Low impact tackle reactions

WHY USE IT

This activity allows you to put good tacklers under pressure and give weaker tacklers a chance to contribute to a tackle.

SET-UP

A 5m by 6m box and a ball.

HOW TO DO IT

ACTIVITY

• Put four attackers facing away from the try line. They spread across the box in a line and pass a ball up and down the line.

• Put two defenders behind them, about 2m away.

• When you shout “go”, the ball carrier turns and tries to score at the far end. They can pass once they’ve been tackled, but if a ruck forms, then the attempt is over.
• Rotate the players around one place and restart.
• To put a good tackler under pressure, shout go when the ball reaches the end player. To go for a team tackle, then shout go when the ball reaches a middle player.

DEVELOPMENT

• Start the lines further apart.

• Put another attacker about 2m behind the attackers, still facing away from the try line. They are allowed to run onto a pass if the attackers want. However, put in a third defender as well.

TECHNIQUE

• Keep light on the feet and then drive the shoulder into the ball carrier.
• Move forward to tackle.
• Strong grip.