Simple to set up, these activities work on improving individual and group skills. There are no bags, just bodies to drive out from the tackle contest. It challenges players to find a rucking solution with a low body position.
ACTIVITY
Two players on their knees face each other, with a supporter 2m behind each one
When you shout “GO” the ball carrier is tackled and the other two players get to their feet to win the battle over the ball
DEVELOPMENT
Put two attack supporters 2m to the side and the one defensive supporter opposite them
GAME SITUATION
The ball is passed to the standing attacker who runs through the box and is tackled
In the meantime, release up to three attackers and three defenders to support the tackle contest
CHALLENGE
Win a ruck on your own.
HOW TO DO IT
ACTIVITY
Split into pairs. Put one player with a ball opposite another player 1m away. Their own partners are 2m behind them. All the players are on their knees.
When you shout “GO”, the ball carrier is tackled by the player in front of him. The other two players aim to win the battle over the ball on their feet.
DEVELOPMENT
Start the ball carrier and opposite player as before, but this time the ball carrier has two support players 2m away to the side, while the defender has one player 2m away, also to the side.
Develop by adding players coming in from different angles. Play until the ball is clearly won or there is an infringement. A spare player can be used to referee the situation (and learn more about what is allowed).
GAME SITUATION
Put an attacker and defender about 3m away from a 2m box. About 4m to the side of the box put a ruck pad, with three defenders and three attackers on their knees facing each other next to it.
Get a feeder to pass the ball to the standing attacker who runs through the box and is tackled by the defender.
Call out which attackers and defenders can enter the tackle area. For instance 2 v 1 (A and B v 1 ) or 1 v 3 (C v 1, 2, and 3).
TECHNIQUE
Go low, stay on your feet and drive over the ball.
Attack underneath the threat or pull the low threat away from the ball.
Don’t teach falling over. Teach the players to bounce themselves and therefore the ball off the ground and back into the game. It reduces the fear of falling by making the players embrace the ground as part of a skill for continuity. MORE
Most controlled mauls are formed at lineouts. Open-field mauls carry more risks for the attacking team, but it’s still worth considering it as a tactic. Here’s how… MORE
Mauling is a powerful weapon and you don’t have to be a big side to use it. A great tactic is to set up a maul from the back of a ruck to create go-forward and tie in their defenders. MORE
I’ve been talking tackling to plenty of coaches in the last few weeks. That’s not unusual. Therefore, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite tackling “drills”: High pressure tackling reactions. I say drill because it’s a 1 v 1 exercise. MORE
