close
LOGINTackle target practice
Use this simple exercise to help coach how to engage the shoulder first, with the arms wrapped around the ball carrier’s legs to form a ‘ring of steel’.
WHY USE IT
The tackler keeps low, focuses on their target (just above the knees), before engaging with their shoulder and gripping in a vice-like snare to prevent the ball carrier using their legs.
set up
One ball per pair.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: After going through the key factors around the finish of a snare tackle (height, shoulder placement, head placement and grip), put an attacker on the ground on their front, with a tackler on the ground facing them, about 3m apart and 5m to the side of the nearest other players. The ball is in front of the attacker. The tackler calls to the attacker which shoulder to run to. The attacker gets up, gathers the ball and takes one step to the side at half pace. The tackler regains their feet and drives their shoulder into the thighs, just above the knee, gripping tightly, using the shoulder called. Finish with a tight grip – you, or another observer, checks for this, with the head in hard on the legs. Swap and repeat, increasing the pace of the ball carrier, but don’t let them step inside.
COACHING POINTS
- Stay low and focus on the hips.
- Drive the shoulder into the side of the thighs and grip hard.
- Finish on top of the ball carrier.
- Work in pairs, with a ball in front of the attacker
- The defender indicates the shoulder they want the attacker to move towards
Related Files
-
The attacker gets up, picks up the ball and steps out towards the indicated side
- The tackler gets up, retaining their low position, and drives their shoulder into the thighs of the ball carrier
- The tackler uses their feet to continue to drive, but falls with the ball carrier, using their momentum to bring them down
- The tackler uses a very tight grip (snare) to squeeze the ball carrier’s legs, keeping their head close into the ball carrier
Dan Cottrell
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Subscribe Today
Newsletter Sign Up
Coaches Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Latest Issue
Be a more effective, more successful rugby coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
