Rugby Defence

Defensive Line Speed

Full defensive line practises moving up quickly as a unit to cut off attacking space.

25 minDuration
14 playersGroup size
AdvancedDifficulty
40×30 mSpace needed
Bibs, cones, ballsEquipment

Setup

Defending 7 vs attacking 7. Defence starts 5 m behind the gain line.

Instructions

  1. On the go call, defence moves up together as a flat line.
  2. Attack tries to find gaps or create overlaps.
  3. If defence misses someone — that player sprints a lap.
  4. Reset and repeat from each phase of play.

Coaching Points

✓ Line speed must be collective — no one person ahead or behind.
✓ Outside players must match inside player's speed.
✓ Eyes on hips of opposite number.

Progressions

→ Add a kicking option — D must transition to kick-chase.
→ Attack gets one pre-planned move to beat the line.
→ 7v7 live with full rules.

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defence line speed team shape
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