EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Tackling drills are the single most important part of your training; it’s vital that you prepare your players to tackle safely. These tackling drills are tried, tested and proven to be the most effective ways to introduce and develop tackling skills.
Some tackles are tougher than others but players must not miss the “sitting duck” tackles, where a ball carrier is stationary or running sideways. Without much forward momentum, your players can gain an advantage and complete an effective tackle with a chance for a turnover. This session gives weaker tacklers some confidence. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Players may need to react quickly to decide who and how to tackle. Get them switched on with this drill, which teaches them to put their head in the right place when making tackles – on both sides. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
You’re deep into the season and your team’s tackling is looking ragged. How do you reinvigorate the players? It’s time to initiate a programme of exercises to bring your defence back up to speed… MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling, U12+
Challenge your defenders to make crucial tackles by using this “spotlight” exercise. With the rest of the squad watching, there will be no hiding place… MORE
in Tackling
This session works on bringing down a player from behind and covering back to make a tackle. MORE
Once a tackle is made, the tackled player has to place the ball on the ground if he cannot offload it. This is a crucial moment in which the ball can be won or lost. Make your players know how to compete for the ball legally after the tackle. MORE
in Tackling
Develop good footwork in the last few steps before the tackle. First, to power into a tackle situation, and then to adjust as the tackle target moves either to the left or the right. This activity uses low-impact outcomes with tackle tubes to focus on the technical aspects of the skill. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Use this tackle tube activity to focus on good technique under pressure, with lots of strong repetitions and enough distractions to keep the players fully aware of their team mates in the defensive line. This is low-impact exercise is ideal to develop the technical aspects of the skill. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
Defensive systems are not an excuse for individuals to miss tackles. This session puts defenders in a line and then isolates one of them in order to make a tackle in their channel. This has to be run with full contact to make sure players match up correctly. MORE
in Defence, Practice plans, Tackling
Work on the role of the second player at the tackle. He can either help make the tackle or attempt to go for the ball. It will depend on the relative strengths of the ball carrier, the first tackler and the angle that the second tackler arrives from. MORE
