Team Strategy /

Success in rugby league comes from executing key strategies in both attack and defense. This page outlines fundamental team strategies, including defensive positioning, effective set completions, tactical kicking, and structured attacking plays. Understanding these principles will help players and teams maximise their performance on the field.

Team Defense & Effective Defensive Splits

Defensive Splits & Spacing: The defensive line consists of 10 players, 2 markers, and a fullback. Defensive splits help ensure balanced coverage on both sides of the field. Between the posts and tramlines, a 6 & 4 split is recommended, while a 5 & 5 split is used in the middle of the field. These guidelines help players effectively cover the necessary space in defense.

Starting & Finishing Sets in Your Half

The Red Zone: The Red Zone is an area of the field where the team should avoid taking unnecessary risks. The focus is on playing simple and running hard to get out of the Red Zone quickly, reducing the pressure near our try line. A ball-handling error in this area can be very costly.

We usually exit the Red Zone through Kick-Offs and Kick Returns/Yardage sets. To gain meters effectively in these situations:

Kick-Offs: Forwards use their size and strength to run hard and trigger quick play-the-balls. They catch flat on the advantage line, maintain width away from the ruck, and have support running through the line with them.

Kick Return/Yardage: Typically, Fullback or Wingers return the ball from the opposition’s 5th tackle kick. The backs quickly get back onside to help carry the ball out of the Red Zone, relieving pressure from the forwards, who are resting or walking back onside. Halves take over at dummy half, while Centres, Wingers, and Fullbacks catch flat over the advantage line, hold width from the ruck, trigger quick play-the-balls, and run with support pushing through the line.

Coffin: The "Coffin" refers to a modern rugby league term for kicking to a 10m x 10m box in the opposition's corner. A simple yet effective strategy is to aim for the "Coffin" on the 5th tackle, putting pressure on the opposition in their Red Zone.

This ensures a tight, connected kick chase, applying pressure to the opposition in their Red Zone while limiting attacking threats to one side of the ruck. It's the most difficult position on the field to attack from, so the goal is to force a turnover in the "Coffin," as the opposition must cover 90-100 meters in a set to score.

Points on the Field to Attack From (Good Ball Zone)

Using points on the field provides players of all age groups with a clear understanding of where to position themselves when the ball is played from specific spots. For example, when we get to "Black" it signals the team to run a specific "Shape" or "Play," ensuring all players know their roles in the attack.

Black: The Black Dot on the goal posts is a key point on the field. Positioned in the center, it allows the team to have balanced shape and options on both sides of the ball. Getting the ball to this spot early in the set or tackle count provides the flexibility to move the ball either side of the field. The specific shapes, structures, or attacking formats used on either side of the ruck are up to the players and coach.

Tramlines: Tramlines refer to the scrum line, running 20 meters in from the sidelines. This is another key “point” on the field, offering the team attacking options on both sides of the ruck - an open side and a short side. The shape, structure, or positional play used on either side is up to the players and the coach.