EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
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.
Put two defenders at one end of the box facing away from an attacker at the other end. The attacker moves from side to side.
When you shout “TURN”, the defenders turn around and aim to touch-tackle the attacker before he makes it to the other end of the box. The ball carrier comes forward immediately.
Initially develop by starting the attacker further forward, or even having two attackers, so defenders have to identify the ball carrier as well as then closing him down.
Allow full tackling.
Finally develop by working in a longer box, with the try line in the middle. The defenders turn to defend against one attacker coming from one end and then sprint back to defend against an attacker coming from the other end.
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Develop your tacklers‘ ability to twist the ball carrier and win back the ball. Then, work on playing the turnover ball away. A twist tackle can expose the ball carrier to other defenders, increasing the chances of a turnover. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Practise side-on tackles in more game-related situations. In this session, the players slide across to tackle. It puts defenders under pressure work together to cover attacks that move the ball wide. Most ball carriers want to avoid the tackler, hence side-on tackles are more common that front-on tackles. MORE
in Email Newsletters, Tackling
With the contact rugby not far away, you will be planning some form of tackling practice to fit into your training sessions. In these unusual times, you might find yourself almost reteaching tackling for some players. Even for more experienced players, they will need time to rediscover the safe, efficient and effective techniques and skills.... MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
If the tackler can get in front of the ball carrier just before the tackle, it’s easier to make shoulder contact. Young players in particular will benefit from this skill. This session develops simple defensive tracking skills so the defender gets in front of the attacker to make a two-handed touch. If they can do this, they should be in a good position to make a full tackle. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Work on what the tackler and tackled player do immediately after the tackle. Quick thinking players can create turnovers or prevent turnovers by their actions. This simple exercise can be built up over the season and aid basic tackle and post tackle skills. MORE
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Work on side-on tackles where the defenders are scrambling across to cover the attack. They will need to keep square so they don’t get sidestepped, and keep in the line with their team mates. Moving from a prone position means initially they will be disrupted and will have to find their positioning quickly. MORE
