Help the second defender at the tackle situation choose whether to make a difference at the tackle or leave it alone to be ready for the next tackle.
Defenders need to trust their team mates to make a tackle. They should only step in if they feel the tackler is beaten or they can create a double tackle that will create a chance for slow ball or a turnover. Any other effort is a waste.
Put two attackers and a feeder (9) at one corner of the box, facing two defenders.
Put another two attackers in the middle, facing another defender.
Have the attackers run into the box and aim to beat the two defenders coming forward.
If they score, then restart the exercise again.
If the ball carrier is tackled, then the other attacker goes over the ball and the feeder (9) passes the ball to the attackers in the next box.
The defenders aim to stop the next attack crossing the gain line (going beyond where the last ruck finished).
Develop by allowing the first pair of defenders to try to steal the ball.
TECHNIQUE
One defender must aim for the ball carrier and the other must trust him – communicate who is covering who.
Only double up if you can drive the ball carrier back. Bounce out of the tackle into the next box quickly.
Using an inverted backline shape, your runners from a ruck can give the 9 more options to pick up the best-placed player to break the defensive line. An inverted three is a group of three players that line up so the furthest player is in front. All but the first player in the line can take the ball with a player in support to drive them out and away from the previous breakdown. It’s easy for the outside players to adjust their timing to support the first player if he’s the receiver. MORE
How to take the ball close to the gain line in attack to put the defence under more pressure. It will exploit quick ball from rucks by putting attackers flat, running angles and offloading before or after the tackle. MORE
Create pace onto the ball from a “free pass” to a static player by encouraging your players to organise themselves quickly and work in threes. When the rules state that a free pass has to be to a static player, your players have to be at ease with repositioning themselves to be able to generate some pace onto the ball. MORE
With up to five players in action, use this exercise to work on footwork, decision making and teamwork. Quick to set up, it can be used as part your RTP sessions or into the main season as a warm up activity. MORE
Match-time tackling can be 1 v 1, but often it’s a team effort, especially for younger players. Use this simple activity to build confidence, communication and tackle technique. MORE
