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LOGINQuick reaction tackling
If the tackler can get in front of the ball carrier just before the tackle, it’s easier to make shoulder contact. Young players in particular will benefit from this skill.
WHY USE IT
This session develops simple defensive tracking skills so the defender gets in front of the attacker to make a two-handed touch. If they can do this, they should be in a good position to make a full tackle.
set up
Four cones, evenly spaced over 5m, opposite a 2m coned gate 3m away. A ball per pair.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: A defender with a ball stands in the middle of the 5m coned line, opposite an attacker standing between the 2m coned gate. The defender throws the ball to the attacker, who comes forward as they catch the ball. The attacker then tries to get through one of the gates either side of the defender, who comes forward to try to two-hand touch the attacker. After the touch is made (or not), they run around and swap. Repeat five times for each. Develop by moving to grab tackling or full tackling.
COACHING POINTS
- Come forward when defending.
- Stay light on the feet.
- Keep the elbows close to the body, to keep balanced before stepping forward to make the touch.
- The defender throws a ball to the attacker
- The attacker catches the ball as they run forward
Related Files
- The attacker aims for a try line either side of the defender’s starting gate
- The defender aims to make a two-handed touch on the attacker
- Once through, the attacker turns and becomes the defender
- The defender now becomes the attacker, moving into the starting gate
Dan Cottrell
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