Rugby coaching game for intelligent tackling

In a 2v1 situation, which player should be targeted by the tackler? Normally, you would say the ball carrier, but a more intelligent tackler will target both, knowing when to commit to the tackle to prevent the pass or slow down the momentum.

In which case, each defender needs to work out:

• Which player offers the biggest threat.
• Whether the ball carrier can be forced into making a pass.
• Whether this is to be an offensive or defensive tackle.

Walking through the options

The thought processes can be rehearsed in slow motion. Set up a 2v1 in different sized boxes and play at walking pace. The tackler should talk through his options, though more empowered players can discuss the options in groups after each situation.

Upping the pace

Once the defenders have begun to find some solutions, change the pace and variety of the situations. This brings in new dimensions and challenges, like:

• The relative speeds of attackers and defenders.
• The distances between the players.
• The skills and sizes of the players.

Since there are now more than six variables involved, there are many decisions to be made. In which case, the defender has to reduce his thought processes to a few key decisions and then work out his tactics to “win”.

Playing games to understand

You can use 2v1 games, with the emphasis on the defender. Split your squad into threes.

The attack and defence rotate, and the players rotate their roles. This should lead to a variety of situations. (The match conditions are set out in the box.)

A game intelligent tackler has the following attributes:

• Picks the tackle that will work best for the player he is tackling. For instance, a small winger will not attempt to drive back a big number 8.
• He will stay balanced and not over commit until the moment he needs to tackle.
• He will not fail to make a tackle. Even if the ball carrier releases the pass just before the tackle, he must be tackled to the ground. This prevents support.
• He won’t be “dummied”. Because he stays balanced, he can move easily between the two players.

Split into two groups of three players. In a 5m square (or other size according to your players' age/skill level), stand two attackers from one side and a defender from the other in the middle back to back.

Get one of the attackers to shout “GO”. The defender runs to one of the cones on the try line he is defending, and the attackers to the other two cones.

One of the attackers picks up the ball and they attack. The attack score a point for a try, the defender one point for preventing the try.

Any infringements mean a point for the opposition. The attack can offload, but cannot ruck or maul. Every “match” has six rounds, meaning each player defends once. Tot up the scores at the end.

This article is from International Rugby Coaching.