Setup
This drill we be practised from both wings. Choose your 3 x first change on-ballers, your centre, 1 wing, 1 half-forward flank. Choose an opposition ruck, someone your 1st ruck can dominate.
Step 1
Everyone must learn their starting position. Start with the left side of the ground. Basic rules:-
Play your best on-baller nearest to the rucks preferred hand
Ruck always hits boundary side (blindly into the corridor is too risky)
Step 2
Key points about the setup:-
Ruck Rover and Rover stand in front of the ruck, one plays forward, one defensively
Centre - Plays defensive side
HFF - Plays forward of the ball for a knock forward by the ruck. If possession is won by teammates, sprint into forward line.
Step 3
More key points about the setup:-
Wing 1 - moves into the centre to link-up with (RO - C) looking to get on the end of a handball chain.
Wing 2 (not shown, you can optionally introduce this player) plays behind the ball as additional cover behind (C)
Step 4
Teach the players the numbered HIT ZONES (1 - 3) to which they must repeatedly shout to the ruckman
1 = attacking side
2 = straight down
3 = defensive side
Step 5
Practice by having 3 ball-ups from different points along the wing, all outside-50. Start with no opposition players apart from the opposition ruckman.
The key at this stage is to learn the hit zones without pressure
Vary who calls, and the hit zone. Once the tap occurs, require 1 or 2 quick very handballs be given
No kicking at this stage
Step 6
Swap to the right-side of the ground and repeat 3 times.
Remember, 1=attacking side, 3=defensive on this side too
Step 7
Progression 1: Introduce 3 opposition (C - RR - RO)
Now we're but simulating game-like conditions, while still giving the attacking team the advantage through weight-of-numbers
Have an assistant or forward who can receive a kick from an effective clearance
Step 8
Progression 2: Introduce defending winger/s to make it game-based with even numbers.