Your confidentiality is guaranteed.
© 2010 Green Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Green Star Media Ltd is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998. No: Z5287130
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
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Credits Author
Colin Hillman
Editor
Dan Cottrell
Design, cover & illustrations
Artlife
Production
Julie Lifton
Customer services
Duncan Heard
Finance manager
Julie Heathorn
Publisher
Junaid Khawaja
Operations director
Toby Curthoys
Managing director
Andrew Griffiths
Green Star Media Ltd Meadow View, Tannery Lane, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0AB, United Kingdom. T: +44 (0)1483 892894 F: +44 (0)1483 894148 Email: info@greenstarmedia.net
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
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Foreword When Dan Cottrell first contacted Colin with the concept of putting together a comprehensive and in depth guide to sevens rugby, an excited Colin contacted me immediately to tell me the news. Dan knew only too well of our love for the game and so we all started to gather ideas for the project. Dan initially met with Colin several times and started to collate all of his Wales and Samurai Sevens coaching notes and thoughts together. Colin and I discussed the contents whenever we met but unfortunately, as is often the case, our day jobs got in the way and the idea was put on hold. In May 2009 Colin’s illness had really taken hold and it was then that we decided to kick‐start the project, so that Colin would be able to see all of his work reach publication. Dan started to convert Colin’s notes and thought’s into a book format. I started to meet with as many of our fellow World Sevens Series contacts and coaches that we had been with on the sevens circuit over the years. Everyone I approached were honoured to be associated with the manual as they all had the utmost respect for Colin both as a coach and as an individual. Coaches such as Mike Friday, Ben Ryan, Gordon Tietjens, Paul John, Joe Lydon, Paul Treu, Stephen Gemmell were all happy to have input. After my initial discussions they passed their ideas and thoughts onto Dan to continue the process. Alas, Colin passed away on July 2nd 2009 and was unable to see the final draft, but both he and his wife Janine were aware of the book’s progress at the time he died. Colin will never be forgotten and this publication filled with Colin’s own views on how the game of sevens should be played, will help people to know what great rugby knowledge he had. Coaches and players will gain an in depth knowledge of the game of sevens from this book and in years to come, will remember where that knowledge came from. Colin was my closest friend, he had tremendous enthusiasm and passion for life right up to the difficult days he endured. He was a real gentleman who had time for everyone. Anyone that spent time in his company was enriched with his friendship and enthusiasm. As Colin used to say: No what ifs, no if onlys, no regrets!
Terry Sands, former England Sevens manager, and founder of Samurai International, RFC
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Contributors About the author Colin Hillman was associated with rugby throughout his life winning international caps for Welsh Schools and Welsh Youth before going on to captain the senior Wales sevens team. For most of his senior playing career he was hooker for the Bridgend Ravens but also played for the Barbarians, Swansea and South Wales Police. After his playing days he turned to coaching and eventually became the Director of Rugby at the Bridgend Ravens. However, it was his role as a coach in the sevens arena that many will remember him for. He coached the Wales sevens team for many years and was still the WRU Sevens Technical Advisor during their infamous win at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai March 2009, and up until the time of his death in 2009. He was a familiar and well respected figure on the sevens circuit, coaching the Samurai International Invitation team on many occasions. Away from rugby, Colin worked as a South Wales Police Officer and served for a significant part of his career as a South Wales Police Armed Response Officer.
About the editor Dan Cottrell is the author of many rugby coaching books and DVDs. He is also editor of Better Rugby Coaching, the twice weekly, free rugby coaching ezine. He is a practising RFU Level 3 coach, a WRU course tutor, assistant coach for the Welsh Women’s team and a skills coach with the Young Ospreys.
Acknowledgements The editor would like to thank Terry Sands of Samurai Sportswear for his enormous energy and drive to help complete this book. He was instrumental in helping put this book together by finding many of the coaches who happily gave their assistance. Terry and Dan would particularly like to thank Mike Friday, who has been very generous with his time. We would also like to thank: Gordon Tietjens (New Zealand coach), Paul Treu (South Africa coach), Ben Ryan (England coach), Paul John (Welsh coach), Stephen Gemmell (Scotland coach), Joe Lydon (former England coach, now Welsh Rugby Union Head of Rugby Performance & Development), Russell Earnshaw (England forwards coach), Daniel Connelly (editor of rugbysevensguru.com), Liam Middleton (former head coach of Zimbabwe), Wayne Barnes (IRB international referee), Billy Millard (former head coach of Australia), Simon Amor (former England Sevens captain), John Elliot (former international Sevens team manager).
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How to attack You need to change the mindset of your players to let them express themselves in an attacking environment where there are fewer defenders. However, they should have a structure to play within and need to understand when to run, pass and kick.
Introduction
7
Developing the non‐negotiable attacking tactics
8
• Stretch their defensive line
• Keep testing their drift defence
• Always be a threat with the ball
• Work as a three man attacking unit
• No 50:50 passes / 100% offloads
• If isolated, always go forward
• Clear the ball from the pressure area
• Never cut back into the pressure area
Taking contact
11
12
Switch kick to counter their sweeper
12
Individual skills in attack
• Ball carrier
• First support player
• Second support player
Kicking
• Evasion
• Offloads
• Spin passing
• Chip and chase
Attacking tactics
12
14
15
• Mike Friday on using a compressed attack
• Advantages of using a compressed attack
• Pull the defence
• Key points for the attacking players
Sequence plays
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How to attack
Introduction
Non-negotiable team tactics
Each individual needs to understand his roles and responsibilities in attack. They ultimately are based on how the team wants to attack. Team tactics are the plays and moves used during the game. Before you decide on the attack tactics, you must decide on your philosophy: how your team will play the game.
There are eight principles that your attacking team must follow to win games. Whatever way you decide to play the game, your players need to follow these points. They are non‐negotiable.
Different ways to play the game Your strengths Physical Skilful
Speed
Examples of style of play Attack through the middle, use offloads Avoid contact, use moves, keep possession, two men only into the contact area to retain the ball Keep a narrow spacing, move the ball quickly to your fast men, kick and chase
Work hard to keep in support of every break
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1. Stretch their defensive line.
2. Keep testing their drift defence.
3. Always be a threat with the ball.
4. Work as a three man attacking unit.
5. No 50:50 passes / 100% offloads.
6. If isolated, always go forward.
7. Clear the ball from the pressure area.
8. Never cut back into the pressure area.
How to attack
Developing the nonnegotiable attacking tactics 1.
Testing the drift defence 1.
Stretch their defensive line
Use the width of the pitch to stretch their frontal defence. Attack from deep to create pace onto the ball and make it easier to identify the spaces.
2.
Note that this does not mean your team has to spread out. You can either “fill the field” with your players, or keep them close together. The receiver should test the inside defender by attacking his inside shoulder and then fixing him, before thinking about passing inside back to the original passer. If the defence has been slow to drift, then there is a gap down the middle.
Stretching the defensive line 1.
SPACE
SPACE
SPACE
SPACE
SPACE
2.
SPACE
Create spaces in their defensive line by either spreading out in attack, so the defenders have space between them, or by compressing, so there is space on the outsides for your faster players to exploit.
2.
Keep testing their drift defence
The inside defender, the player who is not opposite the ball carrier, needs to be constantly tested. Most defending teams will drift across the field when the ball is passed to cover the overload of players. The ball carrier should be looking for a runner on his inside just in case the drifting defender does not fill in. Get your fast men into space
By testing their drift, your attack can look to break their chain of defence down the middle. They can exploit a weak or slower player in the line with a step, or inside pass.
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How to attack
3.
Always be a threat with the ball
4. Work as a three man attacking unit Every ball carrier works with two players: the previous ball carrier and the potential receiver. These support players need to react to the contact area. One player will be the ball winner, the next player the ball user. You might use two ball winners, depending on your plan for that game.
Fix the defender before passing 1.
2.
The ball carrier must fix the defender before passing, and then only run in support once he has passed the ball.
Make their defence work harder by fixing the defender before the pass. Even if he is some distance from the defender, by simply moving forward at pace the ball carrier will momentarily hold the defender.
The first player clears the threat, the next player clears the ball Three man attacking unit
All players should support their pass. Though the mindset is to work hard off the ball, the ball carrier can only be a threat if he is attacking the defensive line. To do this successfully, he needs support players close by.
1.
2.
The first player into contact works hard to stay on his feet. The next closest player, who might be the passer, wins the ball back. The third player uses the ball or helps win it back.
Hold the ball in two hands and attack the defender
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How to attack
5.
No 50:50 passes / 100% offloads
7.
There is no reason to panic when in possession of the ball by throwing wild passes. If necessary, the ball carrier can take contact, create an offside line and set up a situation for the team to play through the phases.
Clear the ball from the pressure area
A pressure area is where there is a direct contest for the ball. This could be a lineout, scrum or tackle contest. If you are in possession of the ball in the pressure area, then move it away quickly, preferably with two passes.
Create an offside line 1.
2.
OFFSIDE LINE
If the pass is blocked, then the ball carrier should not throw a speculative pass. Instead, he aims to take contact on his own terms. As the ruck is formed, so is an offside line. The defenders who were in the way of a pass now have to get back onside.
6.
Pass away from the contact area where the defenders are most likely to be
If isolated, always go forward
8. Never cut back into the pressure area
There are going to be times when the ball carrier finds no one to pass to. To be effective in maintaining possession he should go forward, keep strong and wait for support. He might break the tackle, but otherwise he should fight to stay on his feet.
Any switch of play must be made into space and away from pressure. Most of the space is away from the pressure area.
If he remains strong, he should be able to create a target for the support and create an offside line.
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
Avoid switching play in the middle of the field too often because it simply runs the ball back into the drift defence.
10
How to attack
Taking contact Players will have to take contact at some stage. Sometimes there is a good reason to take contact, for instance, to regain control of the game by creating an offside line.
Stages of contact 1.
Ball carrier
The ball carrier should “fight” to the ground. He should not be an easy tackle. He should stay on his feet, aiming to win the contact at all times.
Be dynamic over the tackled player
2.
There are three main ways to place the ball out of the tackle: 1. 2. 3.
First support player
Be dynamic over the ball in contact
Squeeze ball. Place the ball through the legs, with the shoulders and head down the field (this is not allowed at Under 18 rugby and below). Jack knife. Twist the body sharply, so that the ball is placed as far towards the ball carrier’s team as possible. Outside the tackle. Instead of placing the ball, the ball is rolled away from the tackle area.
The ball carrier needs to make the decision about which method is right for him in the moment of the contact.
The best players at the breakdown protect the ball in an active position to deal with the threats as they arrive. They keep their heads up, bodies dynamic to drive forward into opposition players challenging for the ball.
The first support player to the contact area needs to scan for threats. He needs to: 1. 2.
Legally bridge over the ball carrier. Wipe out immediate threats.
His decision is helped by communication from the second support player.
3. Fight to stay on your feet
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
Second support player
He decides whether to help secure possession or clear the ball from the contact area.
11
How to attack
Switch kick
Mike Friday, former England coach: In the contact area, the players work in triangles. The ball carrier looks after the ball, the first support player looks after the ball carrier and the second support player either clears the threats or moves the ball away.
Sweeper
6
4
5
3
2
1
3
2
Kicking 4
Kicking plays an important role in sevens. You kick to score, to create pressure, and on your own try line, to release pressure.
7
6 5
Individual skills in attack
Mike Friday, former England coach: Kicking is a positive option not a last resort.
Though sevens requires a player to use all the normal rugby skills in attack, there are four key areas that stand out.
You can kick to touch for a lineout from a penalty kick, so don’t dismiss that option as a method of gaining ground. Balance this against the likely chances of winning the lineout.
Switch kick to counter their sweeper If you notice that the other team’s sweeper is moving in line with the ball, then a possible way to counter this is the “switch” kick. This pre‐determined tactic also exposes their drift defence as it aims to exploit the gap left by the last man who has to slide inwards.
1.
Evasion
i) ii) iii)
Stay balanced. Players should be able to change direction easily. Accelerate through. Speed up after the evasion. Conviction. Players should not hesitate even if it looks like the evasive action has not worked as well as they would have wanted. The defender may yet make a mistake with their tackle and the player needs to keep going forward.
How it works: in the midfield a long deep pass is made. The receiver then switches with another player, who promptly kicks the ball back against the grain of the pass over the defence and into the vacant gap left behind by the outside defender who is sliding in.
Stay balanced and go for it!
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12
How to attack
2.
Offloads
i) ii) iii)
Earn the right to offload. Work hard through the tackle contact to get beyond the tackler. Slowing down or stopping gives the tackler a stronger position. One hand or two? A one handed offload allows the attacker to fend off the defender, giving himself more width to keep the ball away from contact. A two handed offload allows the player to be more secure. Outside offload. The ball carrier should consider turning either way in the tackle, so not just the traditional round the back offload.
Turn the hips in the direction of the pass and keep the inside elbow in
4. Chip and chase i) ii) iii)
Work hard to get through the tackle before looking for the offload
3.
Spin passing
i) ii) iii)
Hand under ball. Get the dominant hand under the ball before passing it. That is, right hand to pass left, and left hand to pass right. Open up hips. Turn the hips in the direction of the pass, to release the arms and shoulders. Inside elbow in. Keep the elbow nearest the direction of the pass in and close to the ribs as the ball goes across the body, before releasing it towards the receiver.
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Chip on end. The point of the ball lands on the foot. Kick on the run. Don’t break the stride when running to kick the ball. Drop the ball in the middle of the body. If the ball is kicked from the side, balance and accuracy are lost.
How to attack
Attacking tactics Mike Friday, former England coach on using a compressed attack: A compressed attack is where the attacking team stands closer together than normal, leaving more space on the outside. This fits into a system of attack where your players look to use the ball in the following three ways: 1. 2. 3.
Give the fast man space to run around the defender. Any 3 v 3 situation should be seen as a chance to beat the defence. Otherwise, pull the defence to one side and then attack quickly the other way, normally from a breakdown or lineout.
Pull the defence Where the defence is more organised, then the aim of the attack is to pull the defence to one side of the pitch and then pass the ball quickly back the other way. With the winger standing further infield than normal, as soon as he receives the ball, he pins his ears back and heads out to beat his opposite man.
Pull the defence
2
1 4
3
5
6
7
Compressed attack 7
6 SPACE
3
5
6
3
5
Advantages of using a compressed attack
Key points for the attacking players
There is a principle in sevens that a good way to create gaps is to spread the attackers out, from touchline to touchline. Against a team that is defending with six players in their front line and a sweeper, then gaps will appear.
1.
After passing the ball, each player must move in and behind the person they are passing to. Sometimes known as the “post” or “pocket” position.
2.
If and when the winger finds he cannot beat his opposite man, he then must STOP. Amazingly, but only momentarily, the defender will stop also. The winger can then pass the ball back into the post position and the ball is moved away very quickly. The defence should have been moved around enough for spaces to open up, either close to the ball, in the middle or further out.
3.
All these passes must be to the next man, with no miss passes.
However, there are two good reasons to squeeze closer together: 1.
A winger would prefer to beat his man with space on the outside, especially if he thinks he is faster than his opposite man.
2.
Shorter passes are quicker passes, and most players will prefer to pass shorter, especially off their weaker hands.
Therefore, from lineouts and rucks, the principle of alignment is to squeeze up a little more and give the winger the chance to run wide. And when I mean run, I mean really run. Head down, arc out and go for it!
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How to attack
Sequence plays
Pivot ball open play
Most teams move the ball to space aiming to create a 2 v 1 situation. Any 3 v 3 situation should be regarded as a chance to create a 2 v 1, using steps and angles. However, you can also call some sequence plays, where players run pre‐ determined running lines to create gaps.
1
3
2
Here are two plays that you can develop. South Africa ball
3
2
1
4
5
6
You need a minimum of three players. 2 performs a late switch with 3. 3 attacks the gap and quickly passes inside to 1. 1 takes a short inside ball off 3.
7
7 5
4
6
You need a minimum of four players. This play is best following a normal pull ball (where 7 goes for the outside break). 6 runs into the pocket. 5 loops outside 7. 4 comes in for a short ball off 7. 7 has the option to pass to any of the three players.
Keep options either side and behind the ball carrier
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How to defend Defence in sevens is the most distinct part of the game from 15‐a‐side rugby. Good systems, aligned with excellent core tackling skills, will force errors and turnovers.
Introduction
10 basic techniques for defence
17
17
18
Developing the basic techniques for defence
• The sweeper is loud
• Don’t be broken down the middle
• Work as units
• Take up the attacking space together
• No ball watching
• Use the banana line or arc defence
• Be patient
• Tackle the ball carrier to the ground and contest the ball
• Communicate the push
• Trust your team mates’ calls
Individual skills for defence
• What is the best tackle?
• What are defensive zones?
Defensive systems
• Six man defensive system
• Seven man defensive system
Danger ball
20
21
23
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How to defend
Introduction Defence is a state of mind as much as a physical contest, so it is worth concentrating on this area the most in preparing for tournaments. Joe Lydon, former England coach: There are only two main types of defence. 1.
Passive. Such as a side line drift and drop. (The players don’t commit but slide across the pitch to trap the ball carrier by the touchline).
2.
Aggressive. On the front foot, with a blitz, zone or man‐on‐man.
10 basic techniques for defence Your philosophy for defence should be: Be vocal, be aggressive, be intimidating. 1. The sweeper is loud. 2. Don’t be broken down the middle. 3. Work as units. 4. Take up the attacking space together. 5. No ball watching. 6. Use the banana line or arc defence. 7. Be patient. 8. Tackle the ball carrier to the ground and contest the ball. 9. Communicate the push. 10. Trust your team mates’ calls.
The type of defence needed may well be determined by the area of the pitch that’s being defended, the ability of both the opposition and your squad. Even the score and the amount of time left can determine the type of defence you will need to employ. You normally find good teams have a shared “mental model”, meaning the players know what type of defence is needed and when and how to communicate it. The really good teams are even aggressive in defence when being passive!
PIC
Work as units in defence
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How to defend
Developing the basic techniques for defence 1.
3.
Ideally, defend as a three man unit, so your players never work alone, unless there is a chance of a man and ball tackle.
The sweeper is loud
The player running behind the main defensive line runs the defence. He can see where the ball is going, plus the possible attacking options. He is in an ideal position to direct operations. He is sending clear instructions to the defensive line in front of him, then stays behind the attacking line to cover kicks (the sweeper) and possible line breaks.
2.
Work as units
Don’t be broken down the middle
Be a strong defensive line. The key to this defence is not to get broken down the middle. If a player gets through the middle then the sweeper has little chance of making the tackle, or preventing a try. Either they get “stepped” by the attacker, or there is a 2 v 1 situation. The defensive line at the front must work like a chain to prevent this. Each player is linked to the player either side of him.
4. Take up the attacking space together Keep pushing up and across in units in the direction of the ball. Reduce the gap between the attack and defence as a group. The player who is opposite the ball carrier should stay on his inside and not push across to the next player too early.
5.
No ball watching
This is the golden rule. If a player finds himself standing still then he is not defending. It is a constant push, push, push up the field, forcing the other team backwards. The three man unit is pressurising the ball and the other defenders are getting in amongst the attacking team. You want the opposition ball carrier to look up for options to pass and only see your shirts.
Working in threes ball carrier
D1 D2
D
D1 D2
D2
The middle defender (D) concentrates on the ball carrier and only moves forward if he is sure of the other two defender’s support (D1). D2s don’t commit to the tackle line, but keep pushing up.
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
Tackle to the ground and compete for the ball
18
How to defend
6.
Use the banana line or arc defence
attack may not have enough time to adjust. However, the dangers of the kick and chase by the opposition make this a do‐or‐die type defence to use when a quick score is needed to get back into the game.
The “banana line” or “arc defence” is so‐called because of the shape of the defensive line. As the attack go backwards under pressure, the defenders get into their passing line and cut off the pass to isolate the ball carrier. As the ball is moved to one end by the opposition, the defence steps up and across. This starts to block the options for the ball to return from where it came. It might also be that players can be between the attackers and the ball, further reducing the options.
8. Tackle the ball carrier to the ground and contest the ball Initially, the tackler should always contest the ball. He is the closest to the action. A ruck or maul should be contested by a maximum two players on the defending side. The pitch is too wide with only four defenders rather than five.
Arc defence cutting down the options
ball carrier
ssing
pa
el chann
This is one of the hardest disciplines for non‐ sevens specialists to take on board.
nnel
g cha
9.
D2
A push is moving the players across and up the pitch. Good communication allows the players next to each other to push into the next zone with confidence.
passin
D2
D1
D
10. Trust your team mates’ calls
D1
Good communication means players can trust their inside shoulder is being covered. This is important because the shift inevitably means players need to turn somewhat and will lose sight of their team mate beside them.
Three defenders press up on the ball carrier (D and D1s). The other defenders (D2s) arc round to reduce the options. They should aim to get into the passing channels, preventing the ball carrier passing to his team mates.
7.
Be patient
Don’t panic in defence. Allow the attack to make mistakes without compromising your defensive chain. Once your defence is organised and the attack is moving backwards, then a “press defence” can be employed. This is a high‐ risk attempt to put so much pressure on the attacking team so that they make an error.
Communication also gives the defence confidence, something that will be felt by the opposition. Shouting that a man is covered can mean that even though the defender is not quite in place, the attacker may be convinced of this fact.
The defending team moves up very quickly in a close line, with the far end man hanging back a little for the kick. With all the defenders taking their own man and moving straight ahead, the
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
Communicate the push
19
How to defend
Individual skills for defence
What are defensive zones?
Each individual player in the defence must know their role in the system and their responsibilities. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
They should never defend alone. Close the attackers’ space down, so keep pushing up in a line (unit) in the direction of the ball. Close down the inside options for the ball carrier, so he can’t pass inside. Stop the offload. If they tackle the ball carrier to the ground, the tackler needs to get to his feet quickly and contest the ball. Keep to their zone or channel and do not chase the ball or man across the field. Listen to their inside man and sweeper. Maintain discipline. Keep the defensive line. If he finds himself standing still, then he is not working. He is always pushing up, and left or right.
A defensive zone is like a channel that the defender has responsibility for. No opposition player should be allowed to move through this zone. The defender must not be tempted out of their zone by switch plays or loops by the attackers. A zone defence is easier to coach, understand and put into action than a sliding defence. However, it does suffer from the problem that makes sevens such a different game in many ways to 15‐a‐side. Six or seven players cannot cover the whole of the pitch just by taking zones. A shifting zone is more effective and is like a “man‐on‐man” defence. Each player numbers off across the pitch and looks at the man in front of them. The outside defender always takes the outside runner, even if there is a switch of players across the pitch. This requires constant communication and trust between players.
What is the best tackle? The ideal tackle is one which prevents the ball being offloaded, so some form of smother tackle. However, against bigger players this is more dangerous. In this case the defence has to be wary of the supporting players. Often a bigger player is aiming to fend off the tackle and then offload if necessary. This goes for smaller players who aim to step before being tackled. Defending players on each side of the tackler should be prepared to either tackle the receiver of the offload, so don’t step in too far, or make a further tackle. So as an attacker approaches the defensive line, the defenders need to get tighter to each other. If they then move back from the line, the line needs to spread out.
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Liam Middleton, former head coach of Zimbabwe: When in their 22m area, use a quick line defence, putting them under more pressure to make a mistake. Increase that pressure by pushing up. If they break, then we have plenty of room to run the breaking player down. It is a matter of risk and reward. Inside our own 22m area, it is not easy with a six man front line. However, we still employ quick line speed to make the tackle as far from our goal line as possible.
How to defend
Defensive systems
furthest from the ball. When the ball moves right, the left hand outside channel is not defended, and the players move right.
There are two basic defensive systems, the six man and seven man defence. Here are the key points for both.
Slide arc defence
Six man defensive system The most common form of defence is the six up and one sweeper combination. The advantages of such a system are:
• •
•
One player can be assigned to sweep and be a specialist in that role. The sweeper is normally placed in a position which allows him to organise the defence. If there is a turnover, the sweeper can quickly add an extra attacking man from depth.
Sliders
Sweeper
The defence near the ball carrier does not move up as fast as the other defenders, who arc.
A six man defence is often perceived to be facing a seven man attack. This is true of the most basic forms of attack, but most sides will not spread out in this convenient manner, so it makes less difference if it is six or seven men in the front line.
The slide arc
Communication and trust The six man defence needs good communication and trust between players.
Players can arc round behind the ball to cut off the return pass. The slide lends itself more naturally to this type of defence. If the defence at one end lets the attackers move up a little more than they expect, the “sliders” can come round from behind, reducing the options for the attacking team.
The slide The crucial element of any front defence is the ability to shift from side to side to cover the width of the pitch. With six men rather than seven, this is more difficult. Imagine each opposition player occupies a channel through which they can attack. This channel needs to be defended when the ball carrier reaches the defensive line. There are seven attacking channels and only six defenders, so the defenders need to slide between the channels. In its simplest terms, one of the outside channels cannot be defended, so this must be the one
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How to defend
The sweeper There are a number of options for how the sweeper can position themselves. The normal mode is for the player to follow inside the ball as it moves along the attacking line. The sweeper’s role is to cover any kicks plus tackle any breakthroughs. With a sliding defence there is more chance than in a man‐on‐man for breakthroughs because dog‐legs can be created more easily. A sweeper could also move just between the two 15m lines, following inside the ball. This can give them more vision of the attack and if the ball is switched quickly, they are less likely to be wrong footed. Role of the sweeper in the six man defence
Seven man defensive system Basic seven up If you are a strong, physical team, without as much pace as other sides, then the basic seven up defence is ideal. Each man takes the player/zone in front of them. They do not need to slide onto another player when the ball is moved, meaning slower players might not be exposed. The slide defence means that clever attacking teams have a chance to do something fancy. A basic seven up defence is a “man in” defence. This puts pressure on the player as soon as he gets the ball.
Press Defenders race up to put pressure on the ball carrier. This can be done either as a group of three (the ball carrier targeted by the middle defender) or the whole team. This can pressurise the defence into making a mistake. This is a high risk strategy and only worth doing if the ball is away from the key play makers.
Sweeper
The sweeper keeps inside the ball as it moves across the attacking line. This means the sweeper can see when and where to call the defence across and forward.
Press up in defence to force errors
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How to defend
The sweeper
Mike Friday, former England coach: This is a great game to use for a 3 man defence.
In a seven up defence, your players need to be able to cover the kick over the top, or the break. The simplest pattern is for the end man who is furthest away from the ball to drop back. The player should only go back far enough to ensure he can return to the line.
We start on half the width of the pitch and match three defenders against five attackers. The defenders have to shift across and up the field and pressurise for two minutes. It is amazing how successful they are if they follow the “chain” principles.
A more sophisticated player, who is perhaps the play maker in the midfield, could also drop back if the ball reaches the end, but certainly not as far as one would expect an end man to be. Seven man defensive sweeper OPTION 1
Ball carrier
Sweeper OPTION 2
Ball carrier
Sweeper
Increase the width of the pitch as the defence becomes more successful.
Danger ball The most dangerous times for a defence, other than a direct breach or kick over, are when they are disorganised, most often from a turnover. This is “danger ball” and the defence must realign and organise themselves as quickly as possible. In this case, players should fill in from the ball outwards, leaving the spaces, initially, wide out. Many tries from turnovers are scored from space either side of a turnover following a tackle.
Option 1: The end man furthest from the ball drops back as sweeper. Option 2: The middle player drops back once the ball is on the wing, but moves back up if the ball is moved into the middle.
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Tactics Tactics are the choices of plays you are going to use in each game. These depend on your team, the opposition, the pitch and weather conditions.
Introduction
• A quick team
• A physically strong team
• A fit team
Reactive tactics
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• Their playmaker
• Their speedster and stepper
• Their contact policy
• Playing with a sin binned player
Analysing the opposition
• Ben Ryan on analysing and observing the opposition
Kicking
• Kicking for touch
• Kicking for goal
• Kicking in open play
The weather
• Wet conditions
• Windy conditions
A narrow pitch
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Tactics
Introduction
Liam Middleton, former head coach of Zimbabwe: When we discuss match tactics, I tend to focus on two areas in attack and in defence. In attack, I might say first, “keep our width”, and second, “hold onto the ball and don’t kick”.
Your team can play as individuals or work together with a common theme. You need to consider what your team’s strengths are. Here are some ways of exploiting your strengths:
In defence, I might say first, “hold our shape and don’t be individuals”, and second, “compete really hard at the breakdown”.
A quick team Compress your attack, which means standing closer together. This gives your faster players more room to run outside. If the defence spreads out, then you can flood through the gaps.
A physically strong team Take contact up the middle of the field, splitting their defence. Attack around the fringes of the breakdown. Create offside lines by creating rucks. Suck in their players to the contact situation.
A fit team Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: If your strength is fitness, you can be relentless in defence, making low technical tackles and getting to your feet to compete. It is then possible to hold your width as a defensive line and then take the attack’s space, thus creating turnover opportunities.
Think about the strengths of your team to work out which tactics to use
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Tactics
Reactive tactics
•
Most top teams will have a pretty good idea of what their main opposition will be like. However, from tournament to tournament the personnel may be different from the previous competitions. Therefore, you should watch the other teams carefully to see what their strengths are. You need to identify:
1.
4. Playing with a sin binned player
Their playmaker Mike Friday, former England coach: Be disciplined defensively as a unit, so he has no where to go and take his space together. Never jump out of the line to be a hero!
2.
Their speedster and stepper
Mike Friday, former England coach: Make their “speedster” try to go round you and use your angles on the sideline press and touchline to stop. Never get beaten up the middle by the speedster.
The goal for the sin binned team during the sin bin period is to play smart and get through the period without conceding any tries. If this is achieved it will provide a morale boost to the team.
3. Their contact policy
Billy Millard, former head coach of Australia: It is important to play a man short in some practice matches and at training for two reasons: 1. Get used to the difference. 2. Players can see the negative effect it has on the team. That is, how hard you have to work with a man down.
If you know a team well, like you may get to know on the IRB World Circuit, you can change your approach slightly in each game. Some examples:
• • •
If a team competes hard and piles numbers into a counter ruck, you need to have numbers to keep and recycle the ball. Some teams restart deep to you. Some teams play a direct brand, some teams play with big width and depth. Some teams are quicker than you, but physically weaker, so you may decide to play direct (and vice versa, if they are bigger and slower).
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Simon Amor, former England sevens captain: In attack, the focus must be to retain possession and ideally score, enabling the sin bin clock to count down during the conversion and restart. However, if under pressure, it is preferable to get the ball off the pitch, taking valuable seconds to form the lineout, than turn the ball over in open play. This is the most dangerous scenario for a team with a man advantage to attack from. In defence, the sweeper needs to join the defensive line and, depending upon which side of the pitch the ball is on, the blindside winger must drop deeper than usual to cover the attacking kick through. The team must work incredibly hard defensively during this period, but at the same time, must be patient in the contact area and not compete for any possession that the defensive team is not 100% certain of gaining.
Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: For sides with a “stepper”, we crowd him in defence and always move forward. For someone with genuine speed, we defend outside him to force him back in.
•
You can usually identify individuals who are a threat. For example, they have a step, they chip and chase, they get direct and offload. Also, it’s good to highlight and try to isolate poor defenders.
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• In defence play six in the front line. The non threatened winger drops in and around
to cover kicks. It’s hard work! Get and hold possession. To do this you can either play really deep and move the ball around, or play a bit tighter and have numbers to win the breakdown. Kick to touch on penalties and walk. Work hard to get through the two minutes.
• • •
Tactics
Analysing the opposition Ben Ryan, England head coach, on analysing and observing the opposition: 1.
What are their system weaknesses? Is there anything fundamental they do not cover or have a weakness in? For instance, do they leave holes in the middle when defending or not accurately cover the field whilst defending penalties or other set pieces.
2.
Within their systems, what are they not doing or doing badly? Are they over chasing, over committing to the breakdown, or too high in contact? Do they defend badly after a couple of phases or are there weaknesses in their defence of a set piece? Do they use short runners in attack? How often do they kick? Where does their sweeper stand? What tactics do they employ at the breakdown or in “red zones” (near the try line)?
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3.
Who are their key individuals? Can we pick out a player for a mis‐match or an overload? Which players have a left hand or “left shoulder” (tackling) weakness? Does the team offload or set targets? Is one player not as fit as the others? Is there a speed mis‐match? What’s their control of emotions like?
4.
We do the same with referees and also look at the environment we are playing in. However, not everything we find from analysis do we inform the players about. We pick some key points and exploit them.
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Tactics
Kicking
Kicking in open play
Traditionally, kicking away possession is frowned upon. However, it still has a role to play.
On your own line, it may be better to kick down field and chase well, than risk losing on your own line. In attacking phases, your player could use a chip and chase where the sweeper has not covered across sufficiently.
Kicking for touch Kicking for touch is a way of “slowing the tempo of the game” says Stephen Gemmell, the Scotland coach. If you think your defensive lineout is superior, then it is an even more potent weapon.
Players have to balance the risks of not retaining possession from the kick with the potential try scoring opportunities.
Kicking for touch from a penalty should not be ignored either. Mike Friday, former England coach: Kick for touch to get field position or relieve pressure to slow down the game.
Kicking for goal Under the laws of sevens, there are no place kicks, so a penalty kick at goal must be a drop kick. Many coaches recognise that sometimes a drop kick at goal is a way of building points as the game nears full time.
Sometimes a drop goal might be the best option to win the game
Stephen Gemmell, Scotland head coach: Kicking for goal either as a penalty or a drop kick in open play are both ways of creating or enhancing a lead in a match. As a number of games can be tight, being able to score like this can prove invaluable.
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Tactics
The weather
Windy conditions
Wet conditions
In windy conditions, you should squeeze together in attack and kick long with the wind. In defence with the wind in your face, your sweeper will be deeper and vice versa with the wind with you.
Playing in wet conditions will require a modified approach to your tactics. Joe Lydon, former England coach: My mind goes back to England v Wales, who were coached by Colin in Malaysia. We played, or should I say paddled, just after a monsoon. There were no tactics, just a need to stop players drowning!
Most of the top coaches recognise that the ball is slippery and prone to being dropped or knocked on, whatever the level. In which case, you should employ a kicking game, getting the opposition to play out of deep positions.
Simon Amor, former England sevens captain: Playing in the wet: best solution is to practice training in the wet more often. Generally though, defences have the advantage due to the greater difficulty in passing width and accuracy and the ability for players to use their explosive skills.
Billy Millard, former head coach of Australia: Core skills are important and you need to adjust your catch and pass. Pass with confidence and firmness. You can still play width. Kicking with a strong breeze is a good tactic. Find space in behind the sweeper and with a chase line. Make the attackers work to get back and support him.
A narrow pitch On a narrow pitch, the game is more compact, and hence there is more contact. The key is to select a more physical team if you have the option.
Joe Lydon, former England coach: Gordon Tietjens’s (Titch) selection of the All Blacks Commonwealth Games squad in Manchester was picked with careful reference to the size of the pitch. A big learning curve for me. I picked a squad to play sevens. Titch picked a squad to play sevens on a narrow short pitch. They won, we didn’t.
There is, therefore, an argument that the tactics of a long kicking game to put the opposition under pressure in their own 22 has its advantages. Greater numbers and effectiveness to the breakdown in attack to control possession must also be a focus.
Billy Millard, former head coach of Australia: It is the same as 15s. Your core skills need to be sharp and obviously you will not be able to play with the same width. Although you are playing a little more direct, you should still have the ability to stretch once you have some go forward and commit defenders to the tackle. Kicking will occur more than usual, as field position is important when conditions are wet.
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Set pieces There are four main set pieces in sevens: kick offs, scrums, lineouts, and penalties. Set piece organisation is crucial since possession is paramount in sevens.
Kick offs
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Lineout attack ploys
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Lineout defence
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Penalties
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• Kicking off
• Kick off reception
Scrums
• Scrum defence
• Scrum attack
Lineout attack
• Joker ball
• Cancel ball
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Set pieces
Kick offs
Kicking off short
In sevens, the team that has just scored kicks off, unlike in the 15‐a‐side version.
Kicking off There are three options for taking a kick off: 1. 2. 3.
Short to the side. Long to the side. Split.
1 3
4
A short kick off aims to win the ball back. A long kick off puts pressure on the opposition to run out from deep, or kick back to you. You want to trap them onto a touchline. A split kick off puts three players either side of the kicker. Coach your players to aim to kick towards where the opposition look weakest, but always short.
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2
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5
1. Ball winner or supports 3. 2. Ball winner or supports 1. 3. Wraps in behind for the tap down. 4. Supports 1 or 3 and covers the blind. 5. Kicks off and then drops back to sweep. 6. Pushes up with a press defence. 7. Pushes up with a press defence.
Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: We have started using a split kick off alongside the standard set up. It gives us many more kicking options and keeps the opposition guessing all the time.
Mike Friday, former England coach: Always kick short if you have a good kick off man [drop kicker] and a man who is good at leaping and retrieving the ball.
Kicking off long
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5
7
Every player pushes up in a press defence except 5 who remains in the sweeper role. The aim is to force the receiving team into contact or to kick. This happens because your players push up hard into their passing lines. In the contact, they should prevent the quick recycle of the ball.
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Set pieces
Kick off reception
Reception long
Most teams load one side of the pitch with players for their kick off. You can spread your defence across to the posts on that side when your team lines up. When the attack looks like splitting their forwards, then you will have to spread evenly across the pitch.
5
3
Put four players at the front and three at the back.
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2
7
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6
Reception short
5
3
3 secures the ball. He then either passes the ball to 5 who kicks on a long diagonal, or takes the ball into contact and creates an offside line. The aim of this is to recycle a quick ball from which to attack. All players must work back behind the ball.
7 ATTACKING LINE
1
2
4
6
1 or 2 secure the ball and support each other. 4 drops in behind them. The other players form an attacking line. 7 pushes up with a press defence.
Short kick offs give you a chance to win the ball back
A long kick off puts pressure on the opposition
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Set pieces
Scrums
Scrum defence left
Sevens uses three man scrums. In general, modern teams bind as a normal front row might. Essentially, the players must scrummage as they might in a normal game, with a low square stance.
1 2
3
4 5
6
7
Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: Scrummaging is simple: get low, hit hard and chase your feet. On the opposition scrums, we do the same, making sure we wait for the put in. A low set prior to scrummaging is essential. 1. Drive up and wheel the scrum towards their scrum half. 2. Talk to 4 and cover break out blind. 3. Pull back to assist the wheel. If the ball is lost then 1 and 3 break out, push up in field. 4. Look to win the ball from the back of the scrum, but do not chase their scrum half. If the ball is lost then drop into the sweeper role quickly, depending on what 7 is doing. 5,6,7. Press defence. 7. Hold back slightly in case 4 does not come back into the sweeper role.
Whether your hooker strikes for the ball or not depends on the relative strengths of the scrum. A good drive can produce just the same as a good ball because it is six feet v six feet in the contest because the hooker is pushing. Mike Friday, former England coach: The hooker hooks his own ball and varies the length of the strike on the scrum half’s preference.
Scrum defence right
Scrum defence When the ball comes into the scrum, you want to drive up on their “1”. In other words, wheel the scrum on the loose head side because you are turning the scrum towards your scrum half.
1 2
After that, the hooker needs to get out of the scrum quickly and cover the left hand side of the scrum.
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6
5
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4
When defending the scrum, the backs match up against their opposite number. Mike Friday, former England coach: The scrum half competes at the base and then drops to sweep.
Mike Friday, former England coach: The hooker always gets out and goes left on the opposition ball. The props scrummage through and come out the other side.
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Set pieces
Scrum attack
Attack options centre field - scrum
Your team can employ all the regular types of backs moves, like switches, loops and miss passes. The simplest move is to get the ball wide to the winger and then set up a support sequence. Other moves concentrate on creating an extra player.
1 4
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5 6
7
1 6
3 4
2 7
5
4 passes the ball to 5. 5 passes to 6 (on an angled run) and loops round. 2 comes out of the scrum and takes a circle ball with 6. 2 then passes to 5 OR attacks as he sees it. There should be players on his inside and outside in support.
For other ideas of moves you can use, look at the lineout attack section on the next page.
Work hard to win the scrum From a midfield scrum there are a couple of options, as pictured. Sequence move - wing ball/pull-out ball 2
3 1 4
5 6
7
5
7 6
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7 receives the ball and aims wide. He can either pass a pop ball to 5 coming in hard on his shoulder, or turn and pass back to 6. 6 drops into the pocket behind 7 to offer deep support. If he then receives the ball, he passes it back behind 5 to 4. 5 comes in hard on a short ball.
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Set pieces
Lineout attack
Thai ball
You can put as many as six players into the lineout in attack. However, most teams stick to two players and a player in the half back position or receiver position.
4
1
3 2
In the new laws, there is some debate over whether or not the receiver can come into the lineout. Referees have interpreted this in different ways. All these lineouts are valid if the receiver can come into the lineout. However, if the referee does not allow a receiver into the lineout before the throw, just start three players in the lineout and have no receiver. Here are some basic set plays to win the lineout.
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4
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3
2 gets lifted in the middle with 4 moving into the scrum half position.
Safe ball Thai ball 1
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1
3 2
3 2 1
4 2
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3 dummies back and runs forward to take the ball at the front.
2 comes in at the back, moves forward followed by 1. 2 gets lifted at the front. 4 moves into the scrum half position.
Mike Friday, former England coach: My tactic is to keep the lineout simple and use timing to win the ball. We have used a six man lineout before on their 5m line to create a maul and score.
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Set pieces
Thai ball 2
Scrum half options
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A 4
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B
C
2
The scrum half has the option to take the ball off the jumper at three different positions: A, B or C. The scrum half should give an early call.
2 comes in at the front, moves back followed by 3. 2 gets lifted at the front. 4 moves into the scrum half position.
Cancel call Option ball
4
If “cancel” is called by anyone , that is the thrower, jumper, or lifter, then always revert to Thai ball (middle lift). 3
1 2
4
3 1
2
2 comes in at the front, moves back followed by 3 and is lifted at the back. As soon as 2 reaches 1, 1 loops him to take the ball at the front.
Joker ball Something few teams expect at the lineout is a catch and drive. We call this the joker ball. The ploy has been used in top tournaments, on or around their 5m line.
A good lineout ball is a great attacking platform
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Set pieces
Lineout attack ploys
Blindside bomb ball
Here are four attacking ploys from a lineout.
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1
6 dummy
3
4 5
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3 6 7
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4 takes the ball from the lineout and runs across. 5 drifts out. 4 dummy switches with 6 and passes to 5, who passes on to 7.
4 passes the ball to 5 and then drops back. 5 passes the ball to 6. 6 hits up hard into the centre of the field and into the contact. 3 is the first support player at the contact, the ball winner. 7 is the second support at contact and is the ball user. 7 passes the ball to 5, who attacks the narrow side using 5, 4, 2 and 1.
7 circle
Blindside 7 switch 2
2
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4 4
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6 7 1
4 takes the ball from the lineout and runs flat, passing to 7 cutting in. 5 and 6 loop outside 7. 4 takes a circle ball off 7 and passes to 5, who passes on to 6.
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3
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4 passes out to 5. 5 runs sideways with 6 and passes to 7 coming back on the switch. 7 takes the switch and links with 1, 2, 3 and 4 who have dropped off the lineout.
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Set pieces
Lineout defence
Lineout defence
In the defensive lineout, you have a choice of competing for the ball with a group of three players to lift and jump, or just competing with two players and covering the defensive areas. 1
Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: Defensively, we never allow the opposition a guaranteed lineout ball and compete heavily.
4
3 2
5
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7
1 and 3 compete for the ball, disrupt, push up and in field. 2 covers the tail and looks for the over throw. 4 remains in position and covers the blindside. 5 and 6 press defence. 7 becomes the sweeper. He should trust his pace and if possible wait to see if the ball is won or lost. If the ball is overthrown by the opposition, he may well be needed in attack.
Ben Ryan, England coach: I believe it is horses for courses. We will have analysed the opposition and decided whether we want to be aggressive or defensive in our lineout systems. The most common is a mirror system to match and out jump the opposition and/or cover all. If the opposition hooker throws underarm into the lineout then we would look to get in front and challenge most of the time. Territory also has a role to play and you may want to keep players on the ground defending close to your line. The players need to have a framework of possibilities and within that they make informed decisions.
You need to decide on whether to compete for the lineout ball or not
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Set pieces
Penalties
Fix and switch
From a free kick or penalty, most teams will choose to tap and go straight away. The defence will be retiring and disorganised and there are more spaces on the field. If you decide on a move, keep it simple and attack space. Players in any position should always expect the ball.
1 2 3
i) ii) iii)
Double posts OPTION 1
3
6
7
OPTION 2
4 3
1
3
A switch with 1 or 2. A dummy switch with 1, switch with 2 or hit him straight. A dummy switch with 1 and 2 and then feed 3.
5 2
1
2
The ball carrier fixes the defence and your players work off him. There are numerous options. Here are the three main ones:
If there is a delay for some reason and your team needs to set up a pre‐planned play, here are the two main set ups you can use.
4
1
5 7
2
You can choose to kick for touch or drop kick for goal. Kicking for touch runs down the clock and gives you territory. If you are in front of the posts, then a kick at goal can also run down the clock and give you valuable extra points in a tight game.
6
Option 1: 4 passes the ball to 5 and runs behind. 5 passes the ball to 4 as he runs round. 4 works with 2, 6, and 7. Option 2: 4 passes the ball to 5 and runs behind. 5 passes the ball to 7 running the other way, who works with 1 and 3.
A quick tapped penalty will not give the defence a chance to reorganise
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A world class session in two hours Sometimes, or even many times, you will have only one session to pull together your sevens team. This chapter has some ideas on what to do.
What to do first?
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Mike Friday’s drills and exercises
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Defensive drills
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What to do in two hours?
• Cutting down the angle
• Creating a trap
• Subdue before support
• A three man hold
Attacking drills
• Pass and drop
• Pass, drop and punch
• Pass, drop, punch and return
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A world class session in two hours
What to do first?
Billy Millard, former head coach of Australia: Attack wise, show them how to use the width of a field with seven players. Attackers should never be redundant, they always need to pass and work. The ball carrier needs two players with him when he goes into contact. One acts as a support player (to seal the ball) and the other a half back to shift the ball.
All the top coaches say work on defence first. Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: We concentrate on defence. You can play defence and rely upon your attacking instincts and turnover ball.
Talk about what you do when you get into wide channels. It takes a lot of hard work and experience to play a “pull out play” and “hit a pocket” and go back. I think it’s better once you are wide, to have a crack at going into contact on your terms, then stretch them again. The players can have a look at mis‐matches on the way.
What to do in two hours? 1. 2. 3. 4.
Organise your defensive system. Work on your kick off receipts and chases. First phase work. A good scrum (low and strong) and a lineout with several options. An attacking framework.
You need to look at restarts, scrums and lineouts. Possession is the key to sevens.
Joe Lydon, former England coach: Understand the team’s dynamics before training starts if possible. I would work on:
Set up a six man front line defence and a sweeper. The best way to learn sevens is to play it. So I would suggest put the basics into place, then play as many practice games as possible.
1. Defensive system alignment (spatial awareness). 2. Recycling the ball both in and out of contact (for instance, towards the sideline).
Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: Winning kick offs is vital. Possession is the key to sevens.
3. The quality of passing and handling.
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A world class session in two hours
Mike Friday’s drills and exercises
2. Creating a trap
When you’re short of time, practising the right drill is paramount. Here are seven drills and exercises used by Mike Friday you can choose from.
Spread out four attackers over 20 metres from the edge of the touchline. Start a defender about 5 metres away from the first attacker who is the furthest infield. Put another two defenders about 2 metres away from the first defender.
Objective: Trapping against the touchline
Defensive drills 1. Cutting down the angle Objective: Understanding how to track back as a single defender
The attackers aim to score 30 metres ahead. The first defender aims to cut down the angle, whilst the other two defenders must run to two cones about 3 metres away, before racing across to help create a trap. The defenders aim to cover the passing channels so the attacker nearest the touchline cannot pass the ball back.
Spread out four attackers over 20 metres from the edge of the touchline. Start a defender about 5 metres away from the first attacker, who is the furthest infield. Make this attacker run forward with a ball. He passes the ball once the defender is covering him. The rest of the attackers do the same.
Creating a trap
In the meantime, the defender covers across and back so he is in a position to push the final attacker into touch. Start slowly to give the defender the confidence and technique to keep a metre inside the ball carrier. Speed up the running and passing, with the attackers aiming to score 30m ahead. However, they cannot switch or pass the ball back inside. Use touch tackling. Cutting down the angle
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A world class session in two hours
3. Subdue before support
4. A three man hold
Objective: Realigning in defence after the ball has been moved away
Objective: Holding the attack until the rest of the defence is in position
Set up a 3 v 3 in a 20 metre wide channel next to the touchline. Spread out another four attackers across the rest of the pitch, with three more defenders at the edge of the channel.
Use the whole pitch. Put seven attackers along the 10 metre line facing the posts. Put three defenders on the 22 metre line and another three on the half way. Get the attackers to pass the ball between them up and down the line. When you shout “go”, make them attack the posts. The defenders in front of them have to hold them whilst the other defenders run back to get into position.
Initially, play touch rugby in the 3 v 3 channel. When there is a tackle, the attacking team passes the ball to the attackers on the rest of the pitch. All the players now become active with full contact tackles.
Three man hold
The defence has to hold and push the attack across to the far touchline, whilst their team mates run back into defensive positions. Subdue before support
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A world class session in two hours
Attacking drills
Develop this exercise by having only one line of players. The end player now passes back to the player behind him, who then passes the ball back along the line the other way.
1. Pass and drop Objective: Understanding how to pass and drop into a position to support the ball carrier
Make sure the receivers run straight, attacking towards the ball. Widen the box to challenge the players with longer passes.
Put four players across one edge of a 15 metre wide by 5 metre long box. Put three players behind them.
2. Pass, drop and punch
Start the ball on one side. Make this ball carrier run forward 5 metres and then pass to the player next to him. After he passes, he runs into where the receiver started from. All the passers and receivers repeat until it reaches the end player. Make the last player on the end of the line turn around and pass the ball back inside. The players who were not involved in the first set of passes now move forward to repeat the exercise with the ball being passed in the other direction. Pass and drop 1
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Spread out four players about 30 metres from the touchline. Start the ball with the player furthest from the touchline. Have the players pass the ball down the line. When the ball reaches the end player he turns and passes the ball to one of two players: i) ii)
Either he passes the ball to the player who has just passed him the ball. This player has dropped in behind him. Or he passes the ball to the “punch” runner. This player was the last but one to touch the ball, and has run at an angle to receive a short flat pass from the end player.
If the ball goes to the player behind the end man, it is passed back inside to the first passer.
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Objective: Building an attacking pattern for the end of the line
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This is a continuous exercise, with players passing and dropping in behind and the ball moving from the side.
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A world class session in two hours
3. Pass, drop, punch and return Objective: Building up a pattern of play to take the ball across the width of the pitch
Mark a line up the middle of the pitch. Put four players on one side and three on the other. Start the ball on the line and make the players pass the ball along the line one way. They use a pass, drop and punch pattern when the ball reaches the end of the line. The ball is then passed back the other way, with the other players realigning themselves to receive a pass. The exercise is then repeated on the other end of the line. Pass, drop, punch and return
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Coaching a tournament Unlike the 15‐a‐side game, you can exert a lot more influence on your team during a tournament because there are gaps between games. Maximise your time before and after the games to keep your players in the best state to play well.
Running a tournament plan
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Picking the team
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Mind and body
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• Warming up
• Example warm up session
• The top teams using the best technology
Eating and drinking
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Substitutions and rotation
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Post match routines
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Coaching a tournament
Running a tournament plan
Picking the team
Before a tournament begins, find out what time all the games are going to start and where. Even if this is only available on the day, it is essential that the timings for the day are set out for all the players to see.
You will have a squad of players for the day. Here is Mike Friday’s guide for picking a squad of 12 (if you have such a luxury!)
Work back from the start of each game to tell your players where they are supposed to be and what they need to be doing. For instance, you can use the “45 minute rule” for getting the players into place. In one day tournaments, where there are lots of games, this might be impractical. But the general rule should always be: “Warm up together from the start of the match before ours.” Between games, whilst your players are going through some recovery routines, you should be analysing your opponents and forming the plan for the next game. This plan can be outlined as part of the warm up routine.
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Two players who are good at kick off time, that means winning possession. Two men who are “dogs” on the ground and in contact. In other words, the hard men of any side. Three players capable of playing half back. The scrum half must be good round the base. Two kick off restart men who can get good hang time. At least two steppers with gas (speed). Two out‐and‐out gas men in the squad. Two utility players who can play up front and in the back.
Mike Friday, former England coach: It is important to have a best team, which means a blend of the players come the final. But you can’t play this team throughout the tournament. Have a set system to rotate players during the pool matches and then play the best team come finals day.
Some coaches say you should always start with your best team, no matter how good the opposition are. It is argued that it sets the tone for the day and gives the team the right momentum.
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Coaching a tournament
Example warm up session
Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: The combinations are crucial on the sevens field. I would always aim for a consistency of selection.
Daniel Connelly, an experienced sevens player and editor of www.rugbysevensguru.com, suggests some exercises that you could use as part of your warm up:
Mind and body
1. 2. 3.
To maintain your players’ energy levels during the day, you need to manage their intake and pre‐and‐post match exercises.
Warming up All the top coaches see this as a vital element in your role as the coach. Warm ups can be limited by space on the day. Your players need to have their minds and bodies activated, but with as little running as possible. The mental preparation for a game starts as soon as the previous game finishes. Your team will need to be considering how to beat the next opponents. What plays will work? How many players are needed in the contact area? Who are their greatest threats? What sort of defence is required?
Joe Lydon, former England coach: You might want to vary your warm up routines to keep the players’ minds fresh. Otherwise the warm up has a placebo effect, where the mind thinks it is warming up, but the body is just going through the motions.
The top teams using the best technology
Take advantage of any opportunity to watch other teams play when you are resting. Physical preparation for a game should be short. It will replicate a normal 15‐a‐side warm up, but focusing on the specific skills for your game plan. For instance, there should be a rehearsal of set piece plays, handling and contact skills and some defensive organisation.
England coach Ben Ryan gives us an insight into what the top teams can do with all the technology that is now available.
Ben Ryan England head coach: We like to use a 30 minute blow out or hard session on the field at least three hours before the first game.
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
Run some shuttles, play some light touch rugby or handling games to encourage movement interspersed with dynamic stretching. (10 minutes) Work on your attack and defensive patterns. Run through some game situations with your starting team with the substitutes running as opposition. (5 minutes) Use some high intensity drills to encourage footwork. For instance, with ladders or non‐contact one‐on‐ones in a narrow channel. (5 minutes)
Ben Ryan, England coach: We warm up for 15 minutes typically, but with our use of GPS it’s more about distance covered at different speeds, their individual heart rates and how set they are individually. We have information in real time so we can bespoke this for each player. Individuals may be required to do hydration testing in between games as well. The players have ice baths after every game.
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Coaching a tournament
Eating and drinking
Post match routines
Players are aware of what foods and drinks they can comfortably consume before they play. Fruit, energy bars and energy drinks will be a staple on the day of the competition to replace lost fuel.
The warm down is more important than the warm up. A period of gentle stretching and light activity should happen straight after the game. Ice baths are a luxury, but ice packs can be helpful too.
Avoid fizzy drinks and foods which take time to digest, but encourage the players to keep snacking and drinking all day.
Players should take the weight off their feet, get out of the sun if necessary and start to eat and drink.
Russell Earnshaw, England forwards coach: We eat three hours before kick off and soon after the end of the game. We never stop drinking!
Mike Friday, former England coach: Recovery is massive between games in terms of active recovery, ice baths, hydration, rest and food.
Substitutions and rotation With a squad of 10 or 12 players, you can substitute players to great effect in the game. A fresh pair of legs might be crucial in making a line break or covering across in defence. However, you should approach this aspect of the game with some clear objectives on how you are going to use this opportunity to adjust the team.
Simon Amor, former England sevens captain: At half‐time we have a simple rule: make three points maximum. Anymore, and no points will be remembered. Personally, I also feel it is better in sevens to pick up on big themes rather than the little details.
Mike Friday, former England coach: Set substitutions in your head before the game and then react depending on the situation.
You can observe which players are extremely fatigued and have little chance of recovery. This will form part of the information to judge when to substitute players. You may also want to change the shape of the game by adding pace or strength.
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
Paul John, the Welsh coach: Straight after the game the players would be into the ice bath and stretching. This is rapidly followed by food to refuel. Then we would be analysing our next opponents, based on previous tournaments and the current tournament
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The manager John Elliot has managed international sevens teams all over the world and in many different types of tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games in Manchester 2002. In this chapter, John shares his experience of the role of the sevens manager.
Introduction
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Pre‐tournament
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Non‐controllable
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• The weather
• Tournament rules
• Laws of the game
• Drug testing
• Stadium or ground
Controllable
• Player information
• Travel and accommodation
• Medical
• Equipment and kit
• Videoing
• Opponents
Tournament days
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The manager
Introduction
The non‐controllable factors include:
The role of the sevens team manager is to ensure all supporting blocks are in place to allow the players to perform to the best of their ability and the coaches, and other support staff, to maximise their contribution.
The weather
The work of the manager will fall into two very distinct areas: pre‐tournament, and the day(s) of the tournament.
Knowing the likely weather expected, you can then ensure that the players have everything necessary to suit the conditions. This will include kit (for playing and inbetween games), nutrition, and possibly shelter from the sun or rain.
Pre-tournament
Tournament rules
Thorough planning before the tournament begins is essential. Attention to detail could mean the difference between winning and losing.
The manager should be fully aware of the tournament rules, for instance the number of players in the squad or what happens when a game ends in a draw.
As the planning process starts to take shape, the manager will be faced with two distinct challenges. Those the manager has in control and those he does not.
You should know and understand the disciplinary process following the issue of yellow and red cards.
Non-controllable For any tournament, anywhere in the world, there will always be factors that are non‐ controllable. Because of this, it is vital that the manager is fully aware of them as early as possible. Remember “forewarned is forearmed”. Prior knowledge of the non‐controllable issues will enable the manager, along with the rest of the management team, to agree a strategy that could give the team a distinct advantage for the tournament.
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
Prior to the tournament you should regularly check the weather forecast and keep the coach informed of what to expect on match day.
If there are any issues on the day there may be very little time to resolve them. For international competitions the manager should be conversant with IRB Regulation 17. You must have full knowledge of the playing programme like kick off times and the length of time between games.
Laws of the game It will be useful if you have a reasonable knowledge of the laws of the game, particularly the “seven‐a‐side variations”.
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The manager
Drug testing You may have to be prepared for the squad to be drug tested before or during the tournament. If so, you need to understand the role of the drug testers, the rights of the players, as well as being aware of IRB regulation 21 – Anti‐Doping. For international squads, local governing bodies will need to be informed of when and where the squad will train and compete and of any deviation from the proposed schedule.
Stadium or ground
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What the surface is likely to be like on match day?
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Is the pitch full size? If not, what are its dimensions?
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Are there alternate pitches that may be used? If so, where are they relative to the main pitch?
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How big is the changing room?
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Are there suitable areas for rest and recovery, including areas suitable for possible ice baths?
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Where, and what, will the players eat?
Where will the team’s physiotherapist be able to set up his table to strap and treat players?
If the tournament is spread over two days and accommodation is provided, then this must be checked out and every effort made to ensure that the players and coaching staff are able to have a good night’s sleep prior to the second day.
On your visit find out about:
Where will the team warm up? How far is this from the match pitch?
If it is not practical to do this, you must do all you can to answer these questions, often by speaking to contacts who may have previous experience of the stadium or ground.
Pre‐tournament, whenever possible, a reconnaissance mission to the stadium or ground is essential. In order to plan properly, you must be fully aware what the team will be faced with on match day. A checklist will be useful.
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Other information that could be useful to the coaches and players include:‐
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Who will be refereeing? What balls will be used?
The manager
Controllable
Medical
Player information
It is vital that you check with the organisers as to exactly what medical support will be available at the tournament.
You should have on record comprehensive details of the players. These records should include all contact details and the name of who to contact if, for example, the player is injured and needs hospital treatment.
Teams may take their own physiotherapist. If this is the case, check with the physiotherapist as to exactly what equipment he requires in addition to what he will bring himself.
You should also have any information regarding previous disciplinary procedures and sanctions against any player selected in the squad. This would be needed if there is a disciplinary issue during the tournament.
If ice baths are to be used, then you need to check whether or not they will be provided by the tournament hosts. Otherwise arrangements need to be made to take your own. A local supplier of ice may have to be sourced.
You need to ensure that the players have your contact details, as well as those of the other members of the management team, so you can be contacted for any reason.
Equipment and kit
If the team travels abroad, it is useful to have on file passport details (such as a photocopy) for the players and management.
Travel and accommodation It goes without saying that the players must be in the right frame of mind and in the best physical condition at the start of the tournament. In discussions with the coach and medical staff, you need to decide on the optimum time for the players to arrive at the ground, to prepare for the first game. If flights are required, and the budget is limited to economy class travel, you should attempt to reserve exit seats for the players with long legs. You may have to make a decision about whether overnight accommodation is required. The selection of a suitable hotel is very important.
Colin Hillman’s Expert Guide to Sevens
In liaison with the coach, you should agree what equipment will be needed on the day. Do not rely on the host supplying anything. Always make sure that the team has everything you feel they will need, including all the equipment and kit needed for the games, warm ups, and rest periods. It is always advisable to have a spare set of kit in case the original gets ripped or wet. Also, it is a good idea to have an alternative in case of a clash of colours, even if before the tournament a clash is not anticipated.
Videoing Generally the coaches and players would appreciate a video of all the games. If this is not done by the organisers then arrangements should be made for someone associated with the team to video those games requested by the coach. A high vantage point is desirable and advice should be taken from the coach as to if he wants the games videoing from the side or end on.
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The manager
All videos should be kept in a suitable “library”, with authorised access. Carelessness could lead to videos falling into the wrong hands, thus giving possible opposition an advantage.
last minute changes and submit the squad as per the tournament rules.
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Is everything as planned? For instance, pitches, changing rooms, the schedule of games, facilities, etc.
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Establish a suitable base as a meeting point, and somewhere secure where kit and valuables can be left.
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Issue the team’s playing kit.
It should also go without saying, but always allow plenty of time so that nothing is unnecessarily rushed as the team prepares for a game.
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You must be ready for any unforeseen problems that may crop up, and have the confidence to find an immediate solution, as time will not be on your side.
If the drug testers appear, every effort should be made to accommodate their requirements. But at the same time, ensuring the players rights are upheld.
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Make sure all the arrangements are in place if the games are going to be videoed by a member of the management team.
This could mean having readily to hand, in addition to the tournament rules for the competition, a copy of the “Laws of the Game” and the various IRB Regulations.
In addition, you need to be prepared for any unforeseen problems. These could include disciplinary, serious injuries, or a shortage of food and drink.
However, there are certain things you must do. The following points can form the basis of the manager’s checklist:
In the case of a disciplinary hearing, you may have to represent the player and should therefore be fully conversant with the procedures.
Opponents Any information on the other teams playing in the competition should be sourced and made available to the coaches. This could include video footage and details about other team selections.
Tournament days
I am tempted to say that if all the pre‐planning has been done thoroughly, then there will be very little for the manager to do on match day. But as we know this is rarely the case.
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Final check on the local weather forecast.
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Have we got all the essentials? Kit and equipment (playing and warm up), sufficient food and drinks, ice baths, ice.
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Arrive at the ground in good time. Contact the organisers to make sure there are no
Ensure the players are fully aware of the programme for the day and know where to be and when. It may be that between games you are happy to let the players “wander” but they need to know when the team is due to come together to prepare for the next match.
After all, no one would “Plan to Fail”, so it would be short sighted to “Fail to Plan”.
Are all the players fit and ready for the tournament?
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Laws Apart from the game being played with seven rather than 15 players, there are a number of unique laws to sevens.
Introduction
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Law 5:
Time
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Law 9:
Method of scoring
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Law 10:
Foul play
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Law 13:
Kick off and restart kicks
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Law 20:
Scrum
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Law 21:
Penalty and free kicks
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Laws
Introduction
Law 9: Method of scoring
There are six areas where the IRB Law differs from the 15‐a‐side game. Also be aware that tournaments may have “local” rules on substitutes, number of players in a squad and playing times.
Conversion kicks must be a drop goal. The kick must be taken within 40 seconds of the try being scored otherwise the kick is disallowed. All the opposing team must assemble close to their own 10m line (there can be no charging down of the kick).
Wayne Barnes, IRB international referee: The shortened version of the game has many unique qualities, but as a referee, its distinctive feature is the way players, coaches, managers and officials interact. Having been lucky enough to tour the World Sevens Circuit, I experienced first hand the way in which all those involved could sit back in the evening and dissect, scrutinise and analyse the day’s play over a beer or two. Often managers and coaches, who had harangued referees for 14 minutes and then another five minutes as the poor official left the field, could be seen sat on a stool sharing thoughts. Colin was as vociferous as any, but he would always take time at the end of the day to share his pearls of wisdom with the referees and touch judges. Whether explaining what a forward pass looked like or showing what a punch actually looked like, he always had a view.
Law 10: Foul play A sin binned player is suspended for two minutes.
Law 13: Kick off and restart kicks The team that just scored takes the restart kick. If the kicker’s team is not behind the kick at the restart, then the non‐offending team is awarded a free kick at the centre of the half way line. If the kick off does not reach the 10m line or beyond and is not played by an opponent, then the non‐offending team is awarded a free kick at the centre of the half way line. If the kick off goes directly into touch, then the non‐offending team is awarded a free kick at the centre of the half way line.
Characters such as Colin are what makes sevens the unique game it is. He was a friend of referees, (well most of the time) and his “pearls” will be sorely missed.
If the kick off goes into the in‐goal area and the opposing team make it dead or the ball rolls dead, then the non‐offending team is awarded a free kick at the centre of the half way line.
Law 5: Time A match lasts no longer than 14 minutes, plus lost time and extra time. The final can be 20 minutes. Half time is one minute, or two minutes in a final.
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Laws
Law 20: Scrum
Wayne Barnes, IRB international referee: The lineout is an area which visually sees huge differences between the 15‐a‐side game and the shortened version. What should be remembered is that unless the tournament rules state differently, the laws of the game are exactly the same. Thus, a non‐throwing in receiver must stand two metres from the line of touch and he cannot join the line until the lineout has begun ‐ namely until the ball has been thrown. Fast as some of these number 9s are, I would imagine it near on impossible for a scrum half to enter the line after the ball has been thrown, then be lifted and catch the ball.
Three players make up the scrum. All three players must remain bound to the scrum until it ends, otherwise it is a penalty. No player is to kick the ball out of the tunnel or the scrum in the direction of the opponent’s goal line, otherwise it is a penalty.
Law 21: Penalty and free kicks A penalty cannot be a place kick, but can be a drop kick. The ball may be kicked with any part of the leg from below the knee to the toes but not with the heel. Any penalty shot at goal must be taken within 30 seconds of being awarded, otherwise it is a scrum to the opposition at the mark of the penalty.
You cannot kick the ball through the scrum
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