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.
in Rugby drills, Tackling
I’ve been talking tackling to plenty of coaches in the last few weeks. That’s not unusual. Therefore, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite tackling “drills”: High pressure tackling reactions. I say drill because it’s a 1 v 1 exercise. MORE
in Tackling
Get your players used to making side-on or front-on tackles with this high-octane exercise. The tempo will keep the players moving quickly into position and making choices on which tackle to employ. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Keep your players under pressure while performing this tackling exercise. As fatigue sets in, will they be able to retain their technique? MORE
Individual defenders have to react quickly to changes in potential ball carriers. This is because attacking teams use “blockers” and dummy runners to fool defences. A “blocker” runs flat and sometimes in front of the pass. This session develops a defender’s ability to slide on to the ball carrier, sometimes at the last moment. MORE
in Rugby drills, 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. MORE
in Tackling
The best tacklers read the movements of the ball carrier and anticipate where they are going. This session improves anticipation skills by focusing on the core of the ball carrier. MORE
in Tackling
The low chop tackle brings the ball carrier down quickly. It then offers the opportunity to turn the ball over. This type of tackle isolates the ball carrier from his support and also stops or delay offloads. Learn the basics of a chop tackle by ensuring the players use it as a side-on tackle. MORE
Better tacklers anticipate where a ball carrier is going. You can improve anticipation skills by using this session to help focus on the core of the ball carrier. The hips don’t dummy, so if the tackler can keep his eyes on this area, he should make more tackles. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
A tackle is completed when the tackler has done everything in his power to prevent the tackled player releasing the ball to his team’s advantage. Work on what happens next. MORE
in Tackling
Use this full session to build up the right footwork to make strong tackles, both on an individual basis and in a team context. Warm up with some footwork and gentle contact, then start to increase the intensity. MORE
