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The two-man tackle is a high-risk, high-reward tactic. When successful, it can lead to a turnover behind the gain line. But when executed in the wrong situation, it can split your defence wide open. "Double trouble" develops the technique needed and puts players in situations where they have to judge when to make two-man tackles.
What to think about
Players need to be given cues to look for when a double tackle is appropriate and when it's not.
Definitely YES:
Definitely NO:
What you tell your players to do
What you get your players to do
Walk through the technique to start with. Have a ball carrier work against two defenders (as in the middle picture below). Gradually build up the pace as the players get used to the technique.
Then place four defenders opposite four attackers in two straight lines (as the last picture below). Stand behind the defenders and signal the attackers to move left and right.
They pass the ball along the line as they move. On your signal the attackers move forward. The ball carrier must be double tackled and the players either side of him must be tackled.
Game situation
Play full contact rugby between two teams where the defending team has one more player. The attacking team tries to get through the defence and score. The defenders can't compete for the ball on the ground unless they've made a double tackle.
The defenders have to identify situations where they think a double tackle is appropriate and they can turn over the ball.
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Click the link for a game to improve tackle technique.
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