Double-tackle Technique

Double-tackles are useful against a team who like to offload. Leg drive can put them on the back-foot.

Fast lateral movement using ladders

For developing evasive movements players need to be able to move their arms and legs quickly - wiring and firing the body to go faster

Fast footwork using ladders 2

For developing evasive movements players need to be able to move their arms and legs quickly - wiring and firing the body to go faster

fast footwork using ladders

For developing evasive movements players need to be able to move their arms and legs quickly - wiring and firing the body to go faster

Leg-drive in Contact

Staying strong and maintaining a leg-drive when in contact can help to gain territory, give teammates more time to support, and sometimes, counteract the tackle entirely. In this clip, Eastbourne College score a try against Eton as a result of powerful running and leg-drive.

Coaching the leg Tackle

An example of a basic 1v1 exercise to practice the leg tackle.

Women's - Good leg drive

Women's - Good leg drive

Junior - Double Tackle

Junior - Double Tackle

Leg drive and offloads

Staying strong in contact and using the leg-drive can commit extra defenders. If then, you can make an offload to supporting players, overlaps should be created. It is difficult to defend a strong offloading attack, and here, Stowe School are rewarded a try for their slick hands.

Men's - Double Tackle

Men's - Double Tackle

Core Strength - Swiss Ball Leg Lift

A strong core is essential in rugby, particularly for the forwards in the scrum. Once you have mastered the bridge, attempt lifting one leg at a time, while keeping your core strong.

Maul and Ruck - Maul Leg Drive

Staying on the feet and maintaining aggressive leg drive, can be very difficult to defend

Men's - Leg Drive 2

Lions 09 - Double-tackle

A good practice to work on stopping an effective ball carrying player

Lateral passing & double switch in 3s

A core handling exercise for developing lines of running

Junior - Leg Drive 2

Junior - Leg Drive 1

Men's - Leg Drive 1

Sevens - Leg Drive

Women's - Double Tackle

Men's - Leg Drive 3

Sevens - Double Tackle

The Lineout Game - Offloading

The ball should ideally be taken early and delivered with firm, but sympathetic direction. The arms and legs of the jumper will be ideally close together throughout the jump in order to maintain good core stability. Keeping the legs together will also assist the front lifter to remain stable. If the jumper does not control their legs, the front lifter cannot control the lift and support

Fundamentals of Movement - Balance

Some basic exercises in balance. If players can easily stand on one leg for 30 seconds, progress to single leg dips.

Tackling 20 - 2-man Tackle

Tackling 20 - 2 man Tackle

Speed Training - Techniques For Speed

Speed drills are exercises that educate & prepare the body for explosive sprinting and are integral to getting quicker. These exercises should be practised regularly as part of a players overall conditioning program

Shoulder Bump - Contact Warm Up

Players hop around on one foot and gently bump off one another. The focus is on a getting a slight nudge between players and landing properly on one foot.

Games & drills for tackle technique

The Falcons coaches use a variety of games and breakout drills to progress their tackle technique session. The players respond to questions to vary the style of coaching

Wasps Tackle Safely & Dominate

Coaching a safe head position for tackling is not only a "Duty of care" for coaches but it also developes great body position and the platform to drive your opponents backwards. This video shows how physical the Wasps players are but not without safety & accurate technique

Functional Movement Warm Up Part 1

Every player should be able to perform these movements well! Mastering these will carry over to preventing injuries, managing collisions and maximising power and speed. Check out the related videos for part 2.

Breakdown - Accurate Rucking

This series of clips shows how conditioning and good technique are crucial to be effective at the breakdown. The progressions are simple and the key coaching points are Low to high body position Strong leg drive Accuracy on the target - The tackle bag

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Conditioning - Warm-up & Speed Work

Warm up exercises and techniques are used to teach the body the mechanics of movement and potentially how to improve. Accurate technique is important and the trainer uses a variety of games and races to make it fun and competitive

L2 - Kicking Target Game

Skill Practice Description • Scan and make decisions. • Set up the kick that makes the win scenario by moving the opposition. • Hold and drop of the ball. • Head over the ball and weight forward to reduce scope for error. • Don’t lean back and open scope for error. • Contact with lace, point toe and straight follow through. • Leg speed to generate power. • Catch with hands ready and elbows close. • Keep eye on the ball and watch the ball into the catch. • Gather, scan and return kick accurately Relevance to the Game • This game develops scanning and tactical decisions. • Develops technical accuracy.

L2 - Drop-off Touch

Skill Practice Description • The teams play touch with the ball being passed back through the legs when touched. • The defender/s who make the touch, turn (drop off) immediately and run to their own try line. • These drop off defenders need to realign with the defence as soon as possible. • The attack should seek to take advantage of the space created by the drop off defender/s. • To get maximum effort from the players, it is advised the pitch is not so long that players do not make the effort to realign in defence. • The coach may observe the attacking players moving the ball away from the space opportunity left by the drop off player. It may be that the defence close the space left by the drop off, however this will create space elsewhere. Can the attack find the appropriate space to utilise? Key Coaching Points • Speed in scanning and communicating the spatial opportunity. • Defensive effort to drop off a realign so the defence can cover the primary threat.

Practice Accurate passing

This clip reinforces the importance of passing and especially accurate passing. The coaches use a variety of practises to test the players skills and help them progress

Sevens - Straight Scrums 2

Scrums are a great platform to attack from in seven's, notice the fly half (2nd reciever) is directly behind the scrum and can choose which way to attack. Key factors : Work as a unit - Strong core - Tight binding - Leg drive

Tackle Technique - Down/Up and hit shield

Originally a rugby league practise this exercise is used for players to gain confidence in contact with both contact shields and the ground. Body position is important as is leg drive and the speed of hitting the ground and getting back up again. You can do this in lines and use it for fitness

Sevens - Wheeled Scrums 1

A strong scrum can be a great weapon for attack in seven's, in this clip the Red scrum puts pressure on the defending loose head (Right hand prop) which wheels the scrum and allows the defending scrum half to disrupt the ball forcing a turnover. Key factors : Tight binding - Low body position - Leg drive - Working as a unit

Offload out of the tackle in channel

A good start for developing offload and tackle skills, allowing you to manage the amount of contact in the tackle whilst performing the skill successfully. Key factors : Strong base - Lead with arm and shoulder - Keep looking forward with head up - Wrap arm around legs / waist and squeeze tight with other arm - Use attackers bodyweight to rotate your body

Sevens - Offloads 2

To execute an offload you need to have support players in the right area, here the ball carrier knows he has support and is able to take a risk and offload out of the back of the tackle. Prior to the offload the ball carrier works hard to stay on his feet. Key factor : Leg drive - Twist and work the body in contact - Control ball one handed - Communication from support players

Sevens - Classic Tackle 1

Good tackle technique when chasing a player from behind. The defender gets to his feet quickly to contest the ball. Key factors : Head to one side - Arms around attackers waist and slide down - Keep your arms around the attackers legs - Use momentum to get back to your feet

Sevens - Standard restart with attack winning ball 3

A well organised re start with one main attacker challenging for the ball with support both in front and behind him, if the ball is knocked either side of the main catcher the ball will be gathered by his teammates. Great leg drive to continue the attack and a very long pass to complete the scoring. Key factors : Accurate kick - Focus on the ball - Sideways jump - Catch ball above head - Structured support

Fast lateral footwork using hurdles

For developing evasive movements players need to be able to move their arms and legs quickly - wiring and firing the body to go faster

Lineout - 4 pod passing challenge

Four lifting pods must hold their jumpers aloft long enough for them to pass a ball through the hands twice. Lifters should stand close together and try to lock-out their arms. Jumpers should maintain a strong core and keep their legs straight to make life easier for the lifters.

Sevens - Straight Scrums 1

A strong scrum from the black team turns over the ball for an attack. The left hand prop (Loose head) puts pressure on the Red team hooker so that he does not hook the ball effectively. Key factors : Tight binding - Low driving position - Working as a unit - Leg drive

Tackle Technique - Progressions for Juniors

This clip illustrates tackle technique using progressions suitable to all players and possibly requiring regular revisit to embed safe and effective tackling

Scrum-half Passing Exercises

Some useful exercises for scrum-halves to develop their passing skills.

Scrum tips for Props

This clip provides some advice for the front row on their binding, body position and driving in the scrum.

Scrum Factory - 5. TOP Towels & Bands

The use of towels and bands are used to develop front row posture just before engagement when the body weight is forward and balance is important

England Sevens - Tom Mitchell - Conditioning Circuit

7s training

Brian Smith - How to Plan Training

London Irish Director of Rugby Brian Smith discusses the key objectives and challenges when planning a training session.

Ruck Clearing and Decision Making

Advanced clearing exercises for senior players. The support player makes a decision on how to clear out the ruck based on the position of the opposition.

Scrum Factory - 2. Tower of Power Demonstration

Good body posture is essential and applicable to all players regardless of age and gender
This posture transfers to the tackle, ruck, maul and in a vertical plain the lineout, so it is important that all players are coached to adopt good posture in contact

Offensive Front Tackle

The offensive front tackle

This practice shows front tackle technique when the defender is in a strong and balanced position

Base Strength - Squat Circuits

Squats are one of the most important whole-body exercises for rugby players, and as with all strength training, it's vital to perfect the squat technique before adding weights. Here are a few examples of a good squatting technique along with other exercises to put into a quick body-weight circuit.

Scrum Factory - 6. TOP Stick Work

By using sticks and poles, the players are encouraged to self assess their body shape. Peer coaching is also a valuable process in this area and players can work in pairs, quickly learning from each other

Fitness - Body squats

Body squats are one of the four main exercises recommended by conditioning coaches to increase your strength & power. This clip shows you the techniques you need plus the progressions

Wasps - Footwork The Key To Big Tackles

Aggressive tackling is fundamental to Wasps performances and their players physicality is part of their DNA. Brad Davis overseas a tackle technique session that will change your approach to coaching the tackle

Techniques needed to box kick

Elite coach and player go through the skills required to box kick. There are three main steps and some recommended practises with some added competition to help improve

Scrum Half Passing with Chris Cusiter - Wrist Warm-Up

Sale Sharks and Scotland scrum half Chris Cusiter leads a session on passing from the base of a scrum or ruck. In this first video, Chris addresses basic technique in a couple of exercises that warm up the wrists and arms.

Impact Guard Tackle

This tackle is used when close to either try line and intended to stop the ball carrier from moving forward

6. Tunnel Tig

Tackling 10 - Side-on Tackle

Tackle technique

Learning the tackle technique

Sale - Lineout lifting & set

Coaching junior players to lift effectively in the line out is based upon some simple steps. Ross Harrison from Sale sharks outlines the key principles and progresses to the driving maul

Intro To Safe Tackling

In this video we take a look at how these coaches introduce young players to safe tackle technique.

Loosehead Prop Tips

Technical pointers for senior loosehead props in the scrum. Share this video by going clicking a blue tab below and selecting the share icon

Speed Training - Warm Up Exercises

All athletes and especially sprinters use agility drills to get the body ready for speed training. Tom Varndell outlines some of the essential techniques players go through before the sprinting starts. You MUST WARM UP

Kiwi Tackling - Pre Tackle Practises

Sharing our coaching ideas is great for the game. Players in New Zealand hone their skills at an early age and it is globally accepted that they have the best techniques across all positions. Coaching the tackle is a key fundamental that all players practise regularly

Speed Training - Speed Off The Mark

All players can train to get quicker & being quicker off the mark is a great asset to have when playing rugby. Tom Varndell one of the quickest players in the game goes through some acceleration drills

Scrum - Tighthead tips for Senior Players

The dark arts are not for all of us, but the minority of specialists will benefit from this clip. You can share this video with those who should see it. Go into the video library where you can send it on - RCD Video Library

Scrum Factory - 4. TOP Core Balls

The core ball provides a variety of challenges to the player in both body management and technical competence

Sale Sharks Community - Breakdown Technique

Sale Sharks Community Coach Darren Lemon takes a youth session on effective breakdown technique, including essential safety pointers. Join now to see the full session and many others.

Impact Wrap Tackle

Impact Wrap Tackle

Breakdown - Using games to coach

Academy coaches use conditioned games with strict rules around the tackle / touch activity to teach the skills required for contact and clearing defenders away. Questioning is used as the main style of coaching

Lineout Lifting Fundamentals - Get started

An effective line out is based upon the fundamentals of movement, jumping and lifting. James Cannon from London Wasps takes some amateur players through the basic skills and techniques

Scrum Factory - 3. TOP With Rugby Balls

Expensive training equipment is not necessary and the simple rugby ball can provide an excellent technical and conditioning work out

Minis Warm Up

Ben Mann from Northampton saints delivers a simple warm up that includes lots of movement and dynamic activities to increase blood flow in preparation for the main training session. Coaches can use lots of similar practises to keep children moving and engaged

Tackle Technique 1/5 - Foot Position

The first step in this session on improving tackle technique, is focused on foot position and getting a strong base close to the target.

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

England Sevens - Marcus Watson - Trunk Circuit

Changing Direction - A Closer Look

In this video Ross Hanbury takes us through what to look for when coaching developing players to change direction as well as why it is so important.

Kicking - Striking The Sweetspot

If you strike the ball in the right place you are halfway to delivering an accurate kick. The "Sweetspot" of the ball is significantly larger than you may think. This clip explains where the sweetspot is and how to get a good connection

New Rules of Play - U9s

When viewed as a training session the New Rules Of Play are very straight forward and this clip should explain most of the changes and what you should be doing as a coach

Kiwi Tackling - Coaching Dominant Tackling

To be a dominant tackler you need to practise the core skills regularly. The tackle has many factors to it and here are some tips from New Zealand

Breakdown - Two Man Turnovers

Turnovers at the breakdown is back in the spotlight and the recent Australian performances have highlighted how important they are. Neal Hatley from Bath explains how the role of the 2nd man is key and how to practise the technique

England 7's Fitness - Marcus Watson

To play Seven's you need to be super fit. England flier Marcus Watson takes us through some of his core body exercises

Ball Retention Techniques

Progressions are used to build the technical competency and the confidence of players learning to clear defenders away from the contact area. It is interesting to see that no contact shields are used

The Tackler's Responsibilities

This clip shows a whole session including progressions on the actions of the tackler during the tackle and after the tackle. An excellent contact session delivered by the Sale Sharks Community coaches.

Quick Finishing Game

This quick game is perfect for developing the finishing in your team! Progress this drill with conditions to help improve depth and realignment.

Tackling 4 - Feet and Body Position

Tackling 4 - Feet and Body Position

2-man Tackle and Decision-making

This practice develops communication in a three v three game format

Learning to Lift for the Lineout - Get started

Some slightly different progressions in building upon the basic skills for an effective line out

Warming up - Options to consider

Should coaches combine games, drills and stretching in their warm ups. The Wasps coaches combine some physical running work and games as an example

Squat Piggy Back

A good warm up for contact that also gets players thinking about their body position for tackling.

Contact Preparation

To prevent injury, it's important to ensure your players have done some upper body / contact exercises before doing any tackling drills.

Collision Fitness - Spinning Bears

Another innovative exercise from "The Athlete Factory" which combines speed & power with technical accuracy. These exercises can be applied to all age groups to build confidence

Two Touch With Tackle Practice

This game has multiple conditions for both attackers and defenders. Dropping defenders to practise their tackling while working on support lines and groundwork for the attackers. Great for the first half an hour of your session

Training at Home

Premiership coaches discuss the benefits of extra-curricular training at home and participation in other sports to develop skills.