EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
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.
Put two players back-to-back. If you have tackle suits, then the ball carrier should wear one.
When you say “go”, each player runs about 2m before turning. The ball carrier runs straight while the tackler comes forward to make a front-on tackle.
After the tackle, the ball carrier places the ball correctly while the tackler races to their feet to compete for the ball.
Repeat three times before swapping roles. You can also rotate the ball carriers so the tacklers have a different target.
Hold up either a blue or red cone. If it’s red, the tackler goes for the ball. If blue, they step back to the edge of the ball carrier ready to defend. This helps them consider when they should compete or not.
Add in another attacker and defender who run to the side 5m before coming back into the tackle to compete for the ball.
Add in some competition by calling out a winner of each round. Choose a winner not just based on speed, but safe technique, clear release and position competing for the ball.
This is a quick-fire exercise. After the demonstration, in which you focus on the key point for the activity, get the players active, with plenty of energy.
Move up and down the line. Sometimes, be specific to a player, sometimes call out a reminder of the key point.
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