Double tackling

Your team should take advantage of a good defensive system by not only stopping the ball carrier on the gain line, but also knocking them back and stealing the ball. This can be done with one player forcing the ball carrier to the ground, whilst another assists and then stays on his feet to steal the ball. It is a “learn by doing” skill.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

Who goes low and who goes high?

The simplest rule: The first player to the tackle normally goes low, to slow down the ball carrier. The next player completes the tackle.

The first tackler should have the confidence that the second tackler will prevent the offload. This comes from practise and strong communication.

The more aggressive rule: The first tackler drives in at chest height, targeting the ball. The second tackler completes the job by tackling the ball carrier lower down.

This reduces the chances of the offload, might prevent forward momentum, and ensures your players have hands going for the ball straight away.

set-up

1. The first player makes the tackle.
2. The second player reacts to the tackle, to go in either high or low.
3. With a high tackle, target the ball. Stay on your feet as the ball carrier goes to ground and then rip the ball up and out.

What you get your players to do

Split your players into threes with one ball per three. The players walk and pass keeping about two metres apart. Shout “TACKLE” and the two non-ball carriers have five seconds to tackle and win back the ball from the ball carrier. The ball carrier has to keep moving before he is tackled (this momentum is key). Repeat with feedback from the players on the best methods.