Better heights

It is a recurring theme that players find themselves too high in the contact area and, therefore, are not effective. Here is a simple session which you might have used parts from before in which the coach uses a flag pole for the players to run under.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-8

What to think about

A tired player is less likely to arrive low at the tackle contest. That’s understandable when he is trying to draw breath. Therefore, you need to create good habits for players. There is a strong physical cue to keep low (a stick!), and players will work out their own methods to keep low and drive through. Some will change their stride patterns, others will get their backsides closer to the ground. No need to worry how they do it, as long as they stay on their feet through the contact area and make a good contact. I personally don’t use a flag pole but an old walking stick. I often get another player or parent, if I am working with younger players, to hold the stick.

set-up

1. Dip low and early then rise up into contact.
2. Keep your eyes open and looking ahead.
3. Keep the legs active and driving forward through the contact area.

What you get your players to do

Stand with a flag pole next to a ruck pad with a ball. Put two groups of players either side of you, about 5m away. Call a player from one of the groups. He runs round, squares up and goes under the pole, stepping over the ruck pad and ball. Sometimes call out two at a time. Adjust the height of the pole to create different challenges (see picture 1).