Give players one picture of support
A useful supporter is close enough to become an option but far enough away to react. Starting behind the ball carrier usually gives the supporter a view of the carrier's movement and the defence in front. The supporter communicates, keeps their hands ready, and accelerates into the play when the carrier passes. After receiving, that player becomes the new ball carrier and the passer moves again to support. The session should make that cycle visible without introducing contact or breakdown work.
- Start behind the ball carrier when possible and watch what happens in front.
- Tell the carrier you are available without relying on one compulsory call.
- Keep the hands ready and move forward onto the pass.
- Pass towards a target in front of the receiver and follow the hands towards it.
- Move to support as soon as the pass has gone instead of admiring it.
Set up a clear moving picture
Use a level, hazard-free area with enough room for groups to move without crossing each other's path. Begin with small groups and one ball so every player cycles through ball carrier, receiver, and supporter. Mark a clear direction of travel and keep the first defender restricted to shadowing or touch. The aim is movement and choice, not contact, clearing, or ruck technique.
Build from a pattern to a choice
Walk the support line
Rehearse
Use a simple pass-and-follow pattern. The passer moves behind the receiver, communicates, presents ready hands, and becomes the next option. Keep the pace low enough for the group to see the cycle.
Run and reconnect
Build
Let the ball carrier change direction before passing. The supporter must watch, adjust their line, and accelerate into the pass instead of running a memorised route.
Add a defensive picture
Choose
Add a restricted touch-only defender. The carrier attacks one space while the supporter stays available behind and reacts to the defender's position. Rotate the defender often.
Finish with continuity
Play
Use a small-sided non-contact game. After every pass, the passer must move to offer another option. Let the game expose when support is too early, too flat, too distant, or silent.
What the coach should notice
| Moment | Look for | Useful question |
|---|---|---|
| Before the pass | The supporter can see the carrier and has hands ready | Can the carrier find you? |
| As the carrier moves | The supporter adjusts instead of following a fixed track | What changed in front? |
| At the pass | The receiver moves forward onto a clear target | Where do you want the ball? |
| After the pass | The passer moves again and becomes available | What is your next job? |
Change one constraint at a time
- Make it easier by slowing the carrier, removing the defender, or giving the group more space.
- Make it harder by changing the carrier's direction, adding a second option, or giving the defender more freedom.
- If supporters overrun the carrier, return to walking pace and ask them to react rather than race ahead.
- If the ball carrier has no option, freeze the picture briefly and let the group identify where support could appear.
Finish with the next decision
Ask players what helped the carrier recognise a support option, when the supporter had to change their line, and what the passer did after releasing the ball. Use their answers to choose one cue for the next session. If the group can describe the support picture but cannot keep it alive in the game, repeat the same problem with a simpler defender rather than adding another pattern.