Be strong in the tackle

WHY USE IT

Collapsing in the tackle gives the defence more opportunity to steal or slow down the ball, because it is more difficult for support players to get in behind the ball carrier.

set up

Cones and balls; a 25m wide, 20m long box for the game.

HOW TO PLAY

ACTIVITY: Put an attacker 2-5m from a line of cones. Each cone is 2m in front of the next. A feeder is placed 3m to the side. Set three defenders out as per the top illustration. The attacker runs up the line of cones, receives a pass and tries to get as far down the line of cones as possible. When they receive the ball, nominate a defender to tackle them. After the tackle, the feeder replaces the tackler, the ball carrier becomes the feeder and the tackler is the new attacker.

GAME SITUATION: Put four defenders along the midline of the box (bottom illustration). Four attackers run around in their half of the box. They decide which attacker will try to break through. They run over the mid-line and the defence tries to stop them. Mark how far they make, with a point for 5m made and the ball secured (available to be passed from a ruck) or two points for a try scored. There is no passing allowed in the defence zone.

COACHING POINTS

• Ball carrier: Drive forward, keeping whole body moving, while keeping hips forward.
• Protect ball by keeping it away from defenders.