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.
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
Develop the sorts of tackles and positioning needed to cover attacks when they start to overload one side of the ruck. This session builds up the scenarios they might face. MORE
Use this four stage exercise to build better tackle technique. By emulating a boxer, the tackler develops balanced footwork, staying square to the target, punching the hands forward and then, at the end engaging the shoulder. It help players become more confident in contact. MORE
Use this session to get your players tackling in a competitive environment. Quick to set up, it’s part of our back pocket favourites, activities you can use to re-energise your session. MORE
