Short drop-out is the odds-on play

[MitchNewton]

Short drop-out is the odds-on play

The Bulldogs' short drop-out tactic has divided opinion and surprised many commentators, but coach Des Hasler is onto a winner and the statistics prove it.

The Bulldogs have had 18 dropouts this season and got the ball back seven times, at a strike rate of 38.8 per cent. Not bad when every other team gives the ball back 100 per cent of the time.

The added benefit for the Bulldogs is that when they don't get the ball back, their defence is not working any harder than it absolutely has to. There is no running out 50 metres and then retreating as the set goes on. They are able to stand on their line and rush out.

NRL teams are more than happy to give away multiple penalties on their own line and the only difference with this tactic is that it gives them a chance to get the ball back.

The modern game has evolved, and it's only a matter of when, not if, other coaches adopt the tactic. Once it catches on, we'll wonder why the long drop-out ever existed, like kicking duels.

 

[maltalian_dog]

Love the fact that every drop out is a chance to compete for the ball

 

[Moedogg]

Only Des would figure out something like this because he is crazy about stats and forgets to play football.

 

[Oatley Dog]

Only Des would figure out something like this because he is crazy about stats and forgets to play football.

No, he is looking for ways of tipping the odds in favour of our team and in this case it is working. The next phase of this will be when the opposition loads the 10m line they will vary the kick to catch them out on the edges getting the ball back when it goes into touch.

 

[flamebouyant]

Im all for it. Seems to be working well for us so far. And to be honest, it makes a lot of sense!!! look at rugby, they do it on every single restart!!!

 

[CrittaMagic69]

Totally worth $1m a year tbh.

 

[Sword]

Why not focus on high percentage last tackle options. This will more likely win us matches, than taking possession deep into our own territory.

 

[magdog]

Hmm, given MM can only drop kick the ball 35m at best, this is a better option.

 

[c-b-b]

Good tactic, got no dramas with it. But surely there's more important parts of the game we should be focussing on. It must take alot of practice to get those kicks so precise. I wish Mbye would put that effort into goal kicking.

Hasler needs to concentrate on the fundamentals more rather than these tactics.

 

[Mr Invisible]

Great in theory, but when you have guys like Austin that can belt the ball 50+, or Pat Richards who once managed a 72m dropout, you are still better off giving it a hiding and not going the short kick off.

Watch the NRL change the rules (like they do for every Des tactic), and make the rule in 2018 it must go 30m.

 

[dogluva]

Of course we all know that this is not a Des creation, he did not think of this first. The Walker brothers have been getting their side the Ipswich Jets to use it ( and have done so for the past two years) to great effect in the Qld Intrust Super competition. Was astounded when I first saw this tactic used and they do not only do it from line drop outs either. Half way restarts are also done in this way.

 

[terrylamb4lyfe]

I feel like if successful enough its going to spread to other teams and the NRL will force a rule change.

 

[Natboy]

The problem is we struggle to get out of our own half because Lichaa is so slow at dummy half and it gives the opposition plenty of time to get up on us

 

[Raysie]

If only Mbye was as good in general kick play as his with his short dropkicks on the dropout. He's pin-point with them every time.

 

[fiordog]

The problem is we struggle to get out of our own half because Lichaa is so slow at dummy half and it gives the opposition plenty of time to get up on us

Much as I malign Lichaa, he's not the only reason we struggle to get out of our half

 

[Natboy]

Much as I malign Lichaa, he's not the only reason we struggle to get out of our half

Agreed. Having two small starting props and slow lightweight backs doesn't help either compared to watching other teams

 

[XR6T]

If only Mbye was as good in general kick play as his with his short dropkicks on the dropout. He's pin-point with them every time.

Mbye obviously puts a fair few hours into this.
Why couldn't he do the same with his goal kicking and we wouldn't have this issue where all our tries are only 4 pointers.

 

[craigo]

How many tries have they let in after doing the short drop out and not getting the ball back?

 

[Bad Billy]

Im a fan of the tactic.

How many tries have they let in after doing the short drop out and not getting the ball back?

Just once.

 

[_G-Dog_]

All he needs to do now is fix our spine