Minis and juniors tackling triangles

Tackling in pairs helps players work together to bring down the ball carrier, and gives weaker players the confidence to make a contribution in the tackle.

Initially the players don’t know who will run and which players will be making the tackle, plus a bit of competition to score, makes the situations more realistic.

1. Put a player on each cone in the triangle, and a ball between three.
2. The players pass the ball around the triangle until you shout “go”.

1. The player holding the ball has to run over the line opposite him.
2. The other two players have to put him on the ground.
3. The tacklers score a point for a successful tackle.
4. The attacker scores a point from crossing the line on his feet (not putting the ball down).
5. Adjust the tackling success depending on your age group rules.

1. Develop by having two players passing a ball between each other on the corners of a box.
2. A defender stands on each of the other two corners.
3. When you say go, the current ball carrier runs forward to score, as in the first exercise.
4. Score exactly the same, and keep swapping which pair starts with the ball.

TECHNIQUE

• Step forward to make the tackle.
• Aim to get the head tight to the side of the ball carrier.
• Tight grip.
• Drive the legs after making a tight grip.