Explosive tackling

U13–U16 | DEFENCE 3

Get your players using powerful front-on tackles

1. Set out a 15m square area. Have three attackers holding ruck pads on one side, facing three defenders on the opposite side.
2. When you say “go”, the ruck pad holders walk forward, while the defenders jog forward. The defenders make a solid front-on tackle, going from low to high into the ruck pad holders.

3. Develop by changing the attackers’ angle of run, getting them to cross over as if switching, or looping round each other.

4. The three defenders have to react and adapt to the attackers’ movement while still using the dip low and drive up and through technique, and making solid impact in the tackle.

You will need

• A 15m square area
• 3 ruck pads

Got more players?

Rotate attackers and defenders frequently, or set up another area if you have enough ruck pads.

What to tell your players

“Stay balanced”
“Dip low and drive up”
“Get your arms around pad and player”