Coach correct stance to win the breakdowns contest

The tackle area is one of the most difficult to referee, largely because of the speed of play and the bodies involved. For instance, the position of the "gate" (the area through which players must access the tackle zone) may frequently shift.

Having negotiated the laws successfully, when a defending player competes for the ball in the tackle situation they expose themselves to being "cleared out" (driven off the ball) by opposition players.

Moreover, the defending player is likely to have their head forward, so if they are not in a good position their neck could be dangerously exposed.

This player therefore needs to take a strong position to challenge for the ball, reduce the chance of being cleared out, and be in a safer body position.

Le Crunch

"Le Crunch" is a rugby technique whereby the defending player, who is competing for turnover ball at the tackle situation, "crunches" themselves before they take contact, to present a better body position and a safer one too.

In the picture above, the defending player at the top is in a good, safe body position. However, he is more upright than the defending player in the lower picture, and showing more of himself to opponents. Both are competing to win turnover ball.

The second defender has bent his knees, rounded his shoulders and pulled his elbows out to present less of a target. The bent elbows in particular help round the shoulders and make the arms stronger over the ball.

Driving up and out before "le Crunch"

What happens when an opposition player gets over the ball before one of your players gets there?

Ideally, your players need to drive off opposition players before they get too low.

To do this, their shoulder needs to impact under the opponent's chest to drive that player "up and out". This means driving the player away from the tackle, not backwards, but to one side.

"Up and out" is effective since the opposition player will be bracing against being driven backwards and not against being driven off at an angle.

This can really only be practised "live", since ruck pads don't provide much help in teaching this technique. However, body suits would be advisable.

Clearing out le Crunch players

If a player has assumed a "le Crunch" position, then it will very difficult to shift him. In which case your players have two choices.

1. Do nothing

The first option is to do nothing. Your players simply accept that the ball is not going to be won and instead reposition themselves to win the next phase.

2. Disrupt

The second choice is to disrupt the opposition by driving in and trying to twist the player. Though this does not shift the player, the passage of the ball may be disturbed, thus slowing down the possibility of good, clean ball subsequently.

This article is from my Rugby Coach publication, specially designed to help you become a more confident, successful rugby coach in just 30 minutes a month.

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