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LOGINTwist and shake
An activity to develop your tacklers’ ability to twist the ball carrier and win the ball back. Then, work on playing the turnover ball away.
WHY USE IT
A twist tackle can expose the ball carrier to other defenders, increasing the chance of a turnover.
set up
One ball per pair, initially. Then, a 10m box with a 3m channel inside and one ball.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: Players work in pairs. Start with them in the final hold. The tackler should have one arm under the armpit of the player and the other hand on their hip. The ball carrier takes a step forward and the tackler twists them. For example: right arm under ball carrier’s right armpit, left hand on left hip (as in the top illustration) and twist the ball carrier clockwise. Once the players are comfortable, build up from a walk to a jog.
GAME SITUATION: Set up the cones and a 3v3, as in the middle illustration. A ball carrier runs low into the first defender. The defender has to twist and shake the ball carrier – but, if not, they and the other defender try to win the ball and release the other players. The defenders now counter attack, with full contact, and with all the players involved.
COACHING POINTS
- Defender soaks up the ball carrier as they dip before contact, then grabs them under the armpit and by the hip, twists them over with their momentum so they land on the ground with you over them.
- Release the ball carrier on the ground and then grab for the ball.
- The tackler starts in the ‘hold’ position
- The tackler has one arm under the armpit of the ball carrier and the other hand on their hip
- The tackler twists and brings the ball carrier to the ground
- The ball carrier should always dip before contact, like they would when running close to a ruck
Related Files
- Put three attackers and three defenders in the wide pitch
- A ball carrier moves into a tackler and support player
- The tackler twists and shakes the ball carrier if they can
- The defenders win the ball and then release their team-mates
- Play full contact in the wide area, before swapping roles
Dan Cottrell
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