Continuity - keeping the ball alive

All players should:
  • understand that taking contact should only occur if the player cannot evade defenders or pass out of a tackle
  • continue to ‘go forward’ in contact situations, maintaining momentum, whilst striving to beat defenders
  • if tackle is inevitable, force the defender to make a side-on tackle, work hard to stay on their feet and move forward, allowing an offload pass
  • if offload is not possible, go to ground and present the ball to team mates (as far from opposition as possible)
  • if supporting, make the next decision based on defensive threats, e.g. pick up ball, pass ball, clear defenders