Basic playing rules and principals of Atomic Touch (C) WTA. Atomic Touch is a fast-paced, multi-directional game which can be played indoors. It has similarities to Touch, Rugby, Netball and Basketball and is an ideal way to introduce people to Touch and / or Rugby.

1. MODULE AT1:
Basic Rules of Atomic Touch

2. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
What is Atomic Touch
• Developed in 2012 by WTA
• Not played anywhere else in the world
• Similarities to TNZ Turbo Touch
• Informal sport emphasis on fun and expression
• Skill-based sport using oval-shaped ball
• Invasion, non-collision game – multi-directional
• Combines elements of Touch, basketball & netball, rugby,
basketball & ultimate (frisbee)
• Easy to learn & start playing

3. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
Basics – Field of Play
S
c
o
r
e
l
i
n
30m
5
0
m
15m
3m
Interchange
Interchange
FIGURE 1: Touchdown
Zones beyond the end-
lines
Touchdown Zone
Field of Play
30mx15m similar to
netball/ basketball
court
Indoors or Outdoors

4. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
Basics
Game Duration
4 x 6 minute quarters with 1 minute break between quarters
Can be varied to suit local conditions
Ball: Size 4 rugby ball; size 3 for Juniors (U12)
Footwear:
Indoors: Trainers
Outdoors: Trainers or Moulded sole/ plastic blade boots

5. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
Team Composition
FIVE players on the field at any one time
Maximum 10 players per squad
Unlimited substitutions via interchange box
Teams of 6/7 players encourages maximum
participation
Mixed teams –
maximum of 3 males or minimum of 1 on the field at all
times

6. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
ATTACKING AIM
Advance the ball towards the touchdown zone by running with
the ball & passing to a team-mate
Ball can be passed, flicked, handed, knocked, thrown in ANY
DIRECTION – Forwards, backwards, sideways
Max 3 successive touches to score touchdown or turnover
possession
−Option to increase to 4 touches for junior/ inexperienced
players
Score touchdowns by grounding the ball within the touchdown
zone. No diving to score – Touchdown worth 1 point

7. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
DEFENSIVE
AIM
Touching ball-carrier in order to:
•Prevent attacking team advancing towards touchdown
zone
•Prevent attacking team scoring in touchdown
THE TOUCH
Similar to that in Touch (rugby)
Any (legal) contact between ball carrier & defender – 1 or 2
hands
Minimal Contact to be used – attacker & defender

8. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
AFTER EACH TOUCH – THE TAP-BALL
Ball-carrier performs tap-ball AT THE POINT OF TOUCH
Immediately tap the ball on the floor, without releasing the
ball
Player must be stationary whist performing the tap-ball
Immediately after Tap-ball is performed:
2x2x2 rule is enforced

9. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
AFTER THE TAP-BALL – 2x2x2 RULE
2: At the tap-ball: all defenders to retreat 2 metres from the
tap-ball – cannot encroach until play is deemed ‘LIVE’
2: Players have 2 seconds to restart the game by either:
•Passing the ball to a team-mate
•Running with the ball
If play has not re-started in 2 seconds play is deemed LIVE
2: If ball-carrier choses to run with the ball, once they have
taken 2 steps play is deemed ‘LIVE’

10. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
During Play
Attacking teams have maximum of three* touches before a
change of possession occurs
In any one set of possession, 2 passes must be completed
in order for the touchdown zone to be deemed ‘open’
This includes interceptions
Attacking teams attempting to score or enter the touchdown
zone before it is open will be penalised
Defending teams attempting to enter the touchdown zone
before it is open will be penalised

11. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
Commencement/ Re-commencement of Play
Each quarter shall commence/ re-commence play with a tap-
ball in the centre of the court
Non-scoring team to re-commence play with a tap-ball in the
centre of the court following a touchdown
Rest of attacking team may stand anywhere on the court
except in either Touchdown Zone
Defending team may stand anywhere on the court except in
either Touchdown Zone and within 2m of centre pass player

12. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
All infringements/offences – Play re-starts with Tap-
Ball & Tap-count re-starts
After 3rd
Touch – change of possession
When ball goes to ground – lost control or knocked down
Overstepping – when tap-ball is not performed on the mark
When the ball goes out of play – sideline or dead-ball
Passing after being Touched – ‘Touch and Pass’
Excessive force in the Touch
Delaying the Tap-Ball

13. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
All infringements/offences – Play re-starts with Tap-
Ball
Defender encroaches within 2metres of ‘tap-ball’ before play
becomes ‘Live’
Defender claiming Touch when not made – ‘Phantom’
Where Defender or Attacker enters Touchdown zone before
zone is deemed ‘open’
- Tap-ball performed in most advantageous to non-offending
side. ie from point of pass or point of entry to Touchdown zone

14. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
Touched while scoring
If player is touched before grounding ball in Touchdown zone:
No score is awarded & Touch will count
Attacker must retreat 2 metres outside touchdown zone – in
any direction
Ball-carrier performs a Tap-ball
Ball-carrier may not score directly – must pass the ball first

15. MODULE AT2:
Basic Principles of Play

16. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
Principles of Play –In Attack
Keep ball moving around the field – use entire pitch both width
and length
Lots of off-the-ball movement by attacking team
Triangles & ‘Give and Go’ – Draw defenders out of position
Complete possession sets & use as many of the 3 touches as
possible
Maintain intensity and momentum of play & substitute
frequently

17. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
Principles of Play –In Attack
Support players to look to find space away from defenders. In
general play & in particular in or near Touchdown zone
Always try to give options to ball-carrier
Players to be encouraged to run with the ball – after Tap-ball
and in general play

18. WTA – Atomic Touch Coaching
Principles of Play –In Defence
Agree and implement team defensive policy
•Zonal defence – responsible for an area of the pitch
•Player marking – responsibility for marking specific player
Ensure constant communication between defenders
Do not substitute in defence
Stay within Touching distance of attacking players
Early touches are not allowed – penalised & re-start with Tap-
Ball

19. WTA - Inferno Touch Programme – May 2012
Benefits of Atomic Touch
Improves Agility & Fitness – Fast Paced & Dynamic
Good Cross-Training for other sports –
Rugby, netball, basketball, football & ultimate
Play indoors or outdoors
Minimal equipment & instruction needed
Small-sided encourages maximum participation

20. WTA - Inferno Touch Programme – May 2012
Benefits of Atomic Touch - Rugby
Played with rugby ball – focuses on core skills
•Running with a rugby ball
•Passing & catching
Improves spatial awareness
Encourages good decision-making
Encourages supporting players to look for space
Requires good team communication in defence