If the tackler can win the first part of the impact, they can manipulate the ball carrier – slowing down possession or even winning the ball back. Here are four ways to make a bigger impact…
1 SAME FOOT, SAME SHOULDER
The tackler should step into the tackle.
His closest foot to the ball carrier should be the same as the shoulder used to make the impact.
This helps him chase his feet after the tackle, giving him more control of the situation.
2 BANG BELOW THE BELLY BUTTON
The carrier’s centre of gravity is around the belly button.
He may also lean forward before contact.
If the tackler drives up at the ball, he may simply knock the carrier upwards.
But if the tackler impacts below the centre of gravity, he encourages the carrier to the ground as he’s already off balance.
A low tackle also helps the tackler avoid a potential fend.
3 THE BODY FOLLOWS THE HEAD
Top tacklers keep their eyes open throughout the tackle.
This makes sense because wherever the head goes, the body follows.
If the tackler has his eyes open, he can see where to place his head, using it as a “third arm” to drive through and lock onto the ball carrier.
4 THE BRUCE LEE PUNCH
The most important part of the impact is the last inch.
Martial arts legend Bruce Lee could knock a man to the floor from one inch.
He drove through his punch and so should the tackler.
Every sinew must explode and smash into the carrier.
I’ve been talking tackling to plenty of coaches in the last few weeks. That’s not unusual. Therefore, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite tackling “drills”: High pressure tackling reactions. I say drill because it’s a 1 v 1 exercise. MORE
Get your players used to making side-on or front-on tackles with this high-octane exercise. The tempo will keep the players moving quickly into position and making choices on which tackle to employ. MORE
Even the top teams recognise they don’t practise side-on tackling enough.
Use this session to work on quick-to-ground tackling, against a dynamic attacker. MORE
The best tacklers read the movements of the ball carrier and anticipate where they are going. This session improves anticipation skills by focusing on the core of the ball carrier. MORE
The low chop tackle brings the ball carrier down quickly. It then offers the opportunity to turn the ball over. This type of tackle isolates the ball carrier from his support and also stops or delay offloads.
Learn the basics of a chop tackle by ensuring the players use it as a side-on tackle. MORE