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…
The pro-coaches have many benefits available to them and one of them is the opportunity to review footage of every game in detail. And this shows a level of detail that most other coaches can’t see.
STOP DEAD TACKLES
We hope most of our players can make their tackles.
Even if that’s the case, you will still find that some players will not trust their team mate and try to help make the tackle as well.
This leads to two players making the tackle. Of course that has some advantages. We might be able to drive the player backwards, and at least one of the tacklers will be strongly placed to challenge for the ball as the opposition support players race back into position.
But too many times, the “other” tackler makes no difference, and falls over and out of the game. That’s a wasted player who’s unlikely to be back in the defensive line in time to make a significant difference in the next play.
CHOICES AFTER THE TACKLE
In tackling practices, we encourage the tackler to complete the tackle by regaining their feet as quickly as possible and then challenging for the ball. This is good technique but we need to watch how the professional players have taken this one stage further.
Legally, if the tackler has gone to ground in the act of making the tackle, he now cannot enter the tackle from any angle. He must come through the tackle gate, which means he has to play the ball from directly behind the tackled player or tackler closest to their own goal line.
Often the best way for the tackler to cause the maximum disruption if they find themselves on the opposition’s side of the tackle (which is likely if they made a passive tackle), is to go back over the ball, with their backside to the opposition. However, they must clearly be seen to NOT touch the ball. It’s all about perception to the referee.
SECOND DEFENDER AT THE TACKLE
More and more top sides are encouraging their second defender not to try to win the ball but instead disrupt legally.
They should aim to take the space over and beyond the ball, but not too far. They don’t put their hands on the ball, just drive forward into the oncoming attackers.
They make sure their entry into the tackle area is squeaky-clean and square. I like to call it an L-shaped line of running.
They listen to the referee. If they do get their hands on the ball, they need to make sure they release if he calls it – even if the defender thinks he’s in the right.
Here are some tackling exercises to work on these aspects of the game:
Combine conditioning with skills drills. In these two activities, the players will work on line-speed as a group, then in the next activity, on line speed and a part of tackle technique. MORE
Work on defensive line speed and communication with the “weakest kink”. Defenders have to adjust their running lines to make sure they are not exposed. Instead of “drilling” the defensive lines, defenders will have to work out the solutions for themselves. A good session as well for attackers to scan where the space is. MORE
All defensive patterns require strong communication and an ability to work together as a line. Use this folding defence activity to get groups of players filling in and coming forward to tackle side-on. MORE
If each player knows their role, you should be able to mark all the attacking options from a scrum. Use these exercises to connect your defensive backline and forwards with your scrum-half. MORE
I’ve been talking tackling to plenty of coaches in the last few weeks. That’s not unusual. Therefore, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite tackling “drills”: High pressure tackling reactions. I say drill because it’s a 1 v 1 exercise. MORE
Get your players used to making side-on or front-on tackles with this high-octane exercise. The tempo will keep the players moving quickly into position and making choices on which tackle to employ. MORE
Your wingers want the ball but it seems to get trapped with the centres. There are three reasons for this other than greedy players or the defence coming up fast and even sometimes offside. MORE
Even the top teams recognise they don’t practise side-on tackling enough.
Use this session to work on quick-to-ground tackling, against a dynamic attacker. MORE
The best tacklers read the movements of the ball carrier and anticipate where they are going. This session improves anticipation skills by focusing on the core of the ball carrier. MORE