An organised defensive system requires players to make front on tackles. This often means the defender has to adjust his position to make sure he is in a strong body shape to make the tackle. This session works on developing the required techniques through to a game situation.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 5-8
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

• “My players make a lot of weak scrag tackles in games where they are grabbing at opponents’ shirts. Why is this and how can we improve our tackling?”The main reason for players making weak scrag tackles is that they have to reach to make the tackle. This results in them making weak arm tackles instead of strong shoulder tackles.It is usually caused by a lack of footwork from the tackler so instead of being in front of the ball carrier he is off to the side. Use mirroring exercises and games with your players where one player follows another face-to-face. This will improve their footwork and understanding of where they need to be to make a strong tackle.

set-up

1. Always get your body in front of the ball carrier.
2. Stay on your feet and drive your legs through the tackle.
3. Aim to land on top of the ball carrier so you can get up quicker.

What you get your players to do

The ball carrier moves from left to right trying to get away from the defender. The defender has to aim to stay opposite him. When the ball carrier thinks he is free he moves forward in a straight line to score. The defender has to get in front of him and make a two-handed touch on his chest. If the defender finds it difficult to start with, decrease the width of the channel.