Up and tackle

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This session works on the assumption that sometimes tackles are made when the tackler is off balance or chasing the game. That does not mean he lets his standards drop in terms of technique. Side-on tackles are typical when defenders have to scramble across to cover. In these situations, defenders have to make sure they do not get sidestepped. It is a tough skill to find your feet from lying down, getting into position to make a tackle and finally executing that tackle. This sessions teaches that skill.

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

Pay particular attention to where the feet go – close to the ball carrier is ideal. Sometimes the tackler will need to grab first and then draw himself into the ball carrier. These solutions are individual and need to be worked on in training so they can be easily transferred into the match.

set-up

Focus on tackling low and driving through the tackle.
Keep light on your feet before you tackle. Don’t plant your feet too soon.
Close down the space for the ball carrier.

What you get your players to do

Put a ball carrier on his front in the middle of one end of a 5m box. Put a defender on his front in the middle of one side of the box (see picture 1). Have the ball carrier get up and try to run to the far end of the box. The defender has to react and bring him down. Swap roles. Develop by starting the defender at different points along the side of the box.

An attacker and defender on their fronts at right angles facing into the box. The attacker aims to reach the try line, with the defender reacting and rising to his feet to tackle the ball carrier.

Development

Lie three defenders on their fronts on one edge of a 15m x 5m box. Put a feeder just to the side of this edge. Get three attackers to run into the box, with the defenders getting up after the ball has left the feeder’s hands. The attackers will probably move the ball to the space, so the defenders have to get up and slide across (see picture 2).

Putting three defenders on their fronts and along the line, rising to meet the threat of the three attackers with a feeder from the side.

Game situation

Lie four defenders in the middle of the 20m square, with two facing one way and two the other. Put four attackers on each side of the square and give each group a letter. Shout out a letter, and that group has to attack to score at the far side. Reset after a try, turnover or infringement. Have five goes and then swap the defenders for one set of attackers.

Having four defenders stopping attackers. You call which lettered team will run. The defenders get up and make the tackles.

What to call out

“Squeeze the knees”
“Keep your feet moving”
“Eyes on the target” [the contact point of the player being tackled]

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.

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