Penetrating the Defensive Line By Glenn Bayliss -

Drill: Attacker and support player move to defenders - Attacker changes angle across and ‘over' the defender and the into space drawing the outside defender to him. Support player receives on-side pass outside the defender once he is drawn by the football carrier.

Coaching: Attacking player to run (or swerve) to defenders inside shoulder. Look for ‘cues' that defender is drawn. ie The head, shoulders, feet of defender turn back ‘inside' (away from support player).

Attacker changes angle across to be ‘OVER' his defender putting himself in a position to draw outside defender, as well. Ensure the attacker has given himself enough room to
‘COMMIT', ‘CHANGE ANGLE' and ‘DRAW'. Support player to run line on his defenders outside shoulder to HOLD him there as long as possible.

When the defender leaves the support player and is drawn to the inside attack player, the support, after receiving the pass, runs into the area left vacant by the defender. In game situations there would be an outside defender.

This area would be the furthest point from that defender and in behind the first mentioned defender.

Once through the ‘hole' the player with football must straighten his run.

Be aware of:

• Correct football carriage by players.
• Shortening stride before changing angle.
• Players recognising ‘cues' for action.
• Running of correct ‘lines'.
• Passes to be on-side passes.
• Depth of support player.
• Straightening of run line once through ‘hole'.
• Football carrier staying on feet after passing to ‘stay alive' as a support player.
• Drill to progress from ‘passive' to ‘game pace'.
• Position of Coach. Stand behind defenders to give feedback to players as they complete drill..........