Improve players' tackling with this rugby coaching session

This is a complete Smart Sessions Core Skills. called "Up and slide", looking at defensive systems.

What the session is about

• Improving footwork in defence.
• Improving organisation, building co-operation and trust.

What you tell your players to do

• Move forward as a group to defend.
• At a certain point, change direction and slide across.
• Communicate which attacking player is “yours”.

What to shout

• "Heads up, look forward"
• "Go forward first and then slide"
• "Keep the line straight"
• "Move forward quickly using small steps"
• "Choose your target and commit to it"

What to look for

• Defenders not working as part of the team, who are early or late to the pads. In a separate practice, the defenders could move around in their groups of three to various sets of markers. By doing this they will learn to work together. Nominate one of the defenders to be the leader.
• Defenders who slide without going forward first. Going forward cuts down the attackers’ space and time. Set out markers 3m to 4m in front of the defenders and have them move forward to these before sliding across to the pads.

What you get your players to do

Mark out a 15m x 20m area. In groups of three, defenders move forward as a group. On your signal, they change direction (slide) and move towards three players with tackle pads or shields.

The defenders tackle the pads then quickly get set again and repeat the exercise, tackling the next three tackle pads. Once the players are confident, let them make the decision of when to slide over on to the pads. Sliding early and late will make the practice more match-like.

Session development

• Tell attackers to move their ruck pads forward.
• Vary the direction defenders have to run to get into their starting positions. Put them under more pressure by using a countdown.

Putting this into a game situation

Mark out a 40m x 20m area. Have four defenders against five or six attackers, depending on the experience of the players. The attackers have four attempts to score.

When the attack is stopped or scores, the next attack starts, with the defence having to quickly reorganise and communicate to get its defensive shape back.

This article is from Rugby Coach Weekly.