Throw-in Defensive Rush

Focus

Skills under pressure, Defensive, Contested ball, Front & Square, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking, Stoppages, Gameplan/Strategy.

Skills

Handballing, Tackle, Kick Long, Shepherd, Ruck, Crumb.

Purpose

Defenders will naturally stand defensive-side when a stoppage such as a boundary throw-in occurs close to goal. The extra traffic inside 50 makes it difficult to advance the ball forwards. A better option is to work the ball backwards and infield which opens the field of play and gives forwards more space to lead into.

Difficulty

Players

10⁺

Balls

1⁺

Cones

Opp. tops

Visible opposition strip: 4

Setup
Coach prepares for a boundary throw-in just outside the 50m arc. Players setup for a boundary throw-in, the yellow team are attacking (A=Ruck) (B=Rover) (E=Ruck Rover) (F=Centre). Three other yellow players (C,D,E = wingers, forward flanks) stand defensive side.
Step 1
Coach throws the ball in from the boundary to the ruckmen (A) who compete. Yellow (A) tries to get the ball to rover (B), with the ruck rover (F) and centre (G) running through to support and provide other options.

(F) and (G) should be running away from goal as the ball is thrown-in.

If the red team win the clearance, end the contest; the same players quickly setup again.
Step 2
If yellow wins possession, they should use a chain of quick handballs backwards then infield.

Defenders attempt to turn the ball over, tackling at coaches discretion.
Step 3
Once a wingmen/half-forward has been released, they kick to a leading designated full-forward, who takes a shot.
Step 4
Optionally rotate attacking players after each contest, and defenders after several contests.