EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Build up the tackle confidence and techniques of your players by using short distances for the ball carrier to run forward while still aiming to beat the tackler – then increasing them.
The tackler can work on his body height, footwork and leg drive in a low impact environment, while the ball carrier has to use quick feet to get to the side of the tackler.
12 cones set out in two triangles as in picture 1. A ball. You can set up a couple of these areas for pairs to work in.
Put a tackler in the middle of the cones and, to start with, a ball carrier 1m away (see picture 1). The ball carrier starts by reacting to your signal to move left or right. He steps outside that cone and goes for the cone directly in front of him. The tackler steps forward and makes a side-on tackle (see picture 2).
Swap and repeat. After several goes, the ball carrier starts on the next set of cones back repeating the step to the side and then forward. Finally work off the back cones (see picture 3).
Adjust the distances to match the ability and size of your players.
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
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
