Front-on rugby tackle

Set-up

Activity: Mark out a 1m wide channel. The tackler kneels in the channel and the ball carrier starts at one end.

Game: Mark out a 6m square.

What you get your players to do

The basics - picture 1: The ball carrier walks towards the tackler who makes the tackle by hitting the ball carrier with his shoulder, wrapping his arms round the ball carrier’s legs and rolling backwards.

Move on - picture 2: The tackler is on one knee, then crouching and then standing. Increase the speed of the ball carrier as the tackler grows in confidence.

The game - picture 3: In the 6m square four attackers play full contact against four defenders. Players can only walk and as soon as there is a tackle, defenders have to get back a metre. The game stops after a try or six successful tackles.

Look for

Players getting their heads in the correct position and making the tackle with the shoulder, not the arm. Players falling correctly to protect themselves and the ball. Tacklers who can get back to their feet quickly and be ready for the next tackle.

Development

Quality repetition is the key. Set up lots of 1m channels so players can work in threes. Build up the ball carrier’s speed, keep correcting technique for safety.

Notes

Use the following sayings:

“Eye to thigh” – Look at the target they want their shoulder to hit.

“Cheek to cheek” – Get in close and get their head in tight to ball carrier’s thigh.

“Band of steel” – Wrap their arms tightly around the ball carrier’s legs so he is unable to run.