WHY USE IT

The basics of footwork and positioning for tackling need to be constantly practised and improved. Using tackle technique exercises and games in your warm-ups is a great way of maximising your training time.

Set up

As many 3m x 2m boxes to accommodate all your players working in similar ability pairs.

TECHNIQUE

• Successful tackling is about 80% positioning and that relies on accurate footwork.
• Defenders need their weight on the balls of their feet so they are able to move laterally very quickly and change direction and react to what is happening in front of them.
• The key is planting a foot as close to the ball carrier as possible to allow an effective hit with the shoulder.

HOW TO DO IT

START

In a 3m x 2m box, the ball carrier and defender move sideways along their lines.

WARM-UP 1

• The ball carrier tries to get away from the defender who has to try and stay opposite the ball carrier.
• When the carrier thinks they have lost the defender they sprint across the box to score.
• The defender has to make a two-handed touch to prevent them doing so.
• Let the same player attack for 30 seconds and then swap roles.

WARM-UP 2

• The defender has their hands behind their back and can only stop the ball carrier with their shoulder.