Most ball carriers want to avoid the tackler, so side-on tackles are more common that front-on tackles. This session works on the basic side-on tackle from a game-related point of view. It then puts the tackler with team mates and they have to work together.

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

What to think about

By the end of this session you will be developing a drift or slide defence. You can let players identify how they can improve their drift. Answers should be: Keep communicating and keep connected with the other players in the line. Better players will keep themselves “square” as they slide across. Although their hips will be angled, their shoulders will face up the field as much as possible. This reduces the risk of being beaten on the inside.

set-up

1. Defender: Move into position to make the tackle, by keeping your eyes open, targeting the shorts, putting your head behind the legs, clamping and squeezing the legs.
2. Look to intercept the ball carrier rather than meet him, so you might have to run across the field rather than up it.

What you get your players to do

Set up a defender and ball carrier as in picture 1. Set up a mirror group as well, so players can swap and work on their other shoulder too. Get the ball carrier to jog around the cones and then aim at the coned gap. The defender tracks across to make the tackle. Increase the pace of the exercise as the players become more confident.