They run into contact instead of looking for space
Ball carriers run straight at the nearest defender every time
Why it happens
- Contact is new and exciting, and running into it gets attention.
- Bigger players have learned they can run through people.
- They don't look up to see the space.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Find the space first.”
- “Draw the defender, then pass.”
- “Great run! You went where they weren't.”
✗ Not this
- “Smash them!”
- Only praising big carries.
- Telling small players to run into contact like big players.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3v2 overlap
How it works
- Three attackers against two defenders in a wide channel. Defenders use a two-handed touch, not a tackle.
- The ball starts with the attacker on one edge. Attack has to get the ball to the free player.
- Defenders walk, then jog, then play at full speed. Rotate after each go.
Coaching points
- Ball carrier runs at a defender to hold them before passing.
- Free player: stay wide, call loud, be ready to catch at pace.
- Ask the carrier afterwards who the free player was and when they knew.
Ready for the next level when: The attack finds the free player most of the time with defenders at full speed.
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 praising big carries into contact.
- Unopposed drills, so there is never a defender to avoid.
- Telling small players to run into contact like big players.
- Big areas where every run works.
Related problems
Ball carrierConfidence
Ball carriers stop dead when they meet a defender
They run, see a defender, freeze, and get tackled standing still
PassingAttackThey won't pass, they just run
Heads down, running into three defenders, support players left waving
ContactSafetySquadThe big kids flatten everyone
A few early-developing players run through everyone, and the rest are getting scared