Tackling from the hip

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.

ACTIVITY

1. Split into pairs. One player is the tackler, the other the ball carrier (a ball is optional).
2. Get the pairs to move around slowly and then shout “TACKLE”. The tackler moves into the ball carrier and lifts him up at the hips using a “bear hug”. They take two steps and then put the player down on his feet.
3. Reiterate the coaching points, swap round and repeat until all the players are comfortable with the techniques.
4. Develop the exercise by having the ball carrier move around.

DEVELOPMENT

1. Put a ball carrier at one end of a 7m x 4m box and a tackler at the other end.
2. Make the ball carrier try to beat the tackler while staying in the channel

GAME SITUATION

1. Place two attackers at one end of a 10m square with a feeder by a tackle tube just outside the square. Two defenders are at the other end.
2. Feed the attackers. Let play develop. Swap attack and defence after a try or infringement.
3. Increase the width of the box but bring in additional players only when the defenders are using the right techniques.

TECHNIQUE

• Stay upright and focused on the core of the ball carrier.
• Step in and dip down and up quickly.
• Lock the arms in contact.