Breakdown Ready

1st Support Player

1st Support Player

The 1st Support Player has number of decisions to make, depending on the situation. Priority must be to ensure the Ball Player is not isolated and in danger of being turned over. Players may arrive at an attacking breakdown formation individually or simultaneously.

Their options are:

  1. Latch onto Ball Player to add forward momentum to the carry and support Ball Player as they go to ground
  2. Latch onto Ball Player to add forward momentum to the carry and slip over the Ball Player to take away the defensive player
  3. To receive a pop pass from the Ball Player on the ground
  4. To pick the ball off the ground after the Ball Player presents and decide whether to pass or carry ball forward
  5. To win the space over or through the ball before opposition defence arrives
  6. To clear the defensive threat if own support is delayed.

Responsibilities within the breakdown

  • If latching onto Ball Player, do so in a safe and legal manner. They must work to stay in control and on their feet. Maintaining a low, dynamic driving position.
  • If receiving a pass, or picking the ball is not an option then players should win the space or clear the threat.
  • To win the space support players should:
    • Enter the attacking breakdown tunnel through the imaginary powerline, making sure of legal entry and “square up / L” into contact

    • Drop body height and stay square at powerline – staying low and in control
    • Grip on to the Ball Player and support own bodyweight, staying square, eyes looking forward, scanning for potential threats (i.e., counter-ruck). They should not show a weak body position/angle as this will give the opposition an opportunity to counter-ruck and effect momentum in attack.
    • Work to get out, and ready for next phase.
  • To clear the defensive threat, support players should:
    • Enter the attacking breakdown tunnel through the imaginary powerline, making sure of legal entry and “square up / L” into contact (see above)
    • Drop body height and stay square at powerline – staying low and in control
    • Connect with the defensive threat and clear out in a legal manner (i.e., shoulder battle, drive through low to high angles, angle clean out, destabilisation techniques, decision head in and under jackler torso or head above depending on space available)
    • Work to get out, and ready for next phase.
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