Get players used to changing their body position to improve ball placement after being tackled
Set out two cones, 8m apart. Put a feeder 5m back from the first cone with a pile of balls at his feet. Line your players up by the first cone.
When you say “go”, the first player comes forward and takes a pass from the feeder. You then shout out a ball placement shape – “jack knife”, “long” or “power roll”.
The player takes the pass, steps past the feeder and then goes to ground behind the rear cone to perform the required placement shape.
As soon as he is past the feeder, the next player comes forward and repeats, stepping to the other side.
Develop by having the previous placement player act as a tackler. In this case, work at 50% intensity so the players concentrate on good technique.
You will need
2 cones placed 8m apart
Lots of balls
Got more players?
You can line up as many players as you like, as long as you have enough balls.
What to tell your players
“Step hard round the feeder”
“Drop to the ground and get into position quickly”
Sometimes I still have to pinch myself and realise we have missed 18 months of competitive contact rugby. And watching the attritional British and Irish Lions Tour recently got me thinking about how we as coaches can look to prepare our youth players for the new season.
I have put together some non-contact tips on how I would work to improve the tackle technique for my players. MORE
Work on attacking the edges of the ruck defence. That means not attacking next to the ruck, but the area often less well-defended two players out.
Normal ruck defence is set with two defenders close to the ruck. Attack outside these players. MORE
This session thrives on the odd directions a rugby ball takes when it rolls along the ground and how the players react to it.
It will improve footwork, vision, communication and reactions skills, as well as making for an alternative method of training. MORE
Though you want to avoid defenders, sometimes you will have to take contact. Develop ways to retain possession at the ruck and after by keeping the ball carrier active in the tackle.
Defences will aim to force turnovers if the ball carrier can’t release a pass. If the ball carrier works hard to twist, turn and spin during the tackle, they will become less of a target. MORE
Help players make good decisions at the breakdown on whether to pass, run or ruck depending on how many defenders are threatening the tackle ball.
You want enough players to win quick ball without compromising your chances to launch effective attacks. MORE
