SPORTING RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

SPORTING CLUB 7’S

RUGBY ACADEMY PLAYBOOK
SEVENS PLAYBOOK
SPORTING
CONTENTS
1 Content, Contacts and Intro
2 Overview: Keys to Success
3 Offense: Keys to Success
4 Tackle Area: Ball Presentation
5 Tackle Area: Rucking
6 Offense: Set Up
7 Offense: The Chain of 3’s
8 Offense: Basic Moves - Pocket and Hit
9 Offense: Basic Moves - Switch and Loop
10 Offense: Play #1
11 Offense: Play #2
12 Defense: Keys to Success
13 Defensive Shape
14 Defense: 6-1 Sweep
15 Defense: 6-1 Sweep - Good Defense
16 Defense: 6-1 Sweep- Poor Defense
17 Defense: The Trap
18 Defense: Cornerflag
19 Kickoffs: Option #1
20 Kickoffs: Option #2
21 Kickoffs: Option #3
22 Kickoffs: Receiving
23 Kickoffs: 22m Restarts
24 Scrumdowns
25 Lineouts
26 Lineouts
SC7A COACHING STAFF
Pete Kowalski age-grade Academy teams in local and regional
Head Coach SC Rugby 7s Academy
Scott Kram
Kansas City Blues 7s Head Coach
Markus Valovalo
Kansas City Blues 15s Head Coach
Conner Smith working with you this summer!
Assistant Coach SC Rugby 7s Academy
Pete Winkelbauer
Assistant Coach SC Rugby 7s Academy
John Franklin
High School SC Rugby 7s Academy Coach
RESOURCES
2016 IRB Law Book
http://laws.worldrugby.org/downloads/World_
Rugby_Laws_2016_EN.pdf
SPORTING
RUGBY 7’S
CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY
ACADEMY
INTRO
Welcome to the Sporting Club Rugby
Sevens Academy.
Our goal is to provide the Region’s young
high potential rugby players with the greatest
opportunity to develop through the game of
Rugby Sevens, by providing a comprehensive,
competitive environment that helps players
develop physically and cognitively under the
direct supervision of some of Kansas City’s top
coaches.
Building off the success of our KC7A Men’s
Collegiate program started in 2013, Sporting
Club rugby 7’s Academy’s goal is to help you
develop in a competitive environment, challenge
yourself, and calibrate your progress against
other aspiring athletes through SC7A. The
Academy will practice together twice per week,
with a focus on technical and tactical rugby
development and physical conditioning, as
Academy players train alongside the Kansas
City Blues men’s team players. Coaches
will emphasize skill development, unit skills,
situational awareness, and decision-making
for experienced players, all while providing
opportunities for athletes new to rugby sevens,
and to rugby. Players interested in competing on
tournaments will have the opportunity to do so,
and college-aged Academy players may even
be invited to compete for a place with the Blues
National Qualifier men’s side.
Our entire coaching staff is looking forward to
SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

OVERVIEW: KEYS TO SUCCESS

Fitness
Do your part on your off days to make sure you are mentally and physically prepared for game day.
While 7’s is a short game, there is little time for rest and you should be able to work at a high rate for all
14 minutes. The difference between wining and losing with equal matched teams will be the team that
can think and work at a higher level for the whole match.
Accountability
Show up to all meetings, practices and games on time.
Make sure you have all your equipment that you will need for practice or games.
• Full Kit, Mouthpiece, Tape, Spending money etc.
Be ready to play.
• Allot yourself extra time for taping or extra warm-ups you may need.
• Be mentally ready to give 100% for training and games.
Aggression
Run strong, dictate where the tackle takes place on offense and be dominant on defense through 100%
tackles and forcing turnovers. Always look for work. If you find yourself standing still, you most likely are
doing something wrong.
Mentality
Know your plays, offensive and defensive calls. Know how to work with your teammates.
Visualize your successful passes and tackles before the game and make them happen.
Know what you can control.
• Your passes. Your tackling. Your communication.
Know what you cannot control.
• The score, the opposition, opposing players, coaches and fans, the referee.
If you can focus on the things you can control and don’t worry about the things you can’t you will find
more success on the field.
Goals
What are your personal goals?
• Support your team? Make the local area select side? Become an All-American? Make the US
Eagles and play in the Olympics?
• What steps do you need to take to achieve these goals?
What are your team goals?
• Beat your rivals? Finish top 3 in your Conference? Win the National Championship?
• What steps do you need to take to achieve these goals?
Write down your goals for the season.
• Review your notes after the season to see which ones you’ve achieved.
• Identify additional steps you can take to achieve them in the future.
Research
What can you do to improve as a rugby player?
• Study your plays and know your calls.
• Ask your coaches for feedback.
• Watch videos of your team play.
• Make an honest critique of your personal play – What decisions did you make? What options
did you have? What are you doing to put yourself in a position to be successful when
you don’t have the ball?
• Critique your teammates play from a coaches viewpoint, and learn from their
decisions and actions.
• Note the good plays as well as things that need work.
• Mark errors and find ways to fix them.
Watch videos of international and professional teams playing.
• Compare their playing style to yours.
• Try to adopt things that you can apply to your game.
Read a referee handbook. Know the rules of the game.
• Referee a local game or practice match. Understand the rules from a referee’s perspective.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

OFFENSE: KEYS TO SUCCESS

Roles
Know your role in your group. You can be one of these or all 3. Know the strengths of the people in your
pod and use them to exploit weaknesses on the defense.
Creator
• Should be able to recognize the weaknesses in the defense
• Good skills to step or off-foot the defense
• Good off-load skills to the hit or finisher
Hit
• The workhorse, looping and running hit angles (unders, overs) into space for the Creator.
Finisher
• Fastest players on the pitch, able to finish the break.
All players should be ready to ruck and get clean ball out quickly and effectively.
Offense
Support - Run in groups of 3. We need instant support at the tackle area. In some instances, even the
4th man “Pivot or Pocket” may also need to go in to secure ball in a heavily contested ruck.
Width - Spread the field, let the ball do the work. This will tire the defense and create larger areas to
exploit.
Depth - Be deep enough to be able to take the ball at pace.
Inside and Outside Options and Support. Ball carrier should have inside and outside passing options
AND Inside support X2 and 1 outside support.
Make all passes for the man! Not to the man. Give them something to run onto.
Eyes Up. Watch the defensive alignment, not the ball. Recognize mismatches and exploit them.
• As a ball carrier: (1) If there space in front of you, Attack. (2) If there space that you can put a
teammate into, attack. If the answer is no to 1 and 2, pass quickly and look for work.
Be Aggressive
• He who hesitates is doomed to fail! Err on the aggressive, knowing you will have support.
• Keep moving with & without ball! Without the out Ball you create space for others. Always look
for work.
• If you are stagnant, you are most likely doing something wrong. The more we move the ball,
the more the defense has to work and tire out.
Supplemental Attack Elements
Always be a threat, Use your Footwork, Change of Direction, Change of Pace.
Always running North/South & hard, at pace!
Run at door ways. Not at walls. Look to run at weak shoulder. Use your step to off-foot the defender.
Off of Ruck Ball we should take ball going forward, not stationary. No need to have a stationary pocket or
pocket at all.
When we have ball against the sideline & they close us off, Look to fight to stay on your feet, run at
weak shoulder. Do not ever put yourself in a situation where you can be forced out of bounds while
carrying the ball, or tackled in their favor. If support is not close, it is your job to keep your feet until help
arrives.
Support
• Support on offense must be instant at the breakdowns.
• A fourth player, the pivot, can be used to secure a heavily contested ruck.
• Always error on the aggressive. Better to have too many in and keep possession.
Offensive Calls
Hit Comes from support runner crashing off of ball carrier.
Pocket Comes from support directly behind ball carrier looking to reset play.
Switch Cut back run to change direction of the play.
Loop Let the player know when you are working to loop around them.
On Me Announce to your support that you are going to try to make a move.
Deck Support letting the ball carrier know it is safe to go to ground.
Rhino Going into contact to reset play. Support needs to react quickly.
Juice Call when you have a definite overload. Quick ball out wide, but no skip passes.
Green Kick through, eg. if a team has no sweeper. We should retain 99% of our kicks.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

TACKLE AREA: BALL PRESENTATION

Dictate where the tackle takes place

Use your step to off-foot the defender. Use your stiff arm to create space. If caught in a tackle with no off-
load available, try to keep your feet, moving forward until support is ready for you to go to ground. If you are
isolated, try to buy time by fighting through the tackle. Place the ball and get quickly to your feet to secure it
again. Don’t take yourself out of the play.

When forced to ground, do not post the ball with one hand as you go to down. The tackle area is violent and
a lot can happen to disrupt the ball once placed. Control the ball until in position and then place it back and
keep your hand on it until support is ready to take it from you. You however, can present the ball on the way
down if you can keep both hands on it in the tackle. This creates very quick ball for the offense or a pop up
pass situation.

Narrow Gate (Good) Wide Gate (Poor)

North/South
Best option. Create space between yourself and the tackler by off-footing them or using a stiff arm. Put your
body in position as you are tackled to face your team. Place the ball away from you towards your support. It
is okay to keep your hands on the ball until support grabs it, IF the defenders are not contesting for it. This
creates a very narrow gate with good ball presentation to your teammates.
Squeeze Ball
When tackled, fight to the ground North/South as if scoring a try. Then, push the ball back between your legs
towards your support. It is okay to keep your hands on the ball until support grabs it IF the defenders are not
contesting for it. The ball must see light of day so both teams have access to it. Do not lay on the ball.
Jack-Knife
When tackled, bend at the waist bringing your head towards your knees to keep the gate as small as
possible. Place the ball away from you towards your support. It is okay to keep your hands on the ball until
support grabs it if the defenders are not contesting for it. The jack-knife placement is the easiest for the
defense to jackal. Be sure to fight for dominance before placing in this position.

North/South Squeeze Ball Jack-Knife

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

TACKLE AREA: RUCKING

Come through the Gate

Same as defense, the support must come through the gate, not from
angles or the side. Be square with the ball. We play rugby North,
South.

Body Shape
Low body position. Head in a neutral position. Use your hand to touch
the ground to get in good position. If your fingertips can sweep the
grass, you are in good shape.

Clear or Seal
Decide whether to seal off the ball or blow over. If there is more than
one defender involved in the tackle area, you may choose to Clear
(Ruck), maintaining contact and driving the player away from the
tackle area. If it is a one on one tackle, your best option may be to
Seal off the ball. In sevens, barring a very aggressive defense, a seal Clear
is usually appropriate at the breakdown.

Clear (Ruck)
Low, good body shape. Win the shoulder battle by being lower than
your opposition. Hard Parts on Hard Parts. Same as making a tackle.
Wrap the defender and take him out of the ruck with you. Keep your
feet moving. If you fail to wrap, you may fall over and be penalized or
the defender can side step, throw you off and have access to the ball.

Seal
Low, good body shape. Win the shoulder battle by being lower than
your opposition. Create a wide base, supporting your own weight. It
is ok to bind on your tackled player’s jersey or shorts. You should Seal
be in position to withstand a counter ruck from the defense. The ball
should be inside of your back foot, keeping it in the ruck. If needed,
secondary support (scrum half) should bind in shoulder on the Clear’s
hip. This will stabilize the ruck from a counter-ruck.

Communication
Call your role when approaching the tackle area (CLEAR, SEAL,
SCRUMHALF). It is important to communicate your intentions to your
support. If two people clear a ruck, the ball may be left open for the
opposition.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

OFFENSE: SET UP

7 11
6 2
5 Pivot 3

4
Sideline

7
6
5 Pivot
4

3
11
Ruck Formed 2

Offensive Set Up
Most set up will be from the center with two groups of three on each side of the pivot (Penalty play or free
kick), or from on side (Scrum, Lineout). The group is split into 2 groups of 3 with the pivot. Support is set up in
3’s off the ball carrier and the roles change as the ball moves (see next page). By working in 3’s you ensure
that you have a ruck/seal and scrumhalf available for quick ball.

The pivot should have good field vision and passing skills. He should always be looking for a weakness in the
defense.

Pivot Options:
• Receive the ball and pass to the outside.
• Receive the ball and reverse the ball back to the direction it came from.
• Keep the ball. If the Pivot decides to run, the 2 closest players will become support.
• Kick the ball through (Green). Either a chip to themselves or to open space for a teammate.

Ruck
A Ruck is formed from the ball carrier at the tackle. Support consists of a Rucker (Clear, Seal) and
Scrumhalf. If needed the Pivot can also join the ruck. This works the same for a Maul. The Maul should be
avoided if possible. It is too slow. We either want a Pocket ball or a Ruck with quick ball out form the support
players.

The scrumhalf pass to the pivot. Depending on the defense, the pivot makes a decision to
attack out wide or return back to the direction the ball came from.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

OFFENSE - CHAIN OF 3’S

7
6 Outside Support Inside
5
4 Support
3
2
1
Ball Carrier

7 Outside Support
6 Inside
5 Support Secondary
4 Inside Support
3
2
1
Ball Carrier

Outside Support Inside

7
6 Support Secondary
5 Inside Support
4
3
Ball Carrier 2
1

Offense - Working in 3’s

As shown in the illustration above, the Ball Carrier should always have inside support X2 and outside
support. As the ball is passed down the line, the roles change and the previous ball carrier will now be
support for the player they passed to.

Depending on the decision of the ball carrier, the support should come from either the inside/outside
support, or the inside/secondary inside support (such as in a cut back or switch situation). When
deciding support lines, it is better to error on aggression, having an extra man at the breakdown is better
than coming up a support player short.

Loops and switches can and should be used to keep the defense guessing using the same idea of the two
closest players running in support.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

OFFENSE: BASIC MOVES - POCKET

The ball is passed out to (1) who makes
a move. If it is defended correctly, (1)
can take the ball into contact with (2) as
ruck/seal support or pass the ball directly
behind to (3) who has moved in position
to receive the pocket ball (Shown).

4
The Pocket pass is a quick way to reset
Sideline

play without going into contact. Once (3)

receives the pocket pass, he will quickly
1 pass to the Pivot (4) who will initiate the
3 2 next phase of attack.

13

2
4

OFFENSE: BASIC MOVES - HIT

The Hit can come from any angle and

is simply an off-load crash ball from the
ball carrier. Look to exploit lazy or slow
defenders. The ball carrier in this diagram
stretches the defense by make a cut wide
towards the sideline. (3) recognizes the
hole created and comes in for the inside
“HIT” pass from (1). The Hit must be
1 run at full speed so the defense can’t
react to it. (2) follows up for pass support
Sideline

2 or to ruck in the event of a tackle.

13
2

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

OFFENSE: BASIC MOVES - SWITCH

A switch can happen anywhere on the
field. Same as the Hit, a Switch can be
used to exploit lazy or slow defenders.

A switch should not happen unless

1) There is a huge opening or 2) the
sidelines leave no room for outside
support.
1
In this diagram, the ball is passed out to
Sideline

2 (2), who makes a cut outside to beat his

man. This creates space for the Switch
from (1).
13
(3) follows up for pass support or to ruck
in the event of a tackle.
4

2 3
1

OFFENSE: BASIC MOVES - LOOP

The loop is used to create an overload.

(3) passes to (2), who runs straight to

commit his defender and passes back out
to (3) who has looped around.

(1) and (2) both follow up for pass support

or to ruck in the event of a tackle.

1
13

3 2
4

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

OFFENSE: PLAY #1

5
Sideline

11 2 3

Play #1
This is a great play not only because it spreads the ball wide quickly, but because it offers great support. In
a perfect game, all breaks would look like the diagram above, with inside, outside support and the secondary
inside support following up.

Pick a name for this play, eg. any Animal call Lion, Cheetah etc... Change up the play names if you think
the opposing teams are catching on to them.

The Scrumhalf passes to Flyhalf who passes to the Center. The Center passes to the Wing and Loops. The
wing picks a weak spot and attacks, looking to off-foot the defender. The wing now has outside support from
the Center looping, inside support from the Flyhalf and a pocket from the Scrumhalf.

This play can be run from any first phase play such as a lineout, scrumdown or penalty quick tap. Although
scripted plays can be run on secondary phases, this play requires communication of more than the 3 person
pod, so improvised play may be a better choice after the first phase.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

OFFENSE: PLAY #2

Option 2
5
Option 1
Sideline

11 2 3

Play #2
This play is a basic screen pass with 2 options. This is successful due to a hard inside running line from the
Wing, causing the defense to hold their line and make a decision.

Pick a name for this play, eg. any bird call Eagle, Falcon, Osprey etc... Change up the play names if you
think the opposing teams are catching on to them.

Option 1: The Scrumhalf passes to Flyhalf. The Flyhalf miss passes to the wing who is taking a hard angle
inside. Both the Flyhalf and Center loop the wing.

Wing Options:
• Pass the ball to the Scrumhalf looping, returning play to the outside.
• Pass back to the Front Row pod who should be set up in support.
• Keep the ball, if not defended.
• Kick the ball through, if there is no sweep in position yet.

Option 2: The Scrumhalf passes to Flyhalf. The Flyhalf misses behind the Wing to the Center who
has looped. The Scrumhalf and Flyhalf are now the support runners for the Center.

This play can be run from any first phase play such as a lineout, scrumdown or penalty quick tap.
Although scripted plays can be run on secondary phases, this play requires communication of
more than the 3 person pod, so improvised play may be a better choice after the first phase.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

DEFENSE: KEYS TO SUCCESS

Communication
Decide if you are going to “Press” or “Wall” up your defense and let your team know.
Call your target loud and early.
Contain the overload. Let your teammate know when he can “Push” to the next target.
Dictate where the tackle takes place
Pursue from inside to out, use the sideline as our last defender or to set up a Trap.
Don’t give the ball carrier an option to step
Make your one up tackles
(1) Low tackle and quick to the ground, then back to feet for quick Jackal
(2) Tackle upper body and stuff the ball to deny an off-load.
Be aggressive at the tackle area
Every tackle is made with the intention of forcing a turnover
The tackler must work to get back to his feet quickly
Know your Role - Trust your Teammates
Take care of your specific tasks, and trust that your teammates will do the same.
Defensive Shape
Team attacks together creating a wall. A player that shoots too fast or doesn’t shoot at all will leave gaps to attack.
Pressure
Take space away from the offense.
Defensive Calls
Pillar One defender covers each side of the ruck for a pick runner. Build the defense out from there.
Box One defender sits in the pocket looking for any pick and go’s from the ruck.
Thunder Counter ruck (be sure to keep eyes on the ball for the pick and go).
Ready Hold.
Shoot Pressure up from ball out on a ruck. Move together and keep the line flat.
Fire Shoot up quickly. A good time to call would be when the ball is mishandled or on the ground.
Ice Slow Down the attack.
Press Move the line up together. Controlled. Not as urgent as a Fire call.
Wall Up Flatten up the defense. Call if someone in the line has shot up to far.
Push Let the players outside of you know its ok to move out one to compensate for the overload.
Trap Double team. Second defender comes in to force quick turnover.
Push Let your teammate know to move down to the next defender.
Jockey Used when covering an overload. Move backwards while defending to slow the offense until
your support can get there.
Key points to safe and successful tackles
Tracking
Track the tackler to go the direction you choose. In Sevens, we mark up inside and give the outside as the only
option, pushing the opposition wide so we can use the sideline to set up the trap and disrupt the ball. Do not give
them an option to step.
Good Body Shape
Low body position, head in neutral position with eyes looking forward, feet shoulder width apart, shoulders above
hips, knees bent, chest out with a flat back.
Hard Parts on Hard Parts
Your hard parts (shoulder) should be connecting with their hard parts (hip), your Cheek on their Cheek.
Arms in tight
T-Rex arms! The tackle comes from the shoulder contacting the ball carrier. The arms are used to wrap up and
finish the tackle or can be used to pick a leg in the tackle as well, AFTER shoulder contact has been made. If you
are relaying on your arms to tackle you will not be finishing tackles and become a liability to your team.
Lead foot - Lead Shoulder
Your lead foot should be approaching the ball carrier. This will ensure you keep you feet moving through the
tackle..
Head on the outside
If you tracked the ball carrier correctly your head should be on the outside hip of the ball carrier. If your head is on
the inside stomach area (football tackle) you will catch a knee and get knocked out.
Busy Feet
Chop your stride to keep from getting stepped. Once you lock your feet in place you have
given the advantage to the ball carrier. Feet should be moving through the tackle.
Finish the tackle
After the tackle be the first to your feet to contest for the ball.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

DEFENSIVE SHAPE
Good Shape (Offensive Pressure)

Poor Shape (Passive Defense)

Last Foot of Ruck Tackler

Sweeper Box

Offensive Pressure:
Pros: Takes away space and time from the offense.
Concerns: Requires a very high work rate and communication.

Passive Defense:
Pros: Easier learning curve. Less Effort. Wait for the defense to make a mistake, then capitalize on it.
Concerns: A well drilled team is unlikely to make errors when there is no pressure on them.

Defensive Set up:

Using a single Box defender instead of two Pillars, allows us to keep a sweeper active and still match up
without the offense having an overlap.

Tackler: Back to feet quickly if possible. Try to Jackal ball.

Box: Usually the tackle assist. Make a clear release of tackle, comes through the gate and go for the
Jackal. If ruck is formed, drop back to the Box position. Single defender 3 meters behind the ruck.
Watches for pick on either side of the ruck. Has the option to Pillar Up with the tackler to
counter ruck.
Sweeper: Follows behind the defensive line to contain any line breaks or a kick through. The sweeper
is the main communication, telling the defensive line when to make adjustments.
Defensive line: Behind last foot of the ruck. Eyes up to match opposition. Tracking on inside
shoulder to take away the cut back. Add pressure to take away space and time
from the offense.

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DEFENSE: 6-1 SWEEP DEFENSE

Unmarked
Sideline

6 5 4 3 2 11

The 6-1 defense demands a high level of fitness and communication. When run correctly this defense can
take away any options an offensive line may have.

The defense marks up 6 against 7, leaving the outside man open. Defenders align on inside shoulder of the
attacker they’re marking. Once the ball is passed, the first defender (1) will take one step to move to outside
shoulder of their attacker. If the ball reverses back to the first man, we are still tackling inside out. Defenders
are always assisting players next to them, looking for switches or cutbacks.

(2) continues to pursue the inside shoulder of their opposite. (1) is now in position to cover any cut back
or switch. Once their opposite passes, (2) will take one step to move to outside shoulder of their attacker.
Once (2)’s opposite has passed, (1) can make the “PUSH” call, letting (2) know that it is safe to move over
to the next defender. This will continue for defenders (3) through (6), pushing the final ball carrier to the
outside.

(7) is the sweeper behind the defense, following the ball looking for any kicks over the top or covering any
miss tackles through the center. (7) Must have great communication skills, organizing the defense.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

DEFENSE: 6-1 SWEEP DEFENSE

Unmarked

11
2
3
4
Sideline

Good Defense:
This diagram shows how the defense will look even if the offense succeeds in getting the ball out wide to the
overlap. (6) continues to pursue the outside ball carrier’s inside shoulder, using the sideline to contain and
make the tackle. By communicating the “PUSH” call, the defense now has 6 players defended, once again
leaving the outside man unmarked.

After the players mark up their new opposite, they can pressure up to cut off the passing lane.

The defense can pressure all the way across OR the outside players can “JOCKEY” or retreat while marking
up, allowing time for the inside help to get across (shown here) . By using a soft defense as shown here, the
offensive ball carrier is allowed to gain some ground, but is subject to being caught in a “TRAP” situation
and being cut off from his support.

(7) is still following the play across looking for any breaks or a kick through.

Keys to Success:
• Communication.
• One on one tackling.
• Force the ball wide. No breaks allowed in the middle.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

DEFENSE: 6-1 SWEEP DEFENSE

2 11
3
Sideline

5
4
6

Poor Defense:
The players must communicate and work together to form a wall. You must trust your teammates do their job
and cover any switches or cutbacks.

If (4) decides to start corner flagging after his opposite passes he gives the ball carrier an option to attack
from either side.

(4)’s priorities are to watch for the cutback or switch against (5). Corner flagging is not needed since we
have (7) covering any possible kick or line break.

Keys to Success:
Hold the line! Always maintain the wall between you and the defenders around you. Imagine an invisible
5 meter rope tied around your waist going to your teammates. If that line breaks due to you shooting up to
fast, or leaving your duties to corner flag, you have given the offense some easy options to attack at.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

DEFENSE: THE TRAP

11
2
3
Sideline

4
5

If the ball carrier over extends away from his support, a “TRAP” may be called. The idea is to tie up the
isolated ball carrier and tackle and jackal the ball, hold up the ball carrier in a Maul or force the ball carrier out
of bounds. If the Ball Carrier is able to get a knee on the ground, the referee should communicate “Release
Tackle”. At this point both defenders should look for a quick release sack and Jackal.

The second defender (5) makes the decision to call the trap. The call only comes from the second
defender. The rest of the defense must “PUSH” again and cut off any passing lane.

At this point, (4) will cut off the passing lane preventing a “Pocket” ball. (3, 2, 1) Move up to cut off any long
passing channels. (7) is still in sweep position communicating any possible threats.

Keys to Success:
• Only call the “TRAP” if it is possible to execute it. If there is no chance for success, keep the defense
as is and re-align to set it up for the next phase.
• Communication. All players must react quickly for the trap to work effectively.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

DEFENSE: CONERFLAG
Sideline

5 4 3 2 11

The corner flag defense is a basic 7 vs 7 defense using two wings that will shift like a pendulum, entering
the line as the ball comes toward them, and shifting back across as the ball moves away, looking for a kick
through or line break.

We will only use the corner flag defense in a yellow card situation where we are down a man, as
shown in this diagram.

When playing down a man, the middle defensive players still needs to use a “PUSH” call to make up for the
overlap from the extra man on the field. Outside players can “JOCKEY” or slow retreat to create time for
teammates to push across.

Keys to Success:
• Communication.
• One on one tackling.
• Force the ball wide. No breaks allowed in the middle.
• We are looking to slow the game down as much as possible for the 2 minutes until we get our player out
of the Sin Bin.

How to deal with the Sin Bin on Offense:

• Spin the ball and play keep away for the two minutes. Try not to initiate contact.
• If we have a penalty, think about kicking to touch for a lineout to burn time.
• Do not do anything that will result in turnover ball.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

KICKOFFS - OPTION 1
Sideline

10 Meter Line

1 2 13 4

In Sevens, Kickoffs are the primary restart. If you can dominate your kickoffs, you will dominate the game.
The kicker wants a high ball landing 10-15 meters down field around the 5 meter line. You can adjust the
hang time to suit your primary receivers abilities.

(1) will contest for the ball. He will arc in from his oppositions blind spot to take advantage of the kickoff. Do
not try to take him straight on in a jump ball situation. Catching the ball is a much better option than a tap
down.

(2) will shoot pass their primary receiver.

•  Blocks the passing channel looking for a tap ball.
• Tackles the opposing receiver if they win the contest for the ball.
• There is no ruck/maul at this point so there is no off-sides to worry about. Once a Ruck or Maul is
formed, (4) and all other defense in the passing lanes will need to get on-side.

(3) follows up behind (1).

• Offers first support if our primary jumper is able to intercept the kickoff.
• Looks for any tap downs or dirty balls on the deck.
• Covers the weak side if we lose the contest for the ball.

Outside Pod moves up to cut off the passing lane, while the Sweeper moves into position to
cover any kick through.

TO GET TO OUR KICKS YOU MUST SPRINT OUT OF THE START! We want to put pressure
on the receivers to cause them to error. Doing this correctly will make us successful & give us the
ability to regain our kicks.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

KICKOFFS: OPTION 2

22 Meter
Sideline

10 Meter

1 2 13 5 6 4

Option 2 can be used for the following:

• We are unable to effectively contest the short kickoffs.
• Strong tailwind allowing us to pin the opposition deep into their own 22.

The kickoff should go as deep as possible and close to the sidelines. Keep in mind that a ball that goes
directly to touch or into the try zone comes back to a free kick on the 50 for the opposition. The more hang
time, the better, allowing our defense (1) and (2) to pressure the reception and (3) to cut off the passing
lanes.

The outside Pod moves up to cut off any long passes to support, while the sweeper moves into position to
cover any kick through.

THIS IS A 30-40 METER SPRINT! We want to pin them down deep in their own 22 and force the turnover.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

KICKOFFS - OPTION 3
Sideline

10 Meter Line

1 2 13 4

This works the same as Option 1 with the roles reversed. The kicker wants a high ball landing 10-15 meters
down field around the 15 meter hash line. You can adjust the hand time to suit your primary receivers
abilities.

(3) will contest for the ball. He will arc in from his oppositions blind spot to take advantage of the kickoff. Do
not try to take him straight on in a jump ball situation. Catching the ball is a much better option than a tap
down.

(2) will shoot pass their primary receiver.

•  Blocks the passing channel looking for a tap ball.
• Tackles the opposing receiver if they win the contest for the ball. There is no ruck/maul at this point so
there is no off-sides to worry about.

(1) follows up behind (3).

• Offers first support if our primary jumper is able to intercept the kickoff.
• Looks for any tap downs or dirty balls on the deck.
• Covers the weak side if we lose the contest for the ball.

Outside Pod moves up to cut off the passing lane, while the sweeper drops back into position to cover any
kick through.

Options 1, 2 and 3 can be used on the right side as well. Identify where the advantage
is and kick there.
TO GET TO OUR KICKS YOU MUST SPRINT OUT OF THE START!

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

KICKOFFS: RECEIVING
15 7

6
4
15

4
Sideline

Sideline
13 2

13 2 7
1

10 Meter

We will line up 4 people on the 10 meter line covering the field. Match big men in a split situation. (1) and (3)
are the primary receivers. (2) will cover any short kick in the middle. (7) will cover any kicks to the weak
side. (4) and (6) cover any long kicks to the corner and are also support for the short kicks. (5) covers any
deep kick in the middle.

(1) or (3) will be your primary receivers depending on where the kick off goes. This diagram focuses on
a kick to (1). (1)’s only focus is the ball. Unless the primary receiver calls “OFF”, expect that he will be
in position to catch the ball. We want to catch the ball always. Tap ball is unpredictable. (2) and (3) are
primary support to ruck the ball if the receiver is taken to ground. (4) is the Scrumhalf and works to clear ball
out to the backs quickly. (5),(6) and (7) should work to spread the ball wide.

Stay grouped in 3’s for support. Do not panic if you were forced back deep in your 22. We can score from
5 meters out just as effectively as from the 50.

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 SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

KICKOFFS: 22 RESTARTS
Sideline

Sideline
2 13 22 Meter 4 7
1 6 15

22 Meter Drop Kick

Kicking Off
Spread the field. Line up in pairs. The ball must be quickly passed to the open person to kick. The kick is a
small drop kick to oneself, just enough to cross the line. This must be a drop kick, not a tap on the ground
or a punt. The ball is then hiked through the legs to the support player behind. The support player acts as a
Scrumhalf and distributes the ball out quickly.

A short 5m drop kick to an undedfended teammate is also an option. The key is to find space and put the
ball there quickly.

If the short kick is defended well, you can always kick Option 1 from the kickoff, or Option 2 long kick down
field.

Key to Success: A quick setup will allow you to do a short drop before the defense can set up.

Receiving
The opposition will try to do a short kickoff quick. Line up 5 or 6 up front and shift to cover the passes. A
defender should be in the face of the ball carrier. Do not allow them to do the tap drop-kick. You can use
1 or 2 back in sweep position for the long kick.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

SCRUMDOWNS

FIRE ICE FIRE-EAST*

4 1
2
4 1 2 13 4 1 2 13 13

Always be ready to Scrum before our Opponents.

Crouch - Be in good body shape holding your own weight.
Bind - Props will bind on opposites jersey. Bind must be held until the ball is out.
Set - Come together. Scrum must be stable before put in. No drive from either side until the ball is put
into play. The ball must go straight down the tunnel. Feed at your own risk. Feeding should get called,
but often doesn’t. Both hookers feet must be back until the ball is in play.
Offensive Scrums:
1st Priority win ball, on Set or Tap.
• Any S word = Ball in on Set, Any T word = Ball in on the Hooker’s Tap signal.
Defensive Scrum:
• Disruption & pressure. We want to steal the possession or make them have a difficult win.
• Fire = Drive. This is the go to call. Force pressure on the Scrumhalf to get the ball out. Very effective
when the opposition are deep in their own 22.
• Ice = Pull (Or the appearance of being pushed). Good way to have ball out before their Scrumhalf may
be ready for it, allowing our Scrumhalf to capitalize. NOTE: Pulling is no longer allowed and may
result in a penalty. Use at your own risk.
• East or West = Wheel. eg. Fire East - Scrum Push and Wheeled to the right. NOTE: there is no pull
from the Tighthead Prop. Any obvious signs of a wheel such as pulling to force the wheel will
be penalized.
• We want to wheel the scrum away from the opposing Flyhalf, making a dificult pass from
the Scrumhalf.
• We can contest by hooking the ball. Kicking the ball through will result in a penalty.
• When the ball comes out, the Hooker (2) always breaks to cover the weak side,
the opposite of the backs.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

LINEOUTS

Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3

21
4 1 2 13 2 3

22
4 1 1 2 13 3

23
4 1 2 1 2 13

First Number is the jumper, Second number is the Channel.

21
(2) jumper and (3) lifter move quickly to the One Channel. Quick footwork and lifting are needed to
gain an edge in the jump.

22
(1) lifter and (3) lifter move quickly to the Two Channel.

23
(2) jumper and (1) lifter move quickly to the Three Channel.

Once your thrower puts the ball in play, he will quickly move into position to receive the ball from the
jumper. The jumper will catch all balls if possible. Tap ball is not 100% safe.

When to drive
Make a drive call, a Country or State for example and use it on occasion. If the “Canada” call is made,
the jumper/receiver will keep the ball and drive when back to ground. A drive call can be effective
against a lazy defense, and at least, keep the defenders honest and not immediately floating out to
cover the backs.

Example Calls
Mix up your play calls. eg. “Ocelot, 1922, Yankee”, “Red, Delta, 23, Arizona” or change
them to a different call system using animals or colors if you need to.

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SEVENS PLAYBOOK SPORTING CLUB RUGBY 7’S ACADEMY

LINEOUTS

Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3

11
4 1 1 2 3

13
4
1 2 13 2 1 3

31
4 1 3 2 1 2 3

First Number is the jumper, Second number is the Channel.

11
(1) jumper fakes going back then moves forward to receive the ball. This can be called and executed
quickly to catch a lazy defense off guard. It is also good if you are having trouble winning contested
lineouts or windy conditions. Make sure the ball still goes in straight and passes the 5 meter line.

13
(3) and (2) quickly move into the first channel to simulate a close lineout. (1) will peel around the other
2 looking for a lofted ball over the top. Make sure the throw is straight down the tunnel.

31
(1) and (2) quickly move into the third channel to simulate a far lineout. (3) will peel around the other 2
looking for a short ball. Make sure the throw is straight down the tunnel and passes the 5 meter line.

Example Calls
Once again, mix up your play calls. eg. “Wildcat, 1931, Blue”, “Zebra, Delta, 11, Wyoming” or change
them to a different call system.

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