Thanks,
Specifically? Well, I understand the basic concepts like the types of passes, such as switches, loops et al. I also understand overs and unders running lines. Things that most interest me are:
- Formulating base formations.
- Constructing backline moves.
- Sequential attacking plays, multi-phase plays.
Not just generally, but in different situations and areas of the field. I know this is asking a lot, but my curiosity about the more detailed aspects of the game will not die! I come from an NFL background. Any help will be gratefully received, thanks for your time TheKonze.
Regards
So you understand the basics of backline play and can see yes there passing it and he's running a line, here's my view on how it works
Let's begin with basic formations of the backs.
In defense, when the opposition is under pressure, there should be three people waiting for a kick: full back and the two wings. The rest of the backline should be pressuring the other backline
In defense, when the opposition isn't under pressure, they should all be up bar the fullback. The backs should always be a step or so on the inside of his man, so he can't be opened up inside by that particular man.
In attack, there are numerous differen't formations which can involve all of the backline up.
THat's pretty straightforward and I'm guessing you know that stuff, just put it in to make sure. Here's some stuff about scoring try's
Ideally you want to manipulate their backline so that they are forced to either not get anywhere near you, make an unrealistic tackle, or be chasing you from behind (this is where the "don't argue with Digby Ioane fend coms in")
And to achieve this there are a countless number of ways. They are listed:
Overlap - Overlap is generated through either piss poor defense and people not marking up, or for example a 50m break which forces outside players to come in and make tackles, leaving holes out wide.
example of this: Bledisloe 1 2003, sydney.
new zealand are pushing the ball forward inside AUS half. a forward runner is isolated and smith and waugh steal it. Aus passes out twice to matt rodgers who somehow skims through three tackles and makes a 50m line break, gives it to wendell sailor who is tackled just 10m short. Ignore the break and look at the situation.
Because of the break, Australia made backline players on the other side of the ruck, the side which rodgers wasn't running through, come across in cover defense. As a result, they have now left their side unmarked. A 3 man overlap is generated, Australia holds the ball, passes left and burke goes over.
Here it is on video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee9DtcWIrPU
it's the first try in the video.
SO that is a simple overlap, a combination of multiphase play and a break.
Next is multiphase play.
The same concept of an overlap is applied here:
Tri Nations 2010 Bloemfontine, Australia V South Africa.
Australia has the ball on the far left in the midfield and is pushing hard. A couple of barnstorming runs mean several people have to commit, giving the backline some time and space. But not an overlap, just a sliding defense. As such a backline move is used to commit the sliding defenders and create an overlap.
It's the first try
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RijpErJJ_nw
poetry in motion isn't it.
And so that play was with the intent of scoring, which now segues into sequential attacking plays involving the backline.
Again normally a precurser to a scoring move or pressure try, what these aim to do is what the forwards where doing in the previous example: move defenders from positions. You have a scrumhalf, who passes to a flyhalf, who then has several forward runner options with him. pass to a forward running a line, or pass to another back, who also has a forward with him. What this aims to do is exploit an immobile forward pack (hint south africa) and make them move across the park, which will normally result in the attacking team getting quick front foot ball if executed correctly which can lead to a pressure pick and drive, a backline play try ect.
Hope this answers your question.
