Attacking Article: Loop

The Loop is a key building block for more complex backs moves and is relatively simple however it does require good timing. The basic concept is that the player in possession passes then “loops” around the outside of the receiver to become the next receiver.

The goal with this attacking move is to create a numerical advantage over the defence on the outside. In the example above, every attacking players is being marked by their opposite number; by 10 looping around 12, it requires the defending 10 to either follow the run or the whole defence to shift and cover the channels. In this example, the defending 10 fails to read the play, leaving a 2-on-1, the attacking 12 and 10 vs the defending 12.

Dummy Loop

The example below shows the defending 12 reading the loop and going to defend where the attacking 10 is going to attack (therefore expecting their inside defender, 10, to cover the attacking 12). In this case the 10 doesn’t shift and therefore the attacking 12 does the right thing and holds the ball and exploits the newly opened gap. Defending is further discussed at the bottom of this article.

The reason that timing is key is that if any action is taken too early, it will tip off the defence to the move and can be easily covered. Any action too late and the pressing defence will be able to tackle the ball carrier without the move coming off. On top of this, the speed of the move must happen fast enough to commit the defence and also negate any other incoming defenders.

In the example at the top of the article, the initial ball carrier, the 10, must give the pass a bit earlier than they normally would so that there is time to change the direct of running and loop around the back of the 12. The 12’s positioning is quite important to get right as it can have a big impact on the timing of the move. This is how tight or wide they are, as well as how deep or flat they take the ball. These are all things that will be unique to each partnership as there is numerous variables which can have an effect, i.e. both player’s speed, the speed of pass, the agility to change running line, etc.

Passing Back Inside

One option that is available is the how the ball receiver passes the ball to the looping runner. Either outside, like the example at the top of the article, or inside, like the example below. The 12 passing inside speeds up the loop and allows for the 13 to hit the gap between the defending 12 and 13. This type of loop should occur closer to the defending line as it is critical that the 12 is committed to making the tackle on the the attacking 12, this leaves a gap for the attacking 13 to exploit.

Defending

In terms of defending the loop, there are two options. The defenders can either stay “man-marking” the attackers, as shown in the example below, where the defending 10 loops around following the attacking 10. This can be quite challenging for the 10 as they have to read the attacking play, run to keep up with the loop and then make a tackle, therefore it typically isn’t the best defensive option.

Instead, a drift style defence shown below is preferable. This is the least challenging for the defence, however it still is demanding on the defending 10 as they must switch their focus from 10 to the 12, effectively covering two attacking runs in a row.

The Loop is a very simple move but can be very effective in attack. It asks difficult questions of the defence and can generate overlaps in situations where there wasn’t any before. The loop can be very useful for playing to player’s talents; if a player is a good distributor, then by them running a loop they get the ball twice in their hands. If a player is a strong, imposing runner, running a loop off them can mean that the defence is drawn towards them therefore giving space to the looping runner.