flat_line_attack.pdf

Technical Paper The Flat Line Attack System

Andrew Jackson Level Three Coach Darwin, NT 1

Flat-line Attack By Andrew Jackson ARU Level 3 Coach Contact Andrew at: [email protected] Traditionally, a Rugby Union back line gets one ‘bite of the cherry’ from each set play or primary possession; then the forwards take it on. If a team is competent at recycling, the back line may see it again from phase play. In the modern game though, especially since multi-skilling has come into vogue, the back line may no longer resemble the formation from the original set play. This paper has been written because the depth of our club backline alignment is far too deep and makes it very difficult for teams to reach the advantage line from first phase play. Any flatness or depth in alignment is established by the starting position of the first-five. His starting position (relative to the half-back) needs to be at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees and a distance of 10 to 15 metres. These dimensions will depend on the quality of the half-backs pass, both left and right, and the skills and confidence of the first five. The team’s game plan may also contribute to the alignment set up of nay back line. The flat-line attacking system gives the opportunity for a back line to fully utilize this ‘bite of the cherry’, plus helps the forwards with their support running lines to go across and forward rather than back. 9 x 10 x 0 12 x 0 13 x

11 0 14 0 15 0 The 0 represent our present deep alignment. The x represents

A flat alignment set up. The alignment difference between flat line attack and deep alignment is a simple shift in the starting position of the first-five. He positions himself closer and wider than usual thus bringing the rest of his backs two or three metres forward All that is required now is the halfback to give an accurate pass.



With the way that the modern game has developed, why worry about how to create space; why not exploit the space that already exists. Thus, before trying to create space , why not try to spot the space and communicate that to your support. Most club teams only seem to notice the space out wide and fail to see the space that is in close.

Deep alignment diminishes the space that you have to work in. Flat line attack creates more space to work in.

Most attacks from a deep alignment have a tendency to allow defences to react earlier. Deep alignment also means that teams will primarily use a series of lateral passes to try and get on the outside, thus allowing the defence to ‘slide’ and cut down the space. The fundamental rule on any attacking alignment is that you cannot break a defensive until you reach it anyway. The quicker you create or determine the tackle line the sooner you can put the opposition under pressure.

Deep alignment puts the gain line further away. Flat line attack brings the gain line closer.

The old chestnut, the “C” factor provides a good five-stage procedure for creating chaos in attack. COMMIT - the opposition by standing close and angling at them CHALLENGE- the opposition by taking the ball to the tackle line COMBINE - by keeping the ball alive with lots of support CROSS - the gain line using the run of support CAPITALISE - on the chaos with more support and a good recycling technique The flat line attacking system is a concept – a way of thinking. This concept is not new, merely an extension and consolidation on previous thoughts. Flat line attack is not a move used once or twice in a season either. This concept has been used to great effect by the 1999 World Cup Wallabies, the ACT Brumbies and the Randwick Rugby Club.

Deep alignment is more about speed than timing. Flat line attack is more about timing than speed.



Back lines need to establish a philosophy on how far away from the opposition is best for them in their initial alignment set up. This distance, between the alignment of attackers and the line of defenders, will reduce in space as the ball goes further along the line. Two bottom line facts remain however:

1. You cannot pass a defensive line until you meet it

2. The closer you are to a defender when you receive the ball, the quicker and more definite the opposition response will be.

Deep alignment requires little practice – any one can use it. Flat line attack requires constant practice – you’ve got to want to use it.

Former A.I.S. coach, David Clark believed; “Attack is about sending out signals and attracting reactions which are going to suit your subsequent plan of action.” In other words, pulling a switch move or bringing an extra runner metres away from the opposition is useless because the defensive line has the time to read it and adjust accordingly. Modern defensive lines are hard enough to crack at the best of times, without a team telegraphing their intentions.

Deep alignments usually signal a move out wide. Flat line attacks usually signal a move in close.

ARU Community Rugby General Manager, Geoff Shaw wrote a paper on channel running, (pp 29 ARU Level Two Backs Play Manual) emphasizing “that each player not only has to use the opposition’s space responsibly but also respect and preserve the space that is the basic tenancy of your support players”. Under his channel policy each runner remains in his own territory until the transfer has occurred. If the ball carrier or support runner changes the angle of his run and ‘invades’ another channel, it gives a signal that something might be up. The channel system is a great way to teach players how to run straight, commit the defence and preserve space for support runners. The Level Two ARU Coaching manual (pp 30-32) gives a terrific explanation of passing and running angles; two things very critical to the attacking potency of any back line.



In 1999, ARU Coach Education Manager, Warren Robilliard, wrote a paper on ‘Alternative Back Line Play’. In it he quoted research, which basically stated that a team would have about 25-30 pieces of primary possession in any one game. If this is still true today, wouldn’t it be more efficient for a back line to have system of attack rather than a stack of moves they may never use. In that paper as well, Warren wrote “that most back line coaching….revolves around moves…..but more often than not, the players are not aware of why they are doing a move.” Therefore, using a system and coaching players the skills they need – and maybe throwing in a move or two for variety – will aid in improving primary possession back line play throughout the country.

Deep alignment makes the flankers work harder – across and back. Flat line attack helps the flankers work easier – across and forward.

Many rugby writers have spoken about shallow alignments and flat passing and even mentioned assault play – “the ability to move the ball to a possible hole and some cases create a hole with the path of the ball.” The concepts of addition and subtraction have also been widely written and read. The flat line attack system, as previously stated, is just an extension of all these concepts. The flat line attack system relies on a number of individual skills, which when competency is attained by players, it becomes a lethal weapon for an attacking back line. * Committing a defender - David Clark drill (pp 115-116 Level I Manual) * Passing skills - sympathetic / pop / switch / circle * Angle running - switch / scissors / unders & overs * Space running - channels / wide * Continuity - presentation skills / primary & secondary support



The following drills will allow you to practice the flat line attack system. M 1 A D 2 B E 3 C Groups of three. A-E are stationary objects (bags or persons). 1 runs forward and passes laterally to 2 who commits at B and passes to 3 who runs into the B-C hole. 3 commits at E and passes to 1 who runs through the D-E hole and then picks up 2 with a lateral pass. Extensions can be added to use a switch, circle or cut pass.

Deep alignment relies on a good deep pass. Flat line attack relies on a good short pass.

N 1 2 3 Groups of three. Defenders start off in a stationary position. 1 runs and passes to 2 who commits the first defender, draws and passes to 3. 3 commits the second defender and draws and passes to 1. 1 runs and commits third defender and draws and passes to 2.

Deep alignment demands good passing and receiving technique. Flat line attack demands perfect passing and receiving technique.

1

1



P Group players into four teams on cones as shown. Players run at diagonal angles to The opposite cone. The aim of this drill is to use a sympathetic or pop pass to an Oncoming player within the circled area. Timing of the run and correct execution of The pass are the key points. Pressure can be applied by applying time or number constraints. S 1 2 4 2 4 3 3 1 2 4 3 1 Players numbered run the described running lines. Denotes the pass. The first drill demonstrates a simple unders line where 4 then 3 get the ball. An extension for and overs drill would be that 3 then 1 would get the ball. An extension for a switch drill would be that 2 then 4 get the ball. Groups of four can use this drill as a warm up between the fifteen and touch lines; Try line to try line. Emphasis should be on the quality of passes and maintenance of the prescribed running angles.

Deep alignment has restrictions in your own half of the field. Flat line attack can be utilized anywhere on the field.



R A B Switch passing drill (number of passes within a time limit) which incorporates a good decision making aspect. Group players into teams and line up on either cone A or Cone B. Players run diagonally to the opposite cone and wait to return. Always switch with the ball facing the runner. Emphasize quality passing – sympathetic or pop passing is ideal for this drill. Emphasize that the pass goes to the space NOT the player. Do not allow players to flick pass or turn their backs. Q X X X X X X O O O O O O Attackers Defenders X O 15m x 15m Grid An excellent decision making drill. This drill works on a numbers call; e.g 3 on 1. The attackers are always called first, the defenders second. So in the example, 3 attackers would go against 1 defender. Attackers align themselves on the run, communicate and angle their running lines according to the way the defender(s) line up. Emphasis should be on committing the defender(s), quality passes and good angled running lines. Note: some players will work out a move before they start their run. Reiterate to players that this drill is simulating a general play situation on the field and therefore play what is in front of them, do not assume anything beforehand.



T “Triangle Ball” 7 8

9 10 12 11 13 15 14 From a set play – scrum in this case – backs line up in two triangle formations in a flat line attack alignment. 9 passes to 10 who passes to 12. Either lateral pass to 15 or switch or circle pass to 13; both should be running into holes created. 11 runs a covering line for the full back. In this move 7 and 8 support 15. 9, 10 and 14 support 13.

Group Study Task As a back line, identify how many kinds of moves that you know and practice at your training sessions. Be honest with your selves and count up the number. Once this is done, analyze one or two recent games you have played and identify and count the moves that you tried to complete. Do not argue why they didn’t work, just identify and count them. Once you have done this – discuss and draw some conclusions. I’m sure you will be amazed by your results! Good luck



Resources: Australian Rugby Union (ARU) Level 1 Manual 1994 Australian Rugby Union (ARU) Level 2 Manual 1998 Backs Play Rugby Research Papers – NCASS 1999

Documents

flat_line_attack.pdf