Breakdown explained

Breakdown philosophy

The biggest mistake that is made when coaching the attacking and defensive breakdown is to make it too complicated. This is due to the many variables involved in the tackle contest and subsequent breakdown.

Coaches should coach their players to be able to make simple decisions within both attack and defence. Both should understand the individual technical skill requirements that are necessary to perform dynamic attacking formations and defensive sequences. Once individual skills have been mastered, coaches should endeavour to deliver progressive, scenario-based activities which require players to make decisions under pressure and fatigue.

Principles of the Tackle and Ruck

In order to understand the breakdown, coaches and players must be aware of the Laws of the game that relate to the breakdown contest. Players may have multiple roles within the contest, both individually and collectively.

Tackle (Law 14)

Principle. A tackle can take place anywhere in the field of play. The actions of players involved in the tackle must ensure a fair contest and allow the ball to be available for play immediately.

Ruck (Law 15)

Principle. The purpose of a ruck is to allow players to compete for the ball which is on the ground.
Forming a ruck
1. A ruck can take place only in the field of play.
2. A ruck is formed when at least one player from each team are in contact, on their feet and over the ball which is on the ground.
3. Players involved in all stages of the ruck must have their heads and shoulders no lower than their hips.

Attacking breakdown

The attacking breakdown arises when the Ball Carrier (known in this resource as Ball Player) goes to ground and may be the result of the Ball Player being tackled, or a tactical ploy without being tackled. When the Ball Player goes to ground, a decision must be made by the attacking team on how many players to commit to the attacking ruck to retain possession if required.

Defensive breakdown

The defensive breakdown arises when the Ball Player goes to ground as the result of a tackle or a tactical ploy. If a ruck is not formed, then the defending team must decide how to compete for the ball. If a ruck is formed (when at least one player from each team are in contact, on their feet and over the ball which is on the ground) then a decision must be made by the defensive team either individually or collectively to contest for the ball in a legal manner.

Communication during the breakdown

As the attacking and defensive breakdown have a number of moving parts, it is important that there is a common terminology used by players and coaches. This may be linked to the overall team culture, themes, and buzzwords. The use of buzzwords should assist players to perform the actions required within the breakdown and should be short, simple, and descriptive.

Conditioning for the breakdown

The breakdown places unique physical demands on the player. To be effective in the breakdown, players must possess a high level of physical competence, body awareness and control, flexibility, and dynamic movement. Ideally, coaches should work as part of a multi-disciplinary support team (strength, conditioning, and physiotherapy) to develop the players competence in this dynamic part of the game.

World Rugby has a range of age and stage appropriate online learning modules which will help coaches to gain knowledge in this area. World Rugby also delivers subsequent face-to-face courses through its member unions.