HOME Rugby Answers Rugby COACHING Q&A

My U11's are a mixed bunch when it comes to tackling.?

My U11's are a mixed bunch when it comes to tackling. Some very good, most OK, some ...hmmmm... enough said. Been through all the drills and when we break things down, go back to basics, everything appears OK, but it doesn't always transfer into the game. Any ideas on small group games that will allow me to combine technique with confidence?

Rugby CoachCoach

3 answers

ANSWERS

Ian MarshCoach, England

Hi Mawgan,

Here's an old session of the week that might be helpful for coaxing out your tackle shy players.

Hope this helps.

Alex

Rugby CoachCoach

Got the same challenge with our under 9's from tigers who take out the coach and tackle bag to big lads who appear quite timid. Drills don't seem to change this but it comes with confidence in the game. So we changed our training sessions back to more games with "in action coaching". Play a game for 15 to 20 mins encouraging open running play and tackling, 10 to 15 mins max on drills and then another 20 mins game. This gives them all plenty of opportunity to tackle in a safe environment with opposition they know. Then on match day they tend to have more confidence in their ability to tackle and not get hurt. It worked for us hope it helps Andy

Rugby CoachCoach

The problem is often that during practice, the tacklers can be exposed to (big) runners gathering a head of steam before they are expected to make the tackle. If you can create a drill where the ball carrier has little space to build up that head of steam, and coach the tackler TO MOVE IN VERY VERY CLOSE BEFORE MAKING THE TACKLE, it can help considerably. Try this; make a small diamond about - 2 metres in width - with 4 cones. Put the ball carrier on one cone, and the tackler on the opposite cone. On your signal, both have to run round the cone to their right and into the middle of the diamond. They will be close. Tell the ball carrier to try and get round the tackler using footwork, and tell the tackler to get close (while the attacker is using his footwork), and use the shoulder nearest the ball carrier. There simply isn't enough space for the attacker to build up power, and the tackler has a real chance if he or she has a go. If they understand the concept of getting close and using leg power, then they can improve quite dramatically.