“Seal off!” “Bridge!”. Either expression seems to be the current standard phrase for coaches to shout out during matches. Sealing off is essential, as it protects the tackled player and the ball from defenders. This session will show your players how to do it effectively and legally.

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

What to think about

The crucial part of this session is to check your players are “legally sealing”. That means they are supporting their own weight on their legs. If their hands are on the tackled players, it is not illegal, BUT they must not be grabbing them or putting weight on that player. Ideally, their hands are free to help them deal with incoming defensive threats. Check that the sealer is legal by pulling the ruck pad or tackled player away.

set-up

1. Put yourself over the ball, over the tackled player but stay on your feet.
2. Push your backside towards the ground, spread your legs and look up.
3. Be ready to move forward to meet opposition threats.

What you get your players to do

Start by demonstrating the correct and incorrect body positions to legally seal the ball. Check that the hips and shoulders of “sealers” are about the same height, the legs are bent and the feet are spread. Test the players by pushing and pulling them around at the shoulders. After splitting the players into pairs with a ball, they must then run around until you shout “TACKLE”. The player with the ball goes to ground and the other player “seals”. Ask the players to hold the seal and check their body positions are legal. Repeat.