Jump Early Ruckwork

Focus

Skills under pressure, Contested ball, Stoppages, Gameplan/Strategy.

Skills

Tackle, Shepherd, Handball Quick, Ruck, Crumb.

Purpose

Jumping early into the opposition ruckman can cause the ball to spill without either ruckman getting an effective tap. When used as a set play, this allows your followers to attack the space near the ruckman and be first to the loose ball. This tactic can be used if the opposition are getting on top in the ruck, or to mix things up.

Players

10⁺

Ages

15⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

40m

Opp. tops

Visible opposition strip: 4

Setup
This is designed for your on-ballers, other players should be given an alternative drill. Yellow team setup as per diagram, A=Ruck, B=Rover, C=Centre, D=Ruck Rover, E&F=Wings, red team should also setup in a similar fashion. Players will need develop a signal to communicate the set play is about to be used, and should practice using this.
Step 1
Coach throws the ball up, the yellow ruckman runs hard and jumps early into the opposing ruckman. The yellow ruckman must, at all costs, cause the ball to spill without an effective tap, preferably to the defensive side

Nullifying the tap is the most important part of the drill, if the opposing ruckman wins the tap then the oppostion will likely win an easy clearance

The ruckman should make early body contact and turn their body mid-air and try to make the ball to spill to the defensive side

The ruckman must not jump way too early, or the opposing ruckman will let him float straight past and get a free tap.
Step 2
The rover (B) and centre (C) rush to the feet of their ruckman and crumb the loose ball.
Step 3
(B) and (C) use quick hands to one another if possible, otherwise use either wingman who has run in as per the diagram.

Wingmen should run hard, first laterally, then forwards, as this may free them from their opponent and provide forward momentum when receiving.
Step 4
The ruck rover (D) looks for the opponent who is nearest to teammates (B) and (C), and run and block this player.
Step 5
The exercise stops once a yellow player has kicked into attack, the red team win possession, or a scrimmage forms.

Optionally, use 1-3 forwards to provide a target for the followers to kick to.
Step 6
After several attempts, swap the red and yellow team around.