EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
The RFU has brought forward plans to reduce the tackle height at age grade rugby to below the armpits.
Talking to experienced school coaches in particular, they don’t see much change in the impact on the game as a whole. However, it is an excellent opportunity to reexamine your tackle technique training.
Here are four session ideas to develop footwork, body shapes, target areas and finishes for a variety of contact situations.
Up and tackle develops side-on tackles, where most tackles are low. With players recovering from a prone position, it reduces the speed of play, giving the less-confident a better chance to complete a tackle.
Boxer tackles to build better tackle technique is a step-by-step process from footwork to contact. This is a good warm-up exercise to move into a contact section.
A senior’s favourite, I’ve found Tackle testing is also popular with younger players too. Players can co-coach as well, as the exercises offers a good audience view.
Finally, in Tackle balance, you can really focus on tackle height when the tackler is not completely in control of their approach angles.
in Tackling
Use boxing style footwork and arm movements to improve your players’ tackling. They should be end up in better positions to complete tackles. MORE
in Email Newsletters, Scrums & Lineouts
Lineout training should be based around getting the basics right first. When Gary Gold was coaching the South African team with Victor Matfield and they were the best lineout in the world, he used to say: "They know where the ball is going, but Victor will always beat them into the air." But a lineout is not just about the jump/lift. It's also about what happens afterwards. Here are four activities to develop different aspects of this set-piece situation. MORE
in Email Newsletters, Rugby drills
There are so many elements to passing, which ones do you concentrate on first and how do you train them? Here are a bunch of the priority skills you need and then great ways to train them. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Help players practise the risk and reward elements of attempting to turnover the ball in the tackle area. It starts with good tackling and then decisions on whether to compete for the ball. If the ball carrier is momentarily isolated, support players need to react quickly to secure the ball. MORE
in Tackling
Improve tackling by teaching players to make more shoulder contacts. Rolled up socks reduce the players’ inclination to grab in the tackle. Impact with the shoulder helps players make a stronger contact, but also be in safe position to complete the tackle. Rolled up socks are easier for players of all sizes. Rolled up bibs work equally well. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
This activity works on the ball carrier sprinting for the line while the defender tries to intercept him. Getting to the tackle can be as important as making it. This session is mainly working on chasing tackles, so is quite low impact. MORE
