The player who “steals” the ball at the tackle (sometimes known as the “jackal”) often will find that as he picks up the ball the opposition support players arrive and try to knock him back off it.
To keep possession he needs to stay in a strong, low position and pull the ball into his chest. As he is knocked back he protects the ball by turning his body so he lands facing his own team and on his side.
Once on his side he has to make the decision whether to pop the ball up to a support player or present it on the ground as far back as he can reach.
This decision depends on how close his support players are and whether or not the opposition clearing player has stayed on his feet or gone to ground.
Set up lots of live scenarios in training so your players get used to making these decisions in game like situations.
Develop better footwork skills to get close to the ball carrier, plus good teamwork in this defensive reaction activity. This session builds a better defence by getting pairs of players to work together. MORE
Your approach to what you are looking for when you are coaching tackling will help you and your players focus on the right areas to improve their defensive capabilities. When I look at the tackle, I am predominantly outcome driven. If it works, then that is more important than if all the technical processes have been ticked off. 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
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. 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
