Rugby Coaching Drills Video Library

Breakdown - Grip and Roll (Saddle)

The grip and roll clearing technique, (Known as saddle clearing to some) is a technique to use when defenders have already established a strong position over the ball. Using brute force will probably fail so approaching the defender slightly from the side and using the clearers momentum he grips and rolls the player away

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Oftentimes might have such a low bridge position that's impossible to duck under them to drive them off in this situation players can use a different clearing method. The bridging player is usually brace for pressure from the front but vulnerable to sideways movement. The rocking players should get a good grip of their opponents and throw themselves to the side their momentum will carry their opposition and roll them away from the ball. This is a specialist technique and is worth practicing with a repetitive drill. The most important thing is for players to control their balance and momentum.