Footwork drill
Goose Step Patterning
Learn the timing-disruption step used to beat cover defence in open field.
- Time
- 12 minutes
- Players
- 1 to 6 players
- Intensity
- High
- Equipment
- Ball
- Space
- 40m
- Positions
- Wings, fullbacks, centres, back row
Setup
40m of open grass and a ball. No cones needed.
How to run it
- Build to about 85% over the first 15m, then execute the goose step over two or three strides - straighten both legs fully, lean back and kick your legs out while holding your stride cadence - then lean forward and re-accelerate hard for another 15m.
- Six reps across 2 sets.
- Understand what this move actually does: it disrupts the chaser's timing, it does not change your direction.
- Use it only once the line is broken with cover chasing you at full pace and at least 8m of separation; in traffic it is useless and will get you caught.
Coaching cues
- Legs straight, lean back, hold your cadence
- Don't lose velocity - re-accelerate immediately
- Open field only, 8m of separation minimum
Common mistakes
- Using it in traffic, where it does nothing and costs you speed
- Losing so much velocity that the re-acceleration never recovers it
Related drills
- Shadow RunBuild continuous evasive movement with a live shadow behind you.
- One-on-One EvasionBeat a live defender in a confined space, which is the real skill cone work only imitates.
- Narrowing Channel EvasionFind the exact width at which your evasion breaks down, and then train there.
- Evading the PlayerBeat a defender inside a channel that forces you to step rather than run around.
- Reactive Side-Step vs DefenderTrain the reactive cut, which is mechanically a different movement from a pre-planned one.
- The StepGroove the side step - the plant, the lean and the acceleration out of it.