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.
Tackling in pairs helps players work together to bring down the ball carrier, and gives weaker players the confidence to make a contribution in the tackle. MORE
Complete the tackle by getting back into position to challenge for the ball, but under pressure. Know the tackle rights but also what the referee looks for. The tackler can’t enter the tackle contest from any angle. They must come through the “gate”, just any other player. They can also easily be penalised if they goes... MORE
Help the second defender at the tackle situation choose whether to make a difference at the tackle or leave it alone to be ready for the next tackle. Defenders need to trust their team mates to make a tackle. They should only step in if they feel the tackler is beaten or they can create... MORE
All players can be more effective in the tackle area, but what are the top players doing that your players can also copy and use in games. Here are two ideas to work on in training... MORE
Improve tackle technique and conditioning in this competitive drill. Note that you should encourage good technique throughout, penalising players who simply dive into the tackle tubes. MORE
Every player needs the confidence to carry the ball against all shapes and sizes. Use this activity to give your players lots of opportunities to test out what works. Because the players will face lots of different opponents they can try out different techniques to beat the player in front of them. Some of these... MORE
