Tackling reactions

WHY USE IT

Get players used to making side-on or front-on tackles. The tempo gets players into position quickly, making swift choices on which tackle to use.

SET UP

Two balls and about 15 cones.

HOW TO PLAY

Activity: A line of attackers starts at one end of the area. One defender stands on the try line, with their back to the ball carrier. Other defenders wait to come in. Call to the front attacker which gates to run through. They do so, aiming to get to the try line. In the meantime, the defender turns and comes forward to make a tackle. You can start with them making a shoulder-and-arms contact only, then progress to a full tackle. Once the tackle is completed, or missed, the next attacker and defender get into place. Keep the activity quick, with lots of goes for all players in a short space of time.

Development: Get another attacker to support the ball carrier, but come through the other gates/gaps – or have another defender at the other corner, to make it a 1v2.

Notes: Run through this rapidly. Give feedback as the defender gets up, or at the end. The defender who has just been joins the back of the attacking group, while the attacker joins the end of the defending group.

COACHING POINTS

• Defender should always move forward, not get planted.
• Defender aims to get their foot close to the ball carrier.
• The attacker should always be moving forward.

1. A ball carrier starts at one end
2. Put a defender at one side of the try line, facing away from the attacker
3. Tell the attacker which gaps to go through

1. The attacker runs through the cones, aiming to score over the try line
2. The defender turns and aims to stop a try being scored

.

1. As soon as the tackle is made or missed, those players clear the area for another group to go
2. The next defender starts from the opposite side to the previous defender