Ball carriers stop dead when they meet a defender
They run, see a defender, freeze, and get tackled standing still
Why it happens
- Contact is new, and stopping feels safer than running into it.
- They don't know what else to do: step, pass or go low.
- They look at the defender, not the space.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Keep your feet moving.”
- “See space, go to space.”
- “Low and strong into contact, ball held tight.”
✗ Not this
- “Run straight at them!”
- “Don't be scared.”
- Telling them off for stopping.
The drill ladder
Move a group up a level only when they hit the "ready for next level" sign. It's fine for groups to be on different levels.
Colour gates
How it works
- The player runs forward with the ball.
- Partway through the run, the coach shouts a colour.
- The player has to scan, pick the gate and go through it at full pace.
Coaching points
- Call later and later as they improve.
- Eyes up, not on the ball.
- Later on, swap colours for a defender who moves to block a gate.
Ready for the next level when: Players hit the right gate quickly, even with a late call.
Dodge the statue
How it works
- One player stands still on a cone as a “statue” defender. No touching.
- The ball carrier runs at the statue and, without slowing down, steps left or right past them and carries on to the end cone.
- Then the statue may take one step left or right as the carrier arrives. Rotate the statue every few goes.
Coaching points
- Keep your feet moving. Never stop in front of a defender.
- Eyes on the space beside the defender, not on the defender.
- Ball in two hands, tucked away from the defender as you go past.
Ready for the next level when: Ball carriers go past the statue at full pace without slowing, on both sides.
Shield walk-ins
How it works
- A partner of similar size holds the shield firmly, feet wide, one foot forward.
- The ball carrier walks into it and drives with their legs for 3 seconds.
- Go from walking to marching to jogging, then swap roles.
Coaching points
- Players hold the shields, never an adult.
- Ball held in both hands, tight to the chest. Shoulder into the shield, head up and to the side.
- Shield holders give a little and stay balanced, not rigid.
Ready for the next level when: Every player drives into the shield at a jog without slowing down.
2v1 channel
How it works
- Two attackers against one defender.
- The ball carrier runs at the defender. Pass if the defender commits to you, run if they drift to your support.
- Defender walks or jogs first, then plays full speed.
- Defenders use a two-handed touch, not a tackle.
Coaching points
- Run at the defender's inside shoulder to draw them.
- Support stays a few metres wide and calls “here!”
- Ask the carrier afterwards what they saw.
Ready for the next level when: Most reps finish with the right pass-or-run choice.
Step, drive or pass
How it works
- A defender kneels in a channel. The ball carrier walks at them with a support player a few steps behind and to the side.
- The carrier must choose before reaching the defender: step past, go low and strong into the kneeling tackle, or pass to the support player.
- The kneeling defender tackles at the hips if the carrier comes into range. Rotate roles after each go.
Coaching points
- Make the choice early. Stopping is the only wrong answer.
- If you go into contact: low, ball tucked, land and place it back.
- Support player calls loudly so the carrier knows they are there.
Ready for the next level when: Ball carriers keep moving and make a choice every time, without stopping in front of the defender.
Common coaching mistakes
- Only running unopposed drills. They need a defender to practise against.
- Shouting “run straight at them”. Stepping and passing are better choices.
- Going into live contact before they can carry the ball into a shield safely.
- Telling a player off for stopping. Ask what they could have done instead.
Related problems
Decision-makingAttack
My players freeze with the ball
Indecisive, slow to pass, run into trouble or stand still
TackleConfidenceMy players are scared of contact
Hesitating, pulling out of tackles, turning their back
PassingAttackThey won't pass, they just run
Heads down, running into three defenders, support players left waving