Tackle recover

WHY USE IT

A simple exercise to aid basic tackle and post-tackle skills.

set up

Two cones and two balls per group of three. Two 10m boxes, 2m apart for the game situation.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY: A tackler and two ball carriers start between two cones, which are 5 to 10m apart. Make the tackler hold onto the shorts or shirt of both carriers. Shout out which ball carrier should move – they then walk, jog or runs to the cone in front of them. The other ball carrier runs to their cone, puts the ball down and turns to run back to support their player. In the meantime, a tackle is made and the tackler aims to get up and challenge for the ball.

GAME SITUATION: Split into pairs. One player from each pair is an attacker in each box. The other pair are defenders and stand 1m away from the attacker. Give the attacker 10 seconds to score a try. If they are tackled, the defender has a chance to turn the ball over and score at the far end (the attacker cannot try to tackle them). Run both boxes at once. Give a point for a try, two points for a turnover try and no points for any other outcome.

COACHING POINTS

• Tackler: force the ball carrier to ground, then get up to your feet to compete for the ball.
• Ball carrier: fight to stay on your feet and then fight to place the ball back to your team-mates.