Winning the tackle contest

Once a tackle is made, the tackled player has to place the ball on the ground if he cannot offload it. This is a crucial moment in which the ball can be won or lost. Make your players know how to compete for the ball legally after the tackle.

Warm up time: 5
Session time: 6-9
Development time: 6-9
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7

What to think about

Players need to know the laws. A tackler must release the tackled player before he can play the ball himself. With the new laws, like any other player, he must enter the tackle area through the “gate” – from his own side. Players will be penalised if they enter from any other angle. No player should go off their feet or support themselves by using the player on the ground. This makes sense anyway, because players on their feet can drive forward and compete against oncoming defenders. All players should work at this skill, though back rows and centres will be the players who will use this skill the most.

set-up

1. Aim for the ball first.
2. Get over the ball if you cannot get your hands on the ball.
3. Low man wins!

What you get your players to do

Put an attacker and defender on their knees in the middle of the box. Put another attacker and defender at the corners of the box. A tackle takes place in the box and the two players on their feet are released. They must run round the corners of the box to enter from their side of the contest. Play full contact and stop once it is clear who has “won” the contest.