Plus one tackler

LOGIN

Subscribe today to access over 2000+ drills, 350+ ready made practice plans, and more.

Adjust your tackling system to match the new tackle Law directives. Make sure your next defender at the tackle is making a difference by arriving before the opposition, and staying on his feet. He can then put his hands on the ball to win it back or, at worst, slow down the next attack.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 5-7

What to think about

The “plus one tackler” is the next defender to the tackle situation. He is likely to be the player marking the attacker who last passed the ball. The “plus one tackler” moves forwards or sideways to the tackle and not backwards. As he arrives, it is likely the tackle will be in progress. The “plus one tackler” needs to “feel” the ball carrier to the ground, showing the referee he has released the player if necessary. He can then compete for the ball. If the tackle has taken place, the “plus one tackler” must arrive from behind the tackle to play for the ball. In all cases, if his hips go beyond his knees the player is in danger of falling forward and going off his feet, giving away a penalty.

set-up

In the defensive system, if the player you are marking passes the ball, be ready to be the first player to the tackle.
Help get the ball carrier to the ground if you can, release him and then go for the ball.
Stay balanced and keep your hips below your shoulders (safety and good technique).

What you get your players to do

Set up two cones about 5m apart and another two offset by about 2m. Place two defenders at one set of cones and two attackers at the other. At walking pace, the inside attacker passes to his team mate. The defenders move up and across, with the receiver going forward and being tackled. The “plus one tackler”, the defender not making the initial tackle, moves in and grabs the ball from an onside position. Increase the pace of the exercise so the defenders improve their feel of angles and body positions. Let the groups discuss their options and give feedback.

The defender not marking the receiver aims to beat the passer to the breakdown.

Development

Using the same set up, add a touch line. Have the first attacker pass to the second attacker, who aims to beat the defence on the outside. The game is “live” and the attack must either score or retain the ball in the tackle. The “plus one tackler” must make a direct run to the breakdown. Look to see if the defence can turn over the ball or delay the presentation of clean ball. A turnover is worth three points, a delay one point and conceding a try, minus one.

Related Files

Advanced-261-plus-one-tackler.pdfPDF, 138 KB

To reach the tackle first, the defender runs forwards or sideways, not backwards. The key is to be direct.

Game situation

Play 5 v 3 with new defenders rotating in. Each team has five attacks. The attack start the ball 5m up one of the sides, with the defence 5m away. Play normal rugby rules, except the attack only has 15 seconds to score a try. Award five points for a try, two points if the defence concede a penalty, or minus five if the ball is turned over.

The attack has 15 seconds to score a try, starting from one edge of the pitch.

What to call out

“Cut across to the tackle”
“Go through the ‘gate’ if you are not there when the tackle is made”
“Be strong over the ball, with a wide base”

Dan Cottrell

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.

Editor's Picks

Wicked warm-ups

Being authentic, player relationships and 'why?'

Challenging players of differing abilities

Behind the scenes with: England U18s

Saracens Academy: Behind the scenes with the Wolfpack

Practice Plans

Go forward from the lineout

The session looks at running and support lines from the back of the lineout. There is a run up of around 10-15m for the ball carrier before ...

Long pass plays

Develop long passing for specific plays. This session works on running lines and timing as well as improving accuracy of passing in match-...

Four-man contact pods

This session works on players taking the ball into contact in groups of four. This is most likely in a game when you know the opposition is ...

Increase your options for 10

The fly half (10) has a controlling position to launch his team away from the opposition and into open spaces. He needs to be comfortable ...

Newsletter Sign Up

Join over 75k coaches that are saving time searching for fresh coaching ideas with our free email newsletter: ✔ New drills ✔ New games ✔ New warm-ups. Delivered direct to your email inbox

Intense defence

As a defence tires, the attack should become more successful. But if a defence starts well, it can find sources of energy to make sure they ...

'T' for tackling

Use this full session to build up the right footwork to make strong tackles, both on an individual basis and within a team context.

Tackling from the hip

The best tacklers read a ball-carrier’s movements to anticipate where they are going. This session improves those skills by focusing on the ...

Ask Dan: Defending better from set pieces

Coaching problem? Put it to our head coach Dan Cottrell. This time: Defending better from scrums and lineouts.

Coaches Testimonials

Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."

Be a more effective, more successful rugby coach

In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.

SUBSCRIBE

Get Weekly Inspiration

All the latest techniques and approaches

Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.