Attack Shapes in modern rugby have evolved dramatically. They are fundamental to how teams create gain line and create scoring opportunities. The game has moved primarily into shapes off 10, despite thoughts that slow ball stops plays off 10, their variations do in fact beat that

Coupled with this is the manipulation of defences by using shapes to create blind side attacking opportunities.

Shapes themselves have so many faces, most modern-day sides have moved away from narrow shapes off 9, into wider multi - optioned shapes.

Before going into some detail lets look at this play.
Bristol play a shape off 9, wider flatter options, met with slow ball.
They counter by playing a popular modern shape off 10 - 2 short ball carriers with a back door option that extends into a second channel playmaker.

A closer look at this shape used by Bristol with Ireland also employing it.
As defences move towards line speed, ways to create indecision & to slow line speed has been the focus. These shapes do so, inside defenders have to sit on the ball carrier,

focus on his shoulder options & the back door option which comes around the corner very late.
If you are a coach looking to employ this, focus on coaching your playmakers to learn to stay square, take the ball to the line & fix defenders while making a decision very late.

While various shapes work well out the back, flat, narrow, gain line options too can be productive.
Below Saints play a simple shape off 10, however, unlike the other shapes they have no back door shapes, their options off 10 are narrow and force a line break.

Another example of this narrow shape off 10 is below. England have the back door option but play short. If you are coaching this, focus on helping your players run at inside shoulders as defensively sides are often over-eager, pushing too hard for the backdoor option.

What shapes look like has changed dramatically, moving away from diamond/triangle shapes. Pods have moved into three players flat, causing defenders to slow line speed, lose connectivity & spacing & make the wrong read. This first shape off 9 for Scotland shows the shape.

Below England's also make use of it. South Africa has good spacing and makes a good read, however, the shape itself causes a small level of indecision as a simple shape does give England an opportunity for a quick recycle.
Try and let your 9's pick up, and draw in defender A & B!

These shapes also provide great opportunities for your side to play a snap play into the blind.
Below Bristol play a narrow shape off 10, Bath overfold and Bristol snap and get in behind. Shapes from the outside channels often lead to over folding & great attacking oppurtunities

Below Ireland use the same tactic, they play a nice shape to gain momentum, then enter the blind.
If coaching this make sure your players understand which options will be the most fruitful when playing blind, sometimes just having options blind is good enough to pose a threat.

Hope you enjoy this thread, bit long, but would love some feedback. Feel free to share, and use for your coaching endeavours. #coachescorner