Flat Pods and Options

In a previous article, having 3 or 4 players working in a pod is discussed. In this, the pods are set up with one player in front and the others behind them and tight. As mentioned in that article this provides good breakdown support and offload options. An example of working in a pod like this is shown below. This article instead looks at flat rugby pods and the options that this gives.

A “Flat” Pod

As an alternative to this, a pod can set up with a flatter, wider structure. For a more experienced, well drilled team, this can have a lot of positives with only minor negatives. The flat structure should only apply until one of the players has ball in hand. Once the ball is caught, the two supporting players should move to get closer and behind the ball carrier to offer off load options and breakdown support.

Options for the Distributor

The previous example showed there was little change in how the pod operates but one significant change is the options available to the player passing to the pod. Previous they only had one option, pass to the central ball carrier. However, now they have an option of 3 players to choose from. For the defence, instead of knowing who will be the ball carrier, they now have to mark all 3 players in the pod.

Interplay

As demonstrated in the Pods, train.. article, short off loads between the players in the pods can be very damaging for the defence. This is equally the case when the pod is set wider and flatter. The pod can now easily pass between themselves finding gaps in the defence.

---

Player Out the Back

Where a flat pod works well is when a 4^th player is behind them, offering a number of options. This 4^th player makes the defence more compact and difficult for the defence to shift and cover all the players. This works very well if the 4^th player is a back who can distribute well. This set up is all about creating options and challenging the defence. If the defence stay in their channels and correctly swap who they are marking, they will be able to defend. However by having a lot of movement and offload options, the defence can easily make mistakes and leave gaps. Below are some options that work with a flat pod and a players out the back.

Out the Back

Pod Screen

Rear Player – Crash through the Middle

Rear Player – Crash Out Wide