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Switch from Deep in Defence

Focus
Run & Carry, Gameplan/Strategy.
Skills
Kicking, Tackle, Handball Quick.
Purpose
There are times to play it safe and kick down-the-line in defence; other times teams will roll the dice and attempt to switch to open space for their attack. This drill practices the latter and shows how a switch in deep defence can open up the fat side.
group
Players
14+
profile
Ages
15+
ball
Balls
1
cone
Cones
3
distance
Distance (max)
140m
opptop
group-arrow
icon-opptop2
Opp. tops
3
opptop
arrow
opptop
Visible opposition strip: 3
  • Setup

    Pick 3 defenders: (H) defending the kick-in, (G) on a cone, and (F) defending two leading forwards (pick these also). (D-E-F) start inside 50 at the opposite end. Everyone else lines up at (A, B & C).
  • Step 1

    (A) simulates a kick-in from full-back, and finds (B) short who has been left alone in the pocket.
    The opposition full-forward (H) leaves (A) and rushes over to stand (B)'s mark.
  • Step 2

    (B) looks further afield, but simulating a congested area where their ruckman has dropped back, instead looks for a switch.
  • Step 3

    (C) runs from the centre to provide a short lateral option, which (B) honours with a pass.
    This is without question the most dangerous kick and MUST be executed successfully, or you'll almost certainly cough-up a goal.
    (G) starts 3-5m behind (C) and puts pressure on them - determine whether this is token, or hardcore spoiling is allowed.
  • Step 4

    Continue the switch by (A) catching the full-forward napping and sprinting to the open side. (C) puts a kick out in front of (A) for them to run onto.
  • Step 5

    (A) now can run and bounce several times. (D & E) hold their lead, allowing (A) to run with the ball. They then provide leads while (F) tries to cover the best option. (A) sizes-up the best option and kicks to that player.
    The player in the best position to goal should be the default target unless covered.
    (A-B-C) join the next station in sequence. (A) must run across the field and join (B).
    (F) can stand anywhere and may choose to play zone by starting 5-10m ahead of the forwards.
  • Step 6

    Optionally rotate the defenders and/or key forwards after 5 turns.
More Drills
demo
play
video
Groups of
group
group-arrow
icon-group
8
Ages
profile
13 +
Balls/grp
ball
1
Cones
cone
1
Distance (max)
distance
15m
Focus
Skills under pressure, Run & Carry.
Skills
Shepherd, Crumb.
demo
play
video
Players
group
16+
Ages
profile
11 +
Balls
ball
1+
Cones
cone
4
Distance (max)
distance
80m
Focus
Hard Running, Front & Square.
Skills
Handballing, Kick Long, Shepherd.
demo
play
video
Players
group
20+
Ages
profile
13 +
Balls
ball
6+
Cones
cone
6
Distance (max)
distance
160m
Focus
Hard Running, Front & Square, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking.
Skills
GoalKicking, Kicking, Handballing, Crumb.
drill
Players
group
10+
Ages
profile
16 +
Balls
ball
1
Cones
cone
4
Distance (max)
distance
100m
Focus
Run & Carry, Forward line delivery, Gameplan/Strategy.
Skills
Kicking.
drill
Players
group
20+
Ages
profile
6 +
Balls
ball
1
Cones
cone
10
Distance (max)
distance
150m
Focus
Skills under pressure, Defensive, Contested ball, Hard Running, Decision Making, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking, Gameplan/Strategy.
Skills
GoalKicking, Kicking, Handballing, Tackle, Shepherd.
play
video
Players
group
4+
Ages
profile
13 +
Balls
ball
6+
Cones
cone
3
Distance (max)
distance
20m
Focus
Skills under pressure, Fun.
Skills
GoalKicking, Kicking.
play
video
Players
group
7+
Ages
profile
13 +
Balls
ball
2+
Cones
cone
2
Distance (max)
distance
20m
Focus
Skills under pressure, Decision Making, Forward line delivery.
Skills
GoalKicking, Kicking, Tackle.
play
video
Groups of
group
group-arrow
icon-group
3
Ages
profile
9 +
Balls/grp
ball
1
Cones
cone
4
Distance (max)
distance
25m
Skills
Kick Short.
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