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.
in Rugby drills, Tackling
This activity works on the ball carrier sprinting for the line while the defender tries to intercept him. Getting to the tackle can be as important as making it. This session is mainly working on chasing tackles, so is quite low impact. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
The front-on tackle also represents the best opportunity to dominate the ball carrier and win the battle for the gain line. This activity works on this. Develop players’ ability to come forward, with or without their team mates to make front-on tackles. MORE
in Email Newsletters, Tackling
The RFU has brought forward plans to reduce the tackle height at age grade rugby to below the armpits. Talking to experienced school coaches in particular, they don't see much change in the impact on the game as a whole. However, it is an excellent opportunity to reexamine your tackle technique training. MORE
in Tackling
Use this simple and quick to set up exercise as part of your tackling break out groups to work on good technique in a medium impact environment. Players need to constant exposure to tackling, especially where they have to use footwork to get close to make the best sort of impact. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
This session works on players reading the situation and not being afraid to give up ground as long as the tackle is made. Sometimes the tackler needs to accept that he cannot “win” the contact, but still needs to bring the ball carrier to ground effectively. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Build tackling confidence and tackling technique with low impacts. Then focus on completing the tackle by the tackler to get back into the game. Low impact tackling still requires good skills to bring the ball carrier to the ground. MORE
