“Same shoulder, same foot” is one method of making a powerful tackle, because it maximises the power through the body and into the tackle. It requires good technique and good timing, both of which this session works on.

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

What to think about

There are not many tackles in a game where the tackler has time to think about which foot he is planting and which shoulder he hits with. Each player needs to build his confidence in his technique and test it out in a variety of situations. In this session’s small-sided game, you can start the game off at walking pace to help players gain confidence, while focusing on their technique. Most players have a preferred shoulder to tackle with, so make sure that they practise with both, sometimes spending more time on the weaker one.

set-up

1.  Plant one foot in front of the ball carrier and hit with the same shoulder.
2.  Drive through the tackle with the other foot to knock the ball carrier back.
3.  Land on top of the ball carrier and compete for the ball.

What you get your players to do

Set up an attacker with a ruck pad and a defender five metres apart. The attacker initiates the exercise by moving towards the defender. The defender has to close down the space, plant his right foot, hit with his right shoulder and then follow through the tackle by driving with his left leg initially. Perform five hits with the right shoulder and then repeat with the left shoulder.