Evasion helps ball carriers beat defenders without contact. The main tools are the side-step, swerve, change of pace, dummy pass and fend, all set up by attacking a defender’s inside or outside shoulder.
Techniques
| Move | How |
|---|---|
| Side-step | Plant the outside foot hard and drive off in the other direction |
| Swerve | Curve your run away from the defender without breaking stride |
| Change of pace | Slow, then accelerate past a defender |
| Dummy pass | Fake a pass to freeze the defender |
| Fend (hand-off) | Straight-arm push to keep a tackler away (not to the head or neck) |
Drills
- Cone side-step drills.
- 1 v 1 channels.
- Touch games rewarding line breaks.
Laws referenced follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union; rugby league, sevens and domestic competitions can differ, so check the current laws for your competition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best evasion move?
The side-step, when timed well.
Is the fend legal?
Yes, but not to the head or neck.
How do I set up a side-step?
Run at the defender’s shoulder to make them commit first.
