Getting close to the ball carrier is a key technique to be able to make an effective tackle. But chasing games don’t help build up the game skills replicated in the game. Try out these four ideas instead.
1. SQUARE BALL
A defender runs round into the box. Using a “push off the chest pass” (preferably), the coach or another player aims to bounce a football onto the chest of that player.
The pass must be made before the defender is closer than 3m away.
The defender scores a point for preventing the ball from touching the chest and three points for catching the ball without touching the chest.
Key outcomes
Hands up
Head up
Keeping square
2. CORNER PUSH
Ruck-pad holders stand on one corner of the box, defenders on the opposite corner
The pad holder jogs into the middle of the box, keeping the pad facing up the pitch. At the same time, the defender jogs into the box and uses a two-hand push on the pad.
Develop with a strong shoulder drive with a grab.
Keyoutcomes
Hands up
Keep square
Feet under the body to make a strong push
3. TWO-POLE
Two defenders come from the corner of the box to close down two attackers. The attackers can pass and dodge.
The defenders win by grabbing the ball. They also lose if an attacker turns towards the sideline or runs backwards.
Key outcomes
Getting square quickly
Teamwork and communication
4. UP AND SHOULDER
A defender lies on the ground. An attacker jogs along a line. The defender gets up and aims to get their shoulder into the shorts level of the attacker, with their arms wrapped around. The head must be behind the shorts. There’s no need to complete the tackle.
Increase the pace as players become more confident.
In Hard and Fast with the Miss Pass, we set up a “miss pass” training session. The miss pass is a long pass which skips one player, with the missed player drawing a defender in the process. MORE
A hard and fast flat miss pass can cut out defenders before they have a chance to change their running angles. It can lead to clean breaks as your attackers exploit the gaps.
By scanning the line and hitting the ball at an angle towards a space, the ball carrier is going to be almost impossible to stop. MORE
Training games, like touch rugby or contact games, tend to be competitive.
They should have:
Context: the players should know, either before or after the game, the reason you are playing. Fun/enjoyment are a given. However, what are the potential rugby outcomes?
Points: the players will want to know what the score is, and what the points system is.
Now, let's spice this up MORE
Already leaked more tries than you expected this season. Here's some cures to shore up your defensive line, which concentrate on technique, skills and organisation. Remind your players of what they do well and then help them to address their weaknesses. MORE
If you are coaching adult rugby, then you are probably already beginning to put in some elements of contact into your preparation programme for next season. If you are coaching youth rugby, then you need to carefully consider the regulations about contact rugby. For example, in England for under 11s and below, you won't even start "contact" of any sort until the actual season starts. MORE
Use our two simple tactics to pull defences one way and then kick the other to surprise them and give your chasers a good chance of gathering the kick unopposed. MORE