Rugby coaching session on defending for a turnover

"Jamming in" is a method of tackling by coming "out to in", which reduces the chances of the ball carrier passing wider.

The technique is part of a number of defensive systems and needs some form of decision making on when and how to make this type of tackle. This session sets up scenarios to introduce those decisions.

What you tell your players the session is about

1. Improving the "out to in" tackle, also known as "jamming in".
2. Preventing an overlap developing by tackling the ball carrier at ball height.
3. Making decisions on when to "jam in".

What to think about

• Where should the head go in the tackle?
  If the shoulder is aiming at the ball, the head should be “jammed” into the side of the body, probably at rib height. The arms should punch out and wrap around the body.
• What should the player do if the ball carrier has time to control and pass the ball?
  Even if it is clear that the tackle cannot be made as the ball is being received, the tackler can still make the tackle, because he has a chance of blocking the pass. The pressure may also force a poor pass. The tackler will need to read the passer and the situation.

What you get your players to do

Put two attackers at one end of the box and two defenders on the corners of the other end.

Both groups jog forward, with the ball carrier passing just in front of the defender opposite him. The other defender then steps into the receiver, with his shoulder aimed at the ball. Once all the players have rotated, move to game speed and full contact.

Development

Put two defenders at one end of the box facing out. You point to one of the three lines and the attackers start from here.

You shout “GO”. The first attacker has to run straight but can pass when he likes. The defenders turn, with one defender pressurising the ball carrier and the other working out whether to “jam in” or shepherd the ball carrier by not over committing, hoping to force an error.

Game situation

Put a scrum half (9) by the ruck. Get four attackers to come around from behind the ruck and line up to receive the ball with another attacker on the far side.

Set up three defenders against them, two starting by a cone slightly wider out to help them be in a good position to “jam in”. You shout when the ball should be released by the 9 and then let the play commence.

This article is from Rugby Coach Weekly.