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Tackling memory jogger
Have your players forgotten how to tackle? Revisit the key points in making an effective leg tackle with this activity that goes from warm-up to full contact. By Gavin Blackburn
WHY USE IT
Break down the tackle into its key points. Work on shoulder impact, grip, and then footwork with this low impact but busy session.
Set-up
Balls, cones.
HOW TO DO IT
Put a defender on their knees (or one knee) with a ball carrier standing either side of them.
Have the defender make one tackle on one ball carrier then another straight after. They make five tackles on each shoulder. Focus on the shoulder just above the knee, wrapping arms around the legs and head to the side.
You can have lots of groups of three working at the same time.
Develop by having a defender come through a gate of cones from 2m away. The attacker then jogs forward and is allowed one step either side of the defender. The defender reacts and makes a tackle. Keep swapping sides and rotating roles.
TECHNIQUE
Static tackle: Shoulder just above the knee, head to the side, wrapping the arms around (bands of steel) and driving the legs to get the ball carrier to the ground.
Moving tackle: Shut down the space quickly, be on the toes, get feet close to the tackle (foot in the imaginary hoop), arms ready and eyes open into the contact.
ACTIVITY
- A tackler starts on their knees between two ball carriers on their feet
- They make five tackles with each shoulder, before swapping
- Look for a tight grip, and head close the ball carrier’s body
development
Related Files
- An attacker waits to come forward
- A defender runs to the gate
- The attacker comes forward when the defender reaches the gate. They can only step out one stride, so must aim for one of the cones on the gate
- When the tackler reaches the gate they come forward to make a tackle
Dan Cottrell
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