Better minds for tackling

“All players should be able to tackle hard”. This is not the true nature of the game. Tackling has an important role to play, but you cannot win games by just tackling. Therefore you need to have players who may not be as defensively “hard” as others.

During Johnny Wilkinson's international career, he could have been considered a “freak” in the number 10 channel, since most international sides will have a less defensively strong fly half.

Tackling is also not just about bringing a player to ground. It is a multifaceted action, requiring different techniques in different situations with different players. Hence tackling practice needs as much variety as passing.

Physical strength is not the key to tackling. Good tackling requires a balance of mental strength, technique and physical ability.

There will be naturally better tacklers, but, like most things in life, better tackling can be taught. It takes patience and good understanding of how to create the right circumstances for all the players.

The right atmosphere

Creating the right atmosphere in training helps make tackling practice seem less like a chore.

Drills and practices need to be set up in such a way that weaker players are not in a situation where they may be embarrassed.



This may seem perverse if they are not put under pressure – how are they supposed to make the big tackle in the game if they are not exposed to similar circumstances in the game.

Health and safety are important to emphasise, but it is better to say, “A good head position will ensure you land on top of the player”, than “If you put your head here, you might get knocked out”.

Rugby Coach Weekly better tackling matrix

This tackle matrix puts players into the category that most suits them. The aim is to move as many players UP and RIGHT – to create “hard” players with good technique. Recognising where players are in the matrix will enable you to differentiate your training more effectively.

The “terrifieds” could usefully spend more time on their technique, the “tacticals” on their confidence. If a player already has good technique then consider developing their post-tackle technique.

The key is to split the groups to enhance their individual needs, rather than lump them all together.

	Bad technique	Good technique
“Hard” player	Terrifying Flies into tackles without fear, but little understanding of what needs to be done to achieve a good tackle. Can be effective, but also extremely dangerous and likely to be involved in injuries (theirs and others). Can miss tackles because of poor technique, but not lack of effort.	Technical and terrific The best sort of tackler. Uses the right technique to effect. Also imposes themselves physically in the tackle. Looks to make tackles happen. Rarely misses tackles.
“Soft” player	Terrified, timid, terrible Not only avoids tackles, but when they have to make a tackle, has little or no concept of what to do. A danger to themselves and not reliable in a game situation.	Tactical Does not have a bad technique but is not keen on making tackles. In fact, will only make tackles as a last resort. Sometimes can be fired up in a big game.