Lifecycle of the tackle
in Defence
There is a lifecycle to a tackle that starts with the contact point and ends when the ball is either recycled or turned over. Concentrate on this philosophy to improve tackle outcomes. MORE
The weakest kink
Work on defensive line speed and communication with the “weakest kink”. Defenders have to adjust their running lines to make sure they are not exposed. Instead of “drilling” the defensive lines, defenders will have to work out the solutions for themselves. A good session as well for attackers to scan where the space is.
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
Prepare for a mess! Unless your players are highly tuned professionals, they will come up in every shape but a straight line, most of the time. With the stimulus of players in front of them, they will lose connection with their team mates next to them.
This session will start the process of connection. Keep asking them what they could do to improve, such as communication, moving up as fast as the slowest player and “sliding” to fill the gaps. However, the chaos will challenge them – but it is very match-realistic.
Set-up
- Come up together as a line, with no gaps for attackers to squeeze through.
- Cut down the space for the attack, but only as a connected line.
What you get your players to do
Put four defenders facing away from four ball carriers. On your signal, the defenders run to the left or right cone in front of them before turning to close down two nominated ball carriers who are running forward to score without being two hand touched.
Four defenders facing away from four ball carriers. On your command, the defenders run left or right to the cones in front of them. Two nominated attackers move forward.
Development
Start one of the defenders facing up the field. He does not have to turn to defend (he has to make the choice whether to come forward or wait for his team mates).
Start the defenders further away from the line of attackers.
Widen the area and start the attackers further to either side (making the defenders have to slide across).
The defenders turn and have to two-hand touch the two attackers.
Game situation
Set up four defenders in a ragged line (use cones to help (picture 3)). On your command, four attackers aim to score at the far end. Ideally use full tackling. No rucks or mauls allowed.
Put the defenders in a ragged line. On your command the attackers aim to score at the far end. No rucks or mauls. Ideally use full tackling.
What to call out
- “Look ahead but be aware of where your team mates are”
- “Come up at the speed of the slowest player”
- “Don’t chase across the pitch, push out your team mates”
