Individual defenders have to react quickly to changes in potential ball carriers. This is because attacking teams use “blockers” and dummy runners to fool defences. A “blocker” runs flat and sometimes in front of the pass. This session develops a defender’s ability to slide on to the ball carrier, sometimes at the last moment.

Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

What height should players be tackling at? Given the late reactions to the situation, players should use low-risk tackles, aiming at thigh height. Players must keep their eyes open and be balanced before contact. What sort of communication will your defenders be using? The defence needs to focus on keeping consistent spacing, since there is more than one line of attackers. Communication is required as the defenders shift sideways as well as up. Though the defence needs to move up at the same time and close down the opposition attack, the defence also needs to move across together.

set-up

1. Stay balanced and commit to the tackle when you are sure of your target.
2. Step into the tackle with your eyes open.

What you get your players to do

Put two players with ruck pads 2m apart. Set up a defender no more than 2m from the defenders. Another player with a ball stands 3m to one side. The ball carrier passes the ball at one of the pads and the defender has to tackle that pad before the ball hits the ground. Change sides, make the defender stand closer or farther away, remove the pads and finally have the players run on to the ball (see picture 1).