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
Players may need to react quickly to decide who and how to tackle. Get them switched on with this drill, which teaches them to put their head in the right place when making tackles – on both sides. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
You’re deep into the season and your team’s tackling is looking ragged. How do you reinvigorate the players? It’s time to initiate a programme of exercises to bring your defence back up to speed… MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling, U12+
Challenge your defenders to make crucial tackles by using this “spotlight” exercise. With the rest of the squad watching, there will be no hiding place… MORE
in Tackling
This session works on bringing down a player from behind and covering back to make a tackle. MORE
in 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
