Blockers

Overview

Blockers improves the back four’s ability to remain compact, move together as a unit and stop forward passes by getting into good blocking positions.

SET UP

• Pitch 60yds x30yds including two 10yd end zones

See complete set up here

What you get your players to do

Divide the squad into three teams of four players.

One team is designated as blockers and is positioned on the centre line. The other two teams work as the passers and move to opposite end lines.

To start, one of the passing teams passes along its line and attempts to pass through to the opposite team.

The blocking team must move along the line in order to close the gaps and block the forward passes.

Rules

• The game is played for three sets of three minutes to allow all teams to play as blockers
• The blockers must remain on the centre line
• The passers must keep their passes under waist height when passing to the opposite side
• If the blockers intercept the ball it is passed back to one of the passing teams and the game restarts
• A point is scored for a block and a point is scored for a successful pass. The points are tallied up at the end

Development/progression

To improve the intensity of the practice you can limit the players to two touches.