Breakdown Defence
Session Date
28/05/2026
Session duration (mins)
60
Session Priorities
Develop Defensive Breakdown skills and Decision Making
Session Objectives
Key coaching points are – Create a clear defensive breakdown philosophy –
Commit to the contest first, then make the decision –
Get your players breakdown ready with contact primers –
Win the race to the breakdown –
Make better decisions at arrival –
Compete for every breakdown.
| Part | Title | Minutes | Notes | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Up | Breakdown Primer Work & Body Awareness | 10 | Players of all ages should do at least some of these primers before any breakdown primer session. It not only warms players up and they have fun doing it it also gives you the opportunity to build their knowledge around the breakdown physicality and skills required. | View Video |
| Skill | Commitment to the Breakdown Contest | 10 | Building core breakdown skills to get over the ball Build in multi effort activities Focus on speed, wide base, chest down, no space | View Video |
| Skill | Hone the Movement Skills | 5 | Once the players start to pick up the skill requirement start putting it under pressure. 1st just with a static attacker protecting the ball (use a bag if you have one. Then the attacking support player starts to pressure the defender in the contact. Build speed and correct body position is the objective. | View Video |
| Unit | Breakdown Decision Making | 10 | Set up game like scenarios for your players. Create a contest for the ball so players can make effective breakdown decisions. Heads up view where the ball is and looking at the arriving player. | View Video |
| Skill | Slowing & Stealing Ball | 10 | Move from the tackler to jackaler (pilfer) Keep the body low over the tackled player - trying to get head to head with the tackled player. Build the skill and try to develop it into one movement. | View Video View Video |
| Skill | Communicate Your Decision | 10 | Once players understand the skills and decision-making required for each scenario, require them to communicate their decision early. Effective communication enables teammates to recognise the situation and make the correct decision about their next action. | View Video |
| S&C | Warm Down | 5 | Recovery - static stretching and discuss with your players the defensive breakdown concepts. What they learnt? What they felt comfortable with and what they feel they need to do more work on. | View Video |