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LOGINTurn and tackle
This defensive reaction activity develops footwork skills so players can get close to the ball carrier and encourages good teamwork.
WHY USE IT
Builds a better defence by getting pairs of players to work together.
set up
An 8m x 5m box, one ball.
HOW TO PLAY
ACTIVITY: Two defenders start at one end of the box, facing away from an attacker at the other end. The attacker moves from side to side. When you shout “Turn!”, the defenders turn around and aim to touch-tackle the attacker before they make it to the other end of the box. The ball carrier comes forward immediately.
DEVELOPMENTS: Initially develop by starting the attacker further forward, or having two attackers, so defenders have to identify the ball carrier first, as well as closing them down. Allow full tackling. Finally, develop by working in a longer box, with the try line in the middle. The defenders turn to defend against one attacker, coming from one end and then sprinting back to defend against an attacker coming from the other end.
COACHING POINTS
- Step up together.
- Close down the attacker’s space quickly.
- Have an attacker move silently side to side
- Two ball carriers face away from the box
Related Files
- When you shout “Turn!”, the defenders run into the box
- The defenders aim to close down the attacker before they make it to the other side. Use touch tackling to start with
- Develop by having the two defenders start in the middle box, facing extra attacker B
- The defenders first turn to tackle player A, then do the same with player B, who advances when A is tackled. The try line is across the middle
Dan Cottrell
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