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 Defence, Rugby drills, 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, Rugby drills, Tackling
Here's a short clip of a tackling exercise which works on low tackles in pairs and then attempting to steal the ball. MORE
in Fitness & Conditioning, Rugby drills, Tackling
Use this activity to develop tackle recovery. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Here is a safe drill, best practised mid-week, which gives the defenders match-like conditions to work on side and front-on low tackles. It focuses on balance, concentration and technique. It's suitable for all abilities. It's ideal for large numbers of players. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
World Cup winning defence guru Phil Larder outlines his nine side on tackle essentials. MORE
Like other disciplines, rugby has a jargon of its own. Unless the meanings are explained they can be meaning-less. That's why I've explained them in plain, simple English and with large, clear illustrations in my manual Rugby Tactics Made Simple. But not only that, you'll learn how to coach the tactics with my tips. If you’re new to coaching or prefer a more simple style this is a great, straightforward introduction to rugby tactics. "It highlights the key fundamentals of all aspects of play & gives coaches a good understanding of terminology and techniques at the highest level" - Richard Whiffin, assistant coach at London Irish MORE
Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggling to get your points across at training? Perhaps you sometimes simply run out of preparation time? Possibly you're feeling your sessions are getting dull? Do you want a few new skills to boost your player's skills now? Or to help your players develop the techniques for seasons ahead? Maybe even the core skills for their whole rugby playing career? Here's the answer... MORE
Ready-made, age-appropriate, safe training activities, to provide a complete rugby coaching curriculum for players from ages 11 - 16. MORE
