Support Player Key Performance Indicators
Key Performance Indicators
1. Communication
Accurate communication between defenders, whether part of a defensive system or not, is vital. This enables players to prepare for the tackle situation or defensive breakdown sequence by being in the right position and having team-mates around them to support correctly.
2. Speed into position
The ability to get off the ground or move quickly into position within the team’s defensive system.
3. Staying connected / line integrity
Players within the defensive system should ensure they are lined up correctly, set square on, with the appropriate distance between each other. Communication should continue throughout as attacking formation faced may change.
4. Line speed (depending on defensive system in operation)
Depending on team tactics, (i.e., press, drift, hook) players need to move with the appropriate speed to maintain the defensive line formation. If players do not maintain formation, then gaps will appear which can create cues and resultant opportunities for the attacking team.
5. Preparation and connection – see Tackle Ready
The ability to transition from Tracking to Preparation to Connection during the tackle and win the collision at the point of contact stopping the momentum of the attack.
See Tackle Ready:
6. Decision making, reaction and adjustment to tackle situation
Depending on the outcome of the tackle, key decisions will have to be made by the Tackler and Support Players:
- To compete or leave the breakdown
- To stay in the defensive breakdown sequence and:
- steal ball and counterattack
- gain a penalty
- slow down opposition attack
- attract numbers into the attacking ruck formation
- exit and re-align ready for next phase.