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.
Here is a 15-minute mini contact session based on reintroducing players to the contact area. What’s important in this early stage is to revisit the basics of contact. Not only as players’ techniques may have slipped during lockdown, but also in an effort to make everyone’s contact area safer and better. The session focuses on technique in a safe but competitive environment, enabling the players to have fun with first getting the contact positions right and then working on their tackling. MORE
This session reintroduces players to the tackle, checking that players remember the basics of tackling safely and working on getting clear of the tackle area quickly once the tackle is completed. MORE
Here are some activities to support your stage D tackling training. Using small groups, they look at rebuilding tackling skills in a low impact environment and developing a game-related understanding at the same time. MORE
An organised defensive system requires players to make front on tackles. This often means the defender has to adjust his position to make sure he is in a strong body shape to make the tackle. This session works on developing the required techniques through to a game situation. MORE
Match-time tackling can be 1 v 1, but often it’s a team effort, especially for younger players. Use this simple activity to build confidence, communication and tackle technique. MORE
Help your players relish tackling by making a competition of it. Not only will this improve the team’s defence as they become incentivised to tackle more, it can change the mindset of players from “have to tackle” to “want to tackle”. MORE
Effective defence wins games. You need to have as many players defending for as much of the time as you can. Players who like a rest after making a tackle, or like to lean on a ruck that is already lost are not helping your defensive cause. “Get back in the game” should become the mantra for your players after every tackle. MORE
Work on the players footwork and grip in a low impact environment to develop realistic side-on tackling skills. Then add in recovery skills so players bounce back into the game. A side-on tackle needs a good grip and keeping the “wheels turning”. That means, once the impact is made, the tackler has use his feet to drive the ball carrier over so he can recover quickly. MORE
