After the tackle targets

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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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Position of the tackled player	Position of the tackler	Immediate tackler reaction	Secondary tackler reaction
Tackled player is on the ground with the tackler in front of them (usually a dominant front-on tackle, finish position).	Tackler is still on their feet in front and above the ball (dominant tackle).	Stay on feet. Get hands on the ball and lift it off the ground. Keep hold tightly or transfer to a supporting teammate.	If unable to get hands on to the ball, attempt to counter-ruck for the ball or become the first defender, immediately behind the ball.

Position of the tackled player	Position of the tackler	Immediate tackler reaction	Secondary tackler reaction
Tackled player is side-on and perpendicular to the touch line (side-on tackle). Wide gate for entry into the tackle.	Tackler is side-on and perpendicular to the touch line (side-on tackle).	If possible, maintain any momentum that you had completing the tackle. Swing and shuffle the body around and behind the tackled player. Get hands near or on the ball as the player is swinging round Plant feet wide and stay low and strong, whilst trying to lift the ball off the ground. If able to steal the ball, it should be held tightly or shifted safely back to a teammate.	If unable to contest the ball, the player is in position to counter-ruck or defend from an on-side position.