In younger age groups, getting players to tackle the “big kid” who runs through everyone can be a major stumbling block. The front-on tackle requires a little more coaching effort in these early years…
Confidence is vital in young players. Providing a smaller child with the confidence to tackle a larger, running ball carrier is probably the biggest hurdle for a coach to overcome.
For the player, it involves the right mindset, skill execution and courage. The following points might make your tackling sessions more effective…
REMEMBER THE BASICS
Your governing body has guidelines on how to teach the front-on tackle.
Even an experienced coach can forget the key factors of a basic skill, so check your union’s website to keep up to date. There may also be new ideas on tackling.
MIX UP THE SIZES OF YOUR PLAYERS
Having players of similar size tackling all of the time is not game-relevant. So make sure small players run at big players and vice versa.
Different-sized players handle contact in many ways and so experiencing this in training is essential.
DON’T RUN BEFORE YOU CAN WALK
Don’t start the process by making players run into the tackler. Begin by having the carrier simply “fall” over the shoulder of the tackler. This gives the tackler a sense of what a good tackle feels like. Then get them to walk in, jog in and, finally, run in.
Rugby is a contact “avoidance” game. Don’t believe the hype that it’s a collision sport. You don’t score by getting children to “collide” with anything – avoiding opponents is the best way to go forward. However, many believe that running straight is the way to success and as long as that’s the general view, the front-on tackle will remain one of rugby’s most important skills.
Create low-impact tackle situations where the defender has to move into position without much time to think. A sharp response and accurate technique are called for in this defence activity. MORE
Mismatches happen quickly and players need to judge when to go for it and when not to. There’s no better way to create lots of these scenarios than through a game. MORE
Use this easy to replicate play for under 15 level players and above with forwards and backs combining, to allow momentum for better attacking plays. MORE
Quick clearing passes, the pass away from the tackle or ruck, are an essential skill which will keep your game functioning at high speed. Encourage all your players to be able to pass away. MORE
Use this drill to work on tackle technique, first and foremost, and the speed and formation of the defensive line. It focuses on head-on driving tackles with aggression and good timing. MORE