Video library

Breakdown videos

Win the Breakdown - win the game - Warren Gatland

Develop breakdown skills and tactics to help your players win the breakdown contest from some of the world's best coaches and players including Dave Rennie, Richie McCaw, Sam Warburton, George Smith, Warren Gatland, Sir Graham Henry and Eddie Jones, Ben Herring and many others.

Plus we have categorised them by playing level to make it easier for you to find:

  • Y – youth
  • HS – high school
  • A – adult
  • All – suitable for all levels

Breakdown resources

How to strike the balance between tackling and ‘jackling’ on D

As a result of the WR 2020 Breakdown Guidelines, the role of the jackler has changed, so it has attracted quicker, more dynamic physical types to the role.
Using examples for the English premiership, Nick Bishop latest analysis show the responsibility for jackling extends well into the backline.

How to get on the right side of the referee at the breakdown

For defensive players in and around the tackle area, the challenge is to spoil and disrupt effectively while showing that they are following the rules.
Nick Bishop looks at one of the techniques to fit into this formula – the ‘fake pilfer’.

How to make a second effort when all seems lost at ruck-time

Sports coaches are always on the lookout for ways in which a player can make a ‘double action’ or second effort, reinforcing and improving the first, creating a snowball of momentum.
Nick Bishop highlights where a ‘double action’ is productive in rugby at all levels.

How to get some ‘bounce’ into the kick-pass!

Attacking methods to get the ball quickly to the edge need constant refinement for the attacking side to be able to exploit the full width of the field.
One of the easiest methods to reach the wide channels has been the ‘kick-pass’. Nick Bishop details at the latest iteration of the ‘kick pass’

Why the wide ruck can be a big Achilles heel for the attack

A ‘sweet spot’ exists where the defence can move over to the attack at the breakdown as Nick Bishop outlines in this week’s analysis..

How to get a second bite at the cherry at the breakdown

The recent changes in officiating guidelines at the breakdown outlawed a second move on the deck, and reduced the options at presentation for the ball-carrier. Nick Bishop details how coaches are adapting so players get a second bite at the breakdown ‘cherry’.

Why it’s hard to overestimate the value of a hard YACKER

Nick Bishop explains What is a rugby YACKA and the important role they play in a team’s attack.

How to get the most out of your turnover defence at the ruck

Nick Bishop looks at the creative solution All Black coaches have created to overcome captain Sam Cane’s reduced his effectiveness in the tackle area, as a pilferer of opposition ball, due to his neck injury.

How to double up at the defensive breakdown

Win more of the collisions between attacker and defender and go forward in the tackle, and you will probably win the game – that is how the theory goes.

Using the recent European Champions Cup final, Nick Bishop puts some context to the theory.

How far can you clean out ahead of the ruck?

What is considered too far for support players clearing out?
A ‘reasonable’ distance with ‘advantages’ as Nick Bishop details in this week’s analysis.

See all Breakdown resources