Defence and Offence Tactical Options
The Breakdown
When play breaks down and either a ruck, scrum or line out is formed, an imaginary line is drawn across the pitch called the gain line or the offside line. Those players not involved in “the breakdown” (with the exception of the sweeper) will form a line running alone the pitch on the side of the gain line closest to their try line.
For a ruck the closest you can stand to the gain line is behind the back foot of the player closest to you who is part of the ruck. For scrums and line outs you have to be 10m behind the gain line or on your own try line if that is less than 10m.
The line formed by these players is never straight and instead angles back the further away from the ball you are (see Player Movement page).
How close players are positioned to the gain line is a significant tactical choice for both the offence and defence.
Offence Options
The offence can stand close to the gain line - this is called playing flat - or they can stand further back - this is called playing deep.
Flat
The flatter you play the more aggressive your attack will be. Both you and the defence have less time to react to what the opposition do, creating more chances for skilled players.
A flat attack is more vulnerable to mistakes, due to the lack of time players have for decision-making, and because players come into contact with each other very quickly.
Deep
By contrast, playing deep provides more time for both sides to react. This is less risky but creates less attacking chances.
Defence Options
The defence can also stand close to the gain line and try and blitz their opponents by rushing into them quickly or they can stand further back and choose when to try and tackle or close down their opponents. This is called the drift defence.
Blitz
A blitz defence aggressively tries to win the ball back by reducing the thinking and acting time offensive players have. It can also lead to interceptions of passes.
However, it reduces the defence’s thinking time too, is vulnerable to short kicks over their heads of players in the line but in front of the sweeper, and failed interceptions can lead to yellow cards for deliberate knock ons.
Drift
By contrast, the drift defence aims to exert a softer pressure on the opposition by using the extra thinking time to anticipate and block their opponent’s attempt to find space to move forward into.
This is a less risky strategy but reduces the opportunities to reclaim the ball, giving the offence time to probe for weaknesses.
Summary
All approaches are valid and depend, to a large extent, on having the players to fit with your system. Playing Flat or Blitz requires players with excellent handling and positioning. Playing Deep or Drift is more forgiving.