HOME Rugby Answers Rugby COACHING Q&A

struggle with the tackle during games

what to do?when on the field players struggle to make tackles, but when we use the junior bag they go in hard and tackle like animals.any drills to help us please?my group is under 9s

JOHAN BRENKMANCoach, Namibia

3 answers

ANSWERS

Steven PortplanOther, England

Hi Johan,

Maybe you could incorporate tackling in your match day warm ups? Get the players tackling each other in the warm up at a high intensity. Hopefully this will get them in the mood for it once the match starts.

Are they struggling with the tackling fundamentals or are they even scared of the tackle at full pace?

George LittlechildReferee, England

A good technique i have found throughout my days of playing and now evaluating coaching, is as Steven has said add some wrestling exercise into your warm up have a King of the ring type competition. I have also come across coaches giving sweets or a small prize for the player with the most tackles made in games.

Any more questions or Queries just ask.

Nick EyleyCoach, England

Break the stages of the tackle down and find out what it is that makes your players struggle. If it`s that their technical ability is good and they`re happy to hit a tackle bag but don`t want to plough into an actual person then you can go back to basics, breaking it down bit by bit and re-enforcing the concept of safety.

You could try playing on a small pitch to force the contact but with everyone on their knees so the speed of play and the distance to ground is reduced as a re-introduction. (you can add bonus scores or actual prizes for number of successful tackles completed)