To encourage players to bounce and keep defending.
1. Set up 5m x 10m grid with a tackle shield at one end and two coloured cones either end where defenders and attackers wait. 2. When coach says "GO" or blows whistle, the defender runs to tackle bag, and has to lie flat on belly then bounce and tackle the cylinder. 3. As defender makes tackle the attacker leaves and enters grid and scores try. 4. Defender has to bounce up quickley to their feet and get ready to defend again. 5. Defenders have to be quick if want more time to tackle the live attacker. DEVELOPMENT - Get the attacker to leave earlier.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_rugby
Tacklers are aiming lower, so carriers who dip late put heads at risk. Teach footwork, a strong early body height and leg drive to win the collision safely.
The hooker's brake foot moved from trial into full law in July 2026. Here is how to coach it so your front row stays stable, legal and safe.
Your players can pass beautifully in a warm-up grid. Then a defender closes, their lungs are burning, and the ball goes to ground. Here is how to build catch-pass skills that hold up when it matters.
