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Tackling

Tackling drills are the single most important part of your training; it’s vital that you prepare your players to tackle safely. These tackling drills are tried, tested and proven to be the most effective ways to introduce and develop tackling skills.

Age Groups
U5
U6
U7
U8
U9
U10
U11
U12
U13
U14
U15
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U17+
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Finishing the tackle

Finishing the tackle

A tackle is completed when the tackler has done all they can to prevent the carrier releasing the ball to their team’s advantage. Work on...
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Defence boxers

Defence boxers

This practice uses boxing-style footwork and arm movements to improve your players’ positioning and timing when making tackles.
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3v3 chop and turnover

3v3 chop and turnover

Use this game to develop good defensive line speed, with the aim of getting the ball carrier to ground quickly and regaining the ball.
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Tacklers into jacklers

Tacklers into jacklers

Practise the risk-and-reward elements of trying to turnover the ball in the tackle area. It starts with good tackling, then deciding whet...
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Sock it to 'em!

Sock it to 'em!

Improve tackling by teaching players to make more shoulder contacts. Rolled-up socks reduce players’ inclination to grab in the tackle.
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Goal-line D twos

Goal-line D twos

With strong goal-line defence comes the need for absolute clarity in the system, particularly the role of the tackler and tackle assist.
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Tackle target practice

Tackle target practice

Use this simple exercise to help coach how to engage the shoulder first, with the arms wrapped around the ball carrier’s legs to form a ‘...
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Tackling interceptors

Tackling interceptors

This low-impact activity works on the defender getting to the tackle as they attempt to intercept the ball carrier, who is making a sprin...
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Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful rugby coach
Rugby Coach Weekly Issue 188

Latest Issue

Rugby Coach Weekly Issue 188
Issue 188 out now
  • Better carrying
  • Finishing the tackle
  • Challenging players of differing abilities
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    How long should your learning blocks be?

    How long should your learning blocks be?

    A learning block is a defined period in which you are concentrating on a certain skill or tactic. What should you focus on to make the most ...
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    Aggressive tackling

    Aggressive tackling

    Work on the front-on tackle, which represents the best opportunity to dominate the ball carrier and win the battle for the gain line.
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    Priority skills: Side-on tackles

    Priority skills: Side-on tackles

    There are 10 key factors for side-on tackles, but here’s one which would make the most difference to your players.
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    Easy defence

    Easy defence

    Build tackling confidence and technique with low impacts; then focus on completing, so the tackler can get back into the game.
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    Soak up tackles

    Soak up tackles

    This session will help your players in their reading of situations and not feel afraid to give up ground, as long as the tackle is made.
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    The weakest kink

    The weakest kink

    Work on defensive line speed and communication. Defenders will have to adjust their running lines to make sure they are not exposed.
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    Tackle training tips

    Tackle training tips

    If we paint the picture in training for what sort of tackle is needed, players can focus on pulling all the good techniques together. ANDREW...
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    Defence from set pieces

    Defence from set pieces

    JUSTIN BISHOP, ex-London Irish defence coach, has ideas to use from scrums and lineouts to get more players into the tackle channel and ...
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    Setting up a tackle club

    Setting up a tackle club

    It’s actually lots of little clubs within one team. Each tackle club allows you to work with players who need similar sorts of attention.
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    Twist and shake

    Twist and shake

    An activity to develop your tacklers’ ability to twist the ball carrier and win the ball back. Then, work on playing the turnover ball away.
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    Tackle tracking

    Tackle tracking

    A drill to encourage defenders to keep an eye on their intended target before completing a tackle. By SIôN JAMES, head coach, Ampthill L...
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    Slide tackling

    Slide tackling

    In this game-related activity, players slide across to tackle. It puts defenders under pressure to work together to cover attacks that move ...
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    Don’t break the chain

    Don’t break the chain

    Use this practice to improve your players’ awareness of how to move together as a defensive line, with good cover and communication.
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    How touch rugby can teach better defence

    How touch rugby can teach better defence

    Making tackles more akin to the full-contact game is possible in touch rugby, writes IAN DIDDAMS, as he outlines some rules that can ...
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    No escape 1 v 1

    No escape 1 v 1

    By disrupting starting points, players have less time to focus on the process, creating more game-realistic outcomes for tackling and ...
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    Non-tackling kids: fears and solutions

    Non-tackling kids: fears and solutions

    IAN DIDDAMS and DAN COTTRELL on convincing nervous youngsters to tackle.

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    Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

     

    We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.

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