Articles
Breakdown articles
Win the Breakdown - win the game - Warren Gatland
Develop breakdown skills and tactics to help your players win the breakdown contest from some of the world's best coaches and players including Dave Rennie, Richie McCaw, Sam Warburton, George Smith, Warren Gatland, Sir Graham Henry and Eddie Jones, Ben Herring and many others.
Plus we have categorised them by playing level to make it easier for you to find:
- Y – youth
- HS – high school
- A – adult
- All – suitable for all levels
Is the ‘jackal’ a protected species? – Southern Hemisphere (part two)Round 9 of Super Rugby has just been completed, approximately halfway through the regular season. Ideal stage for analyst Nick Bishop to judge whether a consensus point of balance has been reached in the refereeing of the new breakdown laws in the Southern Hemisphere.
How T.J.Perenara influences the ‘new’ breakdown for the HurricanesThe new breakdown rules are having a strong impact on this year’s Super Rugby competition, as defensive coaches struggle to come up with new solutions to the erosion of the tackler’s influence on the ruck. Analyst Nick Bishop looks at how the Number 9’s role is changing in securing the ball.
Winning the fight on the groundJosh Syms’ excellent new series, focusing on techniques adopted by both sides at the breakdown, illustrates the amount of coaching time now devoted to body positions in contact. Analyst Nick Bishop looks at how the Lions used it to great effect in the 2017 All Blacks series.
How did the trial laws at the breakdown work out in end-of-year tour internationals?World Rugby’s trial laws for 2017 included some potentially game-changing alterations at the breakdown. The end-of-year tour internationals in November provided the first crucible in which to test the new laws at elite level. Analyst Nick Bishop examines their effect and how teams adjusted.
Rolling, rolling, rolling… why a double movement can cure the problem of isolationIn theory, the laws of World Rugby require everyone involved in the tackle on offence or defence to move away from the ball immediately. In practice there are two chances of this happening – ‘slim’ and ‘none’! Analyst Nick Bishop explains why.
Ruck or no ruck - that is the questionThe recent Six Nations match between England and Italy raised a huge question about the refereeing of contact situations, and in particular the difficulty in establishing the difference between a ruck and a tackle. Leading analyst Nick Bishop discusses whether it’s a one off or teams will build their game around it.
How to make yourself an effective ‘jackal’It is hard to do without a number of specialists in defensive contact in the modern game. With the number of breakdowns on the increase and set-pieces on the slide, they have become essential personnel.
Nick Bishop looks at the stats and looks at who and what is required at the breakdown in today’s game.
The real Irish breakdownThere is no area of the game more influential in the outcome than the battle at the breakdown. In his latest article Murray Kinsella has done the hard yards. Studying and noting every single action by the Irish players at the breakdown and ruck against Italy, both in attack and defence. A stunning piece that provides the point of difference knowledge and understanding for coaches and players globally that we take pride in delivering to you, our valued members.
Enjoy and join the discussion.
A Rucking Revolution?FIJI SEVENS HEAD coach Ben Ryan published a number of intriguing tweets yesterday evening highlighting a technique which he believes has the game “in crisis”.
The former England Sevens boss has an issue with the rucking technique that, depending on where one is from, is referred to as a crocodile roll, tin opener, can opener, body roll, croc roll, alligator roll, gator roll, saddle roll or log roll.
Analysis: Ireland's work at the breakdown vs the SpringboksJoe Schmidt’s coaching philosophy is strongly founded on winning the breakdown and ruck, so we’ve analysed his Ireland team’s winning performance against South Africa last weekend.
Our in-depth examination of every breakdown and ruck shows who is doing the hard work in this highly technical area.
A closer look at the rucking rulesThe ruck is an interesting aspect of the game, and highlights the demands on referees at the top level.
With the speed of the modern game, and the fact that professional and amateur players will push the laws to breaking point to get an advantage, it’s certainly not an easy job.
Wayne Smith Preview: Receiving the high ballThe first in this new series of rugby coaching videos from Wayne Smith is about high ball work, and specifically about receiving the high ball.
Check out the trailer here:
Breaking down the Brumbies' breakdown tacticsACT Brumbies’ Director of Rugby, Laurie Fisher’s influence over the last three seasons has been clear in the Brumbies’ breakdown work, where the Australians excelled last weekend against the Chiefs. Murray Kinsella shows how Fisher’s influence contributed to the Brumbies’ success.
Schmidt breaks it down for IrelandAfter Ireland’s impressive Six Nations victory, Murray Kinsella looks at one area where they excelled, the breakdown. Here’s Murray analyses what Joe Schmidt has asked his men to do at the ruck.
Coming Soon: Body position at the breakdown with Eddie JonesIn this module Eddie Jones works with Junior Japan on the body position of the 2nd player to the breakdown. The focus in this course is either securing the space or the ball, ensuring players stay on their feet.
Leech for the Line‘Leeching’ or ‘latching’ is the act of a support player connecting with the ball carrier to generate more go-forward into contact. Murray Kinsella highlights some examples and key things to consider.
Coming Soon - Warren Gatland: Clear out (Removing the Threat)Warren Gatland, gives a 25min session on how to remove the opposition threat at the breakdown. This includes clear out technique and progressive drills to improve your chance of winning those all important collisions.
Coming Soon - Mike Friday: 7s Contact Skills (Tackle breakdown & Clear Out)Mike Friday and the Kenya 7s team go through a session on contact skills at the breakdown
Warren Gatland: Contact Scenarios - TrailerIn this module I’ll look at helping players to take contact on their own terms, buy some time, make sure the ball comes back and control this critical area of the game.
A few points on the new scrum lawsAfter nearly 2 years of trialling the new scrum laws, Joel Jutge’s last minute change of heart is causing some problems already.
OUT NOW! Warren Gatland: Contact AreaWarren Gatland’s first module Contact Area OUT SOON!
Out Tomorrow - Courtney Lawes: Ball Carrying & Clear OutNorthampton & England back row forward, Courtney Lawes delivers his latest module on ball carrying into contact & clear out
Contesting for ball & clear outOUT TOMORROW…Bismarck takes you through the breakdown from top to bottom.
Forwards have to think on their feetForwards are conditioned from a young age to make sure that they get to the breakdown, but sometimes it is the worst thing they can do
The Rolling Maul IIWhen the perfect rolling maul is on the move it is almost impossible to stop. It is like discovering the secret of perpetual motion. You cannot tackle a player legally. You cannot get at the ball. There is not much of a front to drive against. The only option left is to…infringe.
The perfect seven knows when to hold backThe breakdown used to be owned by the specialist opensides but now every player needs to be an expert in forcing turnovers.
Slow ball managementIn each match you play, if you are doing really well at the breakdown you will win 70% quick ball and 30% slow ball. Therefore, the way you manage slow ball is vital to your chances of winning the game.
Graham Henry - The Breakdown TrailerThe least number of breakdowns you can have the better you will play but its a big part of the game and you need the skills to play there. This video will take you through a range of skill activities, identifying individuals roles and responsibilities at the breakdown.
