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LOGINTackle count
Help players relish tackling by making it competitive. This will improve the defence as they become incentivised to tackle more.
WHY USE IT
Change the mindset of players from ‘have to tackle’ to ‘want to tackle’.
set up
A 5m square, one ball per group of four and a 10m square pitch.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: Split into groups of five. One player is the tackler - give the other four a ball. The tackler must make as many tackles as they can in 30 seconds before swapping with another player. Start off at walking pace and gradually increase the speed of the players’ movement.
DEVELOPMENT: Corner score - split into pairs, with a ball. A ball carrier starts in one corner of a square with a defender in the opposite corner. On your call of “1!” or “2!”, the ball carrier has to try to score on the relevant line while the defender has to make a tackle.
GAME SITUATION: A pair of defenders work for one minute against two pairs of attackers. On your call, the first pair attack and try to score on the opposite side of the square. If they score, or are stopped, call “Reset!” - the defenders have to realign to defend the other way. On your call of “Go!”, the second pair of attackers try to score.
Coaching points
- Get close to the ball carrier.
- Look at the target and hit it with your shoulder.
- Stay on your feet driving for as long as possible.
- Get back to your feet and back in the game.
1. Challenge a tackler to see how many tackles they can make in a set period of time
2. Depending on the competency of the players, they should walk, jog or run
Related Files
1. An attacker aims to beat a defender
2. Call out which area the attacker must aim for - this encourages the defender to use the correct shoulder
1. The attacking pair aim to score, and swap when there is an infringement, try or tackle
2. Two defenders work hard for 30 seconds
Dan Cottrell
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