Neil Harmon

Defensive Systems- Slide v/s 'Up and In'

The defensive system adopted by a team is ultimately dependent on the strategy of the coach, the preferences and skills of the key players in the team, as also the consideration of the attacking strengths of the opposition. But the relative merits of two defensive systems, the "slide" and the "up and in", are hotly debated within the Rugby League. Each of these systems has distinct advantages and each offers a precise way of controlling the opposition's attack.

The 'slide' defence is a reactive system where the motions of the defence wait upon those of the opposition's attacking line. Here the width of the defensive line formation is kept compressed, which encourages the opposition to move the ball wide, to counter which the defenders slide to the edges of the field. This enables the sideline to be then used as an extra defensive barrier.

In comparison, the 'up and in' defence is a proactive and pressurizing defence tactic. The formation of the defensive line is stretched as wide as possible with the aim of moving quickly off the line and moving up and in on the attackers.

This system helps to tighten and economize defensive movements by reducing the distance required to be covered by the defence and at the same time controlling the distance gained by the opposition. Increased and concerted pressure play forces errors from the opposition and reduces their attacking options by restricting attack to centre field.

Rationale

The 'slide defence' allows the opposition to initiate their attacking moves and then reacts to control the attacks. The defensive line initially compresses its width toward the middle of the field, inciting the opposition to attack using the flanks.

The defensive line's first movement is forward all together at an even pace, and then sliding outwards onto the ball carriers in reaction to the opposition's attacking movement.

It is crucial for this system to be effective that each defender identifies the opponent that they are going to deal with, and that there are at least as many defenders who have committed to the 'slide' as the number of the attackers. The defence must not allow any attacker to pass behind them and the idea is to control the opponent's line breaks out wide by paying off the meters gained.

Using this strategy allows the defending team to conserve energy by reducing the distance that the defensive line is required to move up and back. However, the catch here is that if the opposition is willing and able to move the ball wide on each successive tackle, the lateral movement of the defenders in their 'slide' saps a lot of energy.

On the other hand the 'up and in' defence works on the strategy that the attacking ability of the opposition is effectively blunted when confronted with a pressurizing defence.

Although this system requires a greater amount of energy to be expended by the defence line, the strategy is able to purchase in return poor timing and execution on the part of the opposition's attacking players.

Since the defenders usually move in on the attackers from their outside or blind side, and maintain constant pressure on the ball carriers and their support players, this results in increased handling errors and helps to regain possession for the defending team.

To implement this type of defence, it is crucial that the defenders involved in the tackle are able to control the speed of the play the ball. This not only enables fellow defenders to have the time to reorganize the defensive line along side, it also enables them to move quickly off their line again when needed.

The Marker's Role

The marker has important but different roles under the two systems. Under the 'slide', the markers move back and out to support the defensive line. They move laterally on the side that the ball has been passed to, or work to block the gap behind the ruck. With the 'up and in' system, the first marker is required to chase the forward out at the first receiver, while the second marker follows behind the first or blocks in behind the ruck.

Conclusion

The success of the defence depends on the members being fully aware and conscious about their required roles and contributions. Concerted practice helps to build confidence and proficiency, both individually and within the unit as a whole.

It is therefore important that individual, group and team drills be made a regular part of training. It is imperative that that each player has the skills required to make their personal one-on-one tackles (see defence videos), since either system of defence is based on that primary skill.

Additionally exposure to real match conditions and crunch situations also helps in solidifying the operations of a good defence.

Useful means to make players informed are videos of good and bad examples of the chosen defensive system. It is important that the team believes in their capabilities as also in the efficacy of the adopted system.

If the coach can fully explain his reasons for adopting any particular strategy to his team as clearly define the roles that he expects each player to perform, it is likely hat the team can become skillful in using both the systems and becomes capable of using which ever one is required to suit the requirements of the competition and the game.

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