Use this small-sided contested exercise to work on attack and defence around the first arriving players at the tackle contest. In this video, note how I maintain momentum in the exercise, with quick feedback, questioning and reinforcement.
Put three players on their fronts, shoulder to shoulder.
Throw the ball to any one of the three players. That player then places the ball towards to their left or right, it doesn’t matter which.
The other two players become the attacker and defender, depending on which way the ball carrier places the ball.
They contest for the ball. Once it is clear who has won, call the contest over and they reset.
Have two groups alternating, and if you have more than six players, then other players can swap in.
TECHNIQUES
Ball placer: keep the ball active on the ground to make the defender work harder. Reach the ball back towards the try line only once the defender tries to engage with the ball.
Ball team first player: if you arrive early, stay balanced, ready to drive forward and meet the opposition player. If not, try to drive under and up and then through.
Player trying to steal the ball: if you arrive early, put your hands beyond the ball and then pull it back. Don’t put your hands on the ground. Otherwise, try to drive under and up and then through.
COACHING
After explaining the exercise, let the players play through a couple of goes, perhaps with some quick reminders of previous technical points.
If a player is clearly not performing the technique, then stop and ask questions to check for understanding.
If necessary, add in a point to add depth to their understanding. For example, in this case, that the player who is coming forward into the contact will tend to win the collision.
For more ideas on drills, activities and games to work on this area try:
Develop players’ skills around the tackle and post-tackle situation. The tackler makes the tackle and then rolls out quickly. The ball carrier aims to present the ball well to prevent the steal (jackle). MORE
Develop quick thinking under pressure to ensure the players make good and accurate decisions in contact. Once the first defender is beaten, the attacker has to decide whether they can offload the ball or have to take contact. MORE
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
The ball carrier uses a strong fend to create space and time to pass the ball to their supporting player while the defender aims to disrupt. They then turn the corner and repeat MORE
Retain possession in a two-man tackle, so your supporting players can help protect the ball. It should reduce the chances of the opposition using a choke tackle to hold up the ball carrier and create a maul. MORE