Side-on tackling

Even the top teams recognise they don’t practise side-on tackling enough.
Use this session to work on quick-to-ground tackling, against a dynamic attacker.

TECHNIQUE START

Before you start, walk through the correct technique, emphasising the safety point of keeping the head behind the ball carrier.

ACTIVITY

1. In the 5m x 2m channel, the tackler starts the game by passing to the attacker who attempts to score.
2. The tackler must make a side-on tackle before a try is scored.
3. Set up work stations next to each other to accommodate more players

DEVELOPMENT

1. Add a support player and another defender starting behind the ball carrier and first tackler.
2. The ball carrier can now offload after the tackle and the second defender has to contest to win the ball. They can only move once the first tackle has been made.

GAME SITUATION

1. Start four attackers at one side with four defenders at one corner.
2. Defenders must decide who is going to tackle who.
3. On “GO”, the attackers try to score on the opposite side of the square, the defenders try to stop the attack.
4. Encourage defenders to communicate when their man has passed the ball.
5. Change the sides regularly so players tackle with both shoulders.

TECHNIQUE

• Ball carrier: Follow through to the target.
• Ball carrier: Scan the defence before passing.
• Ball carrier: Pass as close to the defender as you dare.
• Middle attacker: Shout for the ball to fix the defender.