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.

• 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. 

This drill will develop your players ability to regather difficult balls and make offloads. 

• Working in groups of three, one player is practicing the skill at a time. 

• The practicing player throws the ball to two other players who are holding balls.
• These two players bounce the ball back and the practicing player has to gather the ball without knocking it on.

Progression 

• Now the practicing player holds two balls. He has to offload and then regather the ball with one hand.