Breakdown Ready

Support Player Key Performance Indicators

All Support Players - Key Performance Indicators

The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) below cover the key factors that will enable and develop the skills of all the attacking breakdown support players within the attacking ruck formation. Coaches should consider them when developing player support skills within their coaching programme:

1. Vision, Decision, Action cycle (VDA)

The Support Player must be aware of the Ball Player, the opposition defenders, and all potential threats. They cannot allow the Ball Player to become isolated, so they need to be able to observe the situation, recognise threats and be able to react accordingly.

2. Communication pre, during and after contact

Continuous communication with teammates is vital throughout the attacking phases of breakdown. Identifying and communication where added support may be needed, recognising, and communicating potential threats to the Ball Player are vital. Players should develop and use a vocabulary of key trigger words that relate to the situation and specific techniques required in the supporting roles of the breakdown.

3. Balance, foot placement and leg drive

Support Players must enter the breakdown legally(square up / L-in) (as above) by dropping their height around 1.5-2m before the point of contact (the power line). The power line is an imaginary semi-circle 1.5-2m from the point of contact. The term “power line” can be used as a trigger word to initiate the dynamic driving action of entry into the breakdown tunnel. The word “tunnel” can be used as a visual representation of long and narrow breakdown – which makes the gate narrow and therefore more difficult for the defence.
When dropping height (hip sink), the Support Player should maintain focus on the target. They should shorten their steps to maintain balance, drive the legs powerfully and endeavour to stay on their feet and in control throughout the breakdown.

4. Support technique selection

Depending on the situation which unfolds in front of them, the Support Player should select the correct technique(s) required to support the Ball Player on their feet, on the ground or to clear defensive threats. Examples of these are:

  • Latch and drive
  • Target areas on Ball Player’s body when the Ball Player is on the ground and presenting the ball to create strong and stable protection
  • Techniques to win the space:
    • Shoulder battle (front on)
    • Drive not dive (front on or square/L-entry)
    • Destabilisation (lever defender out of contest)
    • Angle entry (square/L-entry in under torso)
    • Angle entry (square/L-entry, head in and under torso, clamp thigh and leg drive or head above depending on space available)
    • Pull through
    • Arm sweep/split.

5. Contact terms

When entering the breakdown tunnel, Support Players should try to win the height battle against the opposition defender(s) if required by:

  • keeping eyes on target throughout
  • dropping their height (hip sink)
  • staying square
  • making legal and effective initial shoulder contact on opposition
  • using arm wrap and clamp
  • using iron grip
  • using dynamic leg drive.

Support Players may need to be able to re-shape within the breakdown depending on their accuracy of entry, technique selection and in response to defenders’ actions.

If the Support Player wins the race (and can support the Ball Player on the ground) they should ensure they are in a low, dynamic, strong, and stable position with eyes up scanning for threats, hands gripping the ball player and keeping on their feet. This should minimise the opportunities for the defence to counter ruck.

6. In-formation support work

If the 1st Support Player wins the space and grips onto the Ball Player, who is on the ground presenting, then there are key techniques below that must be used by the 2nd Support Player to lock the whole attacking breakdown formation together within the tunnel. These techniques will be improved by individual player’s core stability:

  • Shoulder in behind first support player (target upper hamstring/buttock)
  • Stabilise the 1st Support Player by wrapping their arm around their upper leg or hips and gripping in to create a tight connection
  • Eyes up, looking forwards, aware of threats (counter-ruck/destabilisation etc.)
  • Awareness of feet position (as their back foot may become the offside line)
  • Work in conjunction with the 1st Support Player to stay strong within the attacking breakdown formation. This may include driving forwards to aid quick release of the ball.

7. Return to action

Once the ball has been cleared from the breakdown, the Support Player(s) should return as fast as possible to the next phase of play. The Support Players can assist the Ball Player to return to play quicker by pulling them onto their feet.

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