Forward pressure trap

Setup

1. Four forwards and two mids (the trap) against four defenders in one forward half.
2. Cone three rebound gates on the halfway line: one on each wing and one in the corridor.
3. The coach rolls or kicks the ball to a defender in the back pocket to start each go.

How it runs

1. Defenders try to rebound the ball through a halfway gate; doing it scores them 2.
2. The forwards press to keep the ball inside 50: a turnover scores 1, a goal from it scores 3.
3. Each go lasts until a score, a gate or 30 seconds. Rotate the trap mids every 3 goes.

Coaching points

• The nearest forward chases hard from behind and pushes the carrier toward the boundary.
• Everyone else shuts off the easy option first: the boundary lead, then the corridor.
• Tackle side-on or from behind, arms wrapped around the waist, below the shoulders.
• When the ball spills, the next player crumbs it: always have someone at the drop.

Common mistakes

• Two forwards chase the same player and leave a free option behind them.
• Trap mids push up too far and the ball goes over their heads.
• Diving at the ball carrier instead of closing the gap under control.