PvP Game
Try this game at training to give players mini competitions within a larger game
At a recent Yatton RFC senior training session, DoR/Assistant Coach John O’Connor used a game to challenge players. Players found it challenging and a good way to test problem solving.
Here’s how to play PvP Touch Rugby:
Set up a playing area
Split players into two teams
Give each player an opposition partner
Players may only be touch tackled by their opposition partner
Thoughts from John:
As expected, the defending player did not identify themselves so it was hard to spot them tracking their opposition attacker in open play.
When the ball carrier cut lines/angles to avoid his defender as a ploy, other players got in way making it harder to get the touch
Initially the players relied heavily on being able to free run and hide from the only defender who can touch them.
Later in game they realised (with a nudge) that passing like any other touch game meant it was near impossible for solo defenders to track their player.
The players worked out a cheat, if they obstructed attacker ('accidental' or grab/semi-mauls forming) it gave the solo defender time to get to the touch and prevent score.
There were lots of scores in game and players enjoyed it.
The game has lots of ways to adapt and set players against teammates, it creates mini match ups in game. It also gets defenders tracking attackers and popping out of traffic to make the touch.
Possible adaptations
To make the game easier, give each opposition pair the same bib or headband
Make the game more challenging for attackers by giving each attacker two defenders who can touch tackle them
Thoughts from Jess
This game will test attackers footwork and evasive skills by creating 1-on-1 mini battles within a larger activity. It also tests the defending team.
This rule might initially make the defending team disorganised and create gaps in defence as players are eager to track down their opposition partner. Encourage communication between the players so that the defending team stay connected.
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