Most open field tackles happen with plenty of warning for the defender. He sees the potential ball carrier and then has to decide how to tackle them. This session works on “tracking” the ball carrier, completing the tackle and then on what happens immediately after the tackle.
Most open field tackles happen with plenty of warning for the defender. He sees the potential ball carrier and then has to decide how to tackle them. This session works on “tracking” the ball carrier, completing the tackle and then on what happens immediately after the tackle.
Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 5-8
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7
What to think about
The tackler has to decide how aggressive he wants to be in the contact area.
It is a balance between risk and reward. A more aggressive tackle can give him the momentum to get to his feet quickly to win back the ball. However, he may miss hit the ball carrier and fail to make the tackle.
He should balance this against ensuring the ball carrier gets to the ground, so the tackler and the rest of his team can compete for the ball.
set-up
Tackler: Follow the ball carrier, stay balanced and keep your eyes open before committing to the tackle.
Ball carrier: Concentrate on good ball placement.
Support players: Identify the threats and clear them away.
What you get your players to do
Put an attacker and defender in the middle of one side of the box, facing each other. Make them walk backwards. Shout “PLAY” and the attacker aims to get to the other end of the box whilst the defender aims to stop them. If a successful tackle is made, the defender has three seconds to gather the ball. The attacker can be tackled and driven outside the box. Start the exercise at walking pace. Change sides to test different angles.
The attacker and defender walk backwards before you shout “PLAY”.
Development
In the same box, put another attacker and defender at opposite corners. Set off the original attacker and defender backwards again, then shout “PLAY”. The extra players cannot enter the box until either you say so or the tackle has been made. All the players compete for the ball until either a try is scored or an infringement occurs. The tackle must happen inside the box, but any subsequent play can spill out.
Related Files
Advanced-212-morgans-tackle-drill.pdfPDF, 233 KB
The other players cannot enter the tackle contest until you say so.
Game situation
Set up the cones and players as in the bottom picture. Throw the ball to either of the two attackers. The defence scores 1 point for preventing a try, 2 points for regaining possession and 2 points for scoring. The attack scores 2 points for a try. Have three attempts and then swap attack and defence.
Throw the ball to either attacker. The defence scores 1 point for preventing a try and 2 points for regaining possession. Either team scores 2 points for a try.
What to call out
“Short steps before driving into the tackle”
“Stay on your feet in the tackle before driving the ball carrier to the ground”
“All players, communicate where you are and what you are going to do”
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is head coach of Bristol Schools U18s and the Rugby Performance coach for Bristol Grammar School.
He was head coach of Swansea Schools U15, Young Ospreys Academy, assistant coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup, director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. He played for Bath, Bristol, Esher and Clifton, South West division, Gloucestershire and Surrey.
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