EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Target
The tackler targets the opposition player's waist. He needs to get low in order to get under any potential hand off.
Keep moving
The tackler keeps moving forward and has to get in front of the ball carrier. Just before contact he should set himself in a strong crouched position with one foot slightly in front of the other.
Head up
The head stays up, with the eyes looking at the target until contact is made.
Shoulder, head, arms
Contact is made with the shoulder. The head tucks in tight to the hip and the arms form a tight band round the thighs.
Roll back
From the strong crouch position just before contact, the tackler rolls back using the ball carrier's momentum to bring them to ground.
The games in my 48 Rugby Skills Manual will challenge your players, whilst allowing them to practise their skills and develop their tactical awareness in the face of committed opponents.
Click here to order your copy of 48 Rugby Skills Games now, and to read more about the manual and how the games can benefit your coaching.
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Use this exercise after learning some tackle techniques to improve the defender's awareness and resilience in making tackles. There will be misses, nearly tackles and good tackles. Low impact and fun, it's aimed at younger players, but you can certainly use it with all ages. MORE
in Rugby coaching videos, Rugby drills, Tackling
Improve your players' ability to enter a tackle from a strong position, even though they may be off-balance. Use this exercise as a full contact activity or as part of preparation for a full defence session. MORE
in Core skills, Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Front-on and side-on low tackles can bring down ball carriers quickly. In this tackle template, here's what the defender should do to complete the tackle effectively. MORE
in Core skills, Tackling
If the tackler can win the first part of the impact, they can manipulate the ball carrier – slowing down possession or even winning the ball back. Here are four ways to make a bigger impact… MORE
in Core skills, Tackling
Use these two activities to work on the tackle impact and grip for a front-on and side-on tackle. They’re good exercises to use before more intense tackle work and can form part of your warm-up. MORE
in Core skills, Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Here are 10 key points to make an aggressive front-on tackle which dominates the ball carrier. MORE
