Watch this clip from our media partners, RugbyFactory.tv and see how the tackler executes a strong, technically sound front-on tackle. Then, check out what she did well and how you can put this into a training situation.
WHAT DOES THE TACKLER DO WELL
Comes forward into the tackle.
Balanced stance on the ground.
Drives into the ball carrier, with the weight on the foot nearest to the ball carrier transferring into the shoulder.
Notice the tight grip throughout the tackle, and the head firmly into the side of the ball carrier.
There’s a slight lift, but the tackler then drives forward and twists.
The feet stay rooted in the ground as the tackler completes the tackle.
HOW TO PRACTISE
Here are two good exercises to work on this sort of tackle.
An organised defensive system requires players to make front on tackles. This often means the defender has to adjust his position to make sure he is in a strong body shape to make the tackle. This session works on developing the required techniques through to a game situation. MORE
Use this four stage exercise to build better tackle technique. By emulating a boxer, the tackler develops balanced footwork, staying square to the target, punching the hands forward and then, at the end engaging the shoulder. It help players become more confident in contact. MORE
Inspired by the work of Nick Hart, a headteacher and author of the blog,Thisismyclassroom, here is a “scaffolding” approach to teaching tackling. Scaffolding is where you build support around a task as it is introduced and built up. You then take away the scaffolding as the player becomes confident and competent. It was first coined... MORE
Use this low impact tackling exercise to work on both the ball carrier's ball placement after the tackle, tackler technique and recovering. The emphasis is on completing the tackle, with the tackler's "speed to feet" to then compete for the ball. MORE
Use a game of "King of the ring" to encourage better tackles which dominate the ball carrier. Reward strong, successful front-on tackles where the tackle is completed and the ball carrier is driven back over their line. It encourages getting off the defensive starting line to make the tackle. This reduces the space as quickly as possible. The attacker still has an incentive as they want to make the tackle impossible or as difficult as possible. MORE
Here is a 15-minute mini contact session based on reintroducing players to the contact area. What’s important in this early stage is to revisit the basics of contact. Not only as players’ techniques may have slipped during lockdown, but also in an effort to make everyone’s contact area safer and better. The session focuses on technique in a safe but competitive environment, enabling the players to have fun with first getting the contact positions right and then working on their tackling. MORE
This session reintroduces players to the tackle, checking that players remember the basics of tackling safely and working on getting clear of the tackle area quickly once the tackle is completed. MORE
Here are some activities to support your stage D tackling training. Using small groups, they look at rebuilding tackling skills in a low impact environment and developing a game-related understanding at the same time. MORE