Rugby: Explode Up Tackling

*AUDIO DESCRIPTION*

A great drill to get your players tackling low. Set up two cones about 2 metres apart with a player on each cone. One player stats holding a tackle pad horizontally at waist height. The player with the pad jogs forward and the tackler must make a tackle below the pad.

• 2 Teams 
• Ball 
• Bibs 

Tackle touch is a contact game that focuses on technique rather than the power of the contact. 

The game is a normal game of touch, however when a touch is made, both ball carrier and defender put their chests to the floor. 

They then bounce back up, for the defender to make a low chop tackle. 

This takes out alot of the power of the colision and means the defender can focus more on technique. 

• Aim to develop good tackle habits through repetitive practice. Using pads allows you to train with intensity whilst lowering the impact on the body.
• Set up two lines of players 5 metres apart
• Attackers start on the 5 metre line with a tackle pad and defenders start on the try line
• A coach or non participating player will stand behind the defending players (tacklers) and indicate the direction the attacking players run by raising their arm.
• The attacking players (with pads) take 2 steps forward and then step 45 degrees and try to score on the try line.
• The defending line need to communicate (whatever the teams call for getting off the line), eg READY READY UP (when attack moves – ball is lifted in a match)
• The defending line come off the line and complete a tackle and reset to go again.

*AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON*

• In groups of 5 tie a bit of tape or string around the two posts approximately 0.5 to 1 meter above the ground.  

• Two players hold the sausages behind the tape on either side and one holds the bag in front of the tape.

• Change the man with the bag every few reps or hold the bag as the coach. 

• The players will rotate around with each rep.

1 Full Repetition: 

• The player starts on the ground, hits the bag with either shoulder and then powers past the bag.

• Player then gets into a low body position and moves under the tape to complete a tackle on the sausage.

• Next, they should get into a strong body position as if they were contesting at a ruck.

• They then pick up the sausage and the previous holder moves around.