Rugby coaching session to encourage team tackling

A one-on-one tackle should be regarded as a failure in a good defensive system. This session works on good communication between defenders to ensure that the ball carrier meets two tacklers when he tries to break the line.

Set-up

Players: 5 attackers v 7 defenders.
Area: 30m wide by 20m long, with a "gain line" through the middle.
Equipment: One ball.

Game notes

• Play until there is an infringement.
• Allow offloads, but not kicking.
• The gain line moves as tackles are made.

Score

• One point for a try.
• One point for preventing the try.
• Two points for the defence each time they prevent the attack from crossing the gain line.
• Two points off the defence for commiting a penalty offence.

What to call out

• "Squeeze together as the ball carrier approaches"
• "One high, one low"
• "Communicate who you are marking"

Coaching notes

The two-man tackle normally works with one slowing the progress of the ball carrier and the other then driving them back. The player who is marking the ball carrier should go low, and the next one high. This should prevent forward momentum and offloads.

Change the balance of the teams to add more pressure on the defence.

This rugby coaching session is from 48 Rugby Skills Games manual. Designed for all players, whatever their skills levels, 48 Rugby Skills Games is the ultimate resource for any coach who wants to replicate match-like conditions in their training sessions. Click here to order your copy today, or read on for more details.