Rugby drills to prevent big players dominating games

Tackling drill

Tackling is the key to overcoming bigger players. Tacklers need to be brave, strong, and determined. This mindset isdifficult to develop in younger players especially if they have had a bad experience in the past. These rugby drills, plays and tips will help your players develop the technique and confidence to tackle big players.

Tight 1 v 1 drill

Place an attacker and defender about five metres apart. Shout “GO” and feed a ball to the attacking player, who attempts to beat the defender.

During the drill, encourage the defender to cut down the space and time of the attacking player before he receives the ball.
No matter how big the receiver is, it’s still difficult for them to focus fully on catching the pass with a defender moving toward them at speed and with determination.

Overload 1 v 2 rugby training drill

Use two defenders against one attack to practise the double tackle. In this drill, pass the ball to the attacker, who has to try to beat the two defenders.

The defenders need to work on their communication. For example, who is tackling low and who is tackling high? Who is hitting first? It takes lots of practice to be able to tackle effectively in pairs.

Coaching tips to combat the “giant” As well as practising the techniques and building confidence in the tackle, you can plan to combat teams with big players. Assume that the opposition will try and get the ball to their big player(s) as often as possible. Plan to team tackle the big player with two or three defenders. Have your biggest player mark the other team’s biggest player. Put your best tackler opposite their biggest player. Ensure your players can tackle low (round the legs) where size does not matter as much. Encourage each of your players to make their first tackle really strong so the opponents are wary of being tackled and look for the tacklers instead of the ball. Have your players make lots of noise and communicate in defence – it helps to distract the attack and makes your team look more organised. Get set up early in defence and move forward quickly – “look the part”. Knock the big players down first time, every time. This might mean doubling up in tackles, but it’s worth it. Psychologically it’s great for your team and bad for the opposition. They probably won’t have a plan B. Get your team to see big opposition players as a challenge, not a problem and build a sense of pride in your players when they knock them over.