Front-on and side-on low tackles can bring down ball carriers quickly. In this tackle template, here’s what the defender should do to complete the tackle effectively.
Most tackles are neutral or passive. That means that the tackler concedes some ground after the impact. That’s not a bad thing, as long as the tackle is completed and the ball carrier goes to ground quickly.
Even at the top level, unless there are two tacklers to one ball carrier, most tackles are aimed at bringing the ball carrier down fast.
When you see the best players in action, their technique is pretty much the same:
Head up and eyes open.
Body active and ready to drive forward.
Impact with their shoulder.
Finish with a tight grip between their arms, shoulders, body and head.
For activities and techniques to improve precision in the tackle try out…
If the tackler can win the first part of the impact, they can manipulate the ball carrier – slowing down possession or even winning the ball back. Here are four ways to make a bigger impact… MORE
Use these two activities to work on the tackle impact and grip for a front-on and side-on tackle. They’re good exercises to use before more intense tackle work and can form part of your warm-up. MORE
Mismatches happen quickly and players need to judge when to go for it and when not to. There’s no better way to create lots of these scenarios than through a game. MORE
Use this easy to replicate play for under 15 level players and above with forwards and backs combining, to allow momentum for better attacking plays. MORE
Quick clearing passes, the pass away from the tackle or ruck, are an essential skill which will keep your game functioning at high speed. Encourage all your players to be able to pass away. MORE
Use this drill to work on tackle technique, first and foremost, and the speed and formation of the defensive line. It focuses on head-on driving tackles with aggression and good timing. MORE
