Support Players

Support Players

There are many different defensive systems and strategies used by teams. These depend on multiple factors, such as team and individual strengths and weakness, ability and capability of players and the Age Grade Law Variations being played. The following two roles have been identified as a starting point to developing your defensive breakdown system.

Inside Support Player

Once the tackle has been made, the role of the Inside Support Player is to react and adjust to the tackle situation. Vision, Decision and Action (VDA), and constant communications skills are vital within your defensive chain.

Responsibilities within the defensive breakdown

• If they are required in the tackle, they should:
  • join the tackle to drive Ball Player backwards
  • target the ball to rip from Ball Player (depending on entry height of tackler)
• If the Ball Player is taken to ground, they should:
  • jackal the ball to lift and create counter-attack opportunity
  • effect the accuracy of the Ball Player’s presentation or try to win a holding penalty
  • drive over the ball to create counter ruck opportunity.
• On a passive tackle, they must be alert to a Clamp opportunity if the Ball Player lands chest on ball and is slow to recoil and present.
• With continued presence they should challenge for the ball, encouraging further attacking players into the breakdown to support the Ball Player.
• If they areunable to perform the above, they should leave the contest and return into their team’s defensive system ready for next phase of play.

Outside Support Player

The Outside Support Player performs a similar role as the Inside Support Player, however, there may be additional decision making required due to their position on the outside of the tackler in the defensive system. Note – this can vary depending on the team defensive system being used.

Responsibilities within the defensive breakdown

• As per the Inside Support Player
• Aware of and alert to attacking system being used by the opposition. E.g., reacting to an attacking player entering the line to create momentum for the opposition.