Martin's Rugby Coaching Forum

I want to employ a rush defence system for my team, where they can come up quickly and create pressure on the opposition( I want to use this system since they are young and dont want to complicate the defence too much). Any ideas on some good drills or methods that could be used to train them to come up quickly in defence?

Thanks,

Bilal

I've recently begun coaching the rush defense and found that it has great results if done properly. However if your front 3 does act as a unit and each tackle effectively the rush defense can be a liability, creating tremedous pressure on your cover support to clean up the mess that your backs created.
First I would work on tackling skills (one on one) in the backline(especially the front three) so they have the necessary confidence and technique.
Next, get the front three and forward together and set up set piece situations. Execute the rush defence against a mock offense(a 9,10,12, &13). Be sure that your front three are together and in tackling positions. Also besure that the offensive 10 is being pressured by a loose forward.
Keys for good Rush Defense:
1. position: Front 3 must each align themselves out side the shoulder of their opposite number. The goal here is to force the offense toward your cover defense(6,7,&8) who should crush anyone who cuts back.
2. All must point and communicate as to whom they are marking.
3. All must be in a body position to burst forwards in attack. No one must leave early or late. Timing is created through repetition and correct readiness and body position.
4. The front must come up in a wall dictated by your 10 rate of attack.
5. they must all be accountable for their mark through tackling.