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

Offload out of the tackle in channel 2

A good progression for developing difficulty from a standard drill, look at carrying the ball and moving the defender so that you can ride the tackle

Offload out of the tackle with ball in 2 hands

Keeping the ball in two hands is a core skill and one that needs to be developed at ALL ages

One handed offload out of the tackle

Develop a players ability to make an effective pass under pressure with support players trailing

Double-tackle Technique

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

L2 - Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Skill Practice Description • The game begins with touch tackles. • Once tackled the ball carrier is allowed to step beyond the tackle line and the support from either side run toward (or attack) the ball. • The pass must be delivered behind the tackle line and not put back in front of the defence, so speed and decision making is vitally important. • Develop the game to grip tackles below the rib cage so the ball can be off loaded. • Progress to full tackles and the ball carrier must fight to keep the ball available. • The support must be aggressive in attacking the ball and getting between and beyond defenders. • When in full contact and the ball carrier cannot off load immediately, rucks and mauls may be played. Key Coaching Points • The game relies on good support play in all areas. This game illustrates the need for consistent and aggressive support. • The supporting players need to work for the ball carrier and attack the ball, getting in behind the defence for an off load. • Once the tackle line has been breached the attack must not allow the defence time to reorganise. • When progressed to full contact, the demand on decision making increases

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

Tackling 20 - 2-man Tackle

Tackling 20 - 2 man Tackle

The Choke Tackle

The choke tackle is a technique used to slow attacking ball down. By wrapping the attacker high around the ball and lifting them slightly, their momentum is reduced and they are unable to make the offload. The longer a tackler can keep them from going to ground, the more time the rest of the defence have to get ready.

Conditioned game for offloads

A basic game of offload touch with constraints on how much time the ball carrier has. coaches can vary the rules to get more success / make it easier for the attackers

Tackling Game

A full-contact game with uncontested breakdowns, conditioned to have one team attacking for an extended time. The focus is on the defenders, who each have two tennis balls, to concentrate on their tackle technique.

Tackle Technique Tips

Defence is a crucial part of the game, and it all starts with a solid tackle technique. Here's an introduction into a typical defence session, with some basic progressions focusing on body position and linespeed. Log in to see the full session.

2-man Tackle and Decision-making

This practice develops communication in a three v three game format

Offloads through contact then lateral pass

In groups of 4, players must support each other through a tight channel of tackle shields, before panning out to complete lateral passes to the wing.

Offload off floor touchrugby

A game for support running and lifting the ball off the floor after the tackle

Offensive Front Tackle

The offensive front tackle

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

Player Welfare and Tackle Technique

Head injuries are a serious consequence to rugby and an area that deserves the attention of all players and coaches. Be proactive by coaching and re-coaching tackle technique to reinforce good habits.

Impact Wrap Tackle

Impact Wrap Tackle

Tackling - When is the tackle completed?

It is very much an individual choice as to when a tackle is completed to when the defender can compete for the ball. What is generally accepted is that good tackle technique will enable the defender to "Be ready" for his next task. This clip explores why a strong grip or "Ring of steel" will enable the tackler to be dominant

Tackling 11 - Rear Tackle

Tackling - Rear Tackle

Tackling 3 - Hunting a Tackle

Tackling - Hunting a tackle

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

Offloading technique

Here's an example of a simple but effective 2v1 drill to practice the offload. Players concentrate on staying strong and getting their shoulders through contact, with the ball remaining in two hands. Support players communicate their position and time their run.

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

Tom Wood on Tackle Technique

Tackling 10 - Side-on Tackle

Offloading Progressions

Here's a great exercise from London Scottish with some excellent progressions taking you through catching difficult balls as well as some fun games to try.

Tackling 9 - Revise Tracking and Front Tackling

Sevens - Offloads 1

Sevens - Offloads 1

Step 8 - The Tackle Game

Tackle bag drill 3 man support after tackle

This is a very effective drill for developing decision making and awareness in support runners off a tackle situation

Chapter 8 - The Tackle Game

Tackling - Hook & Grip For Safety

The "Hook & Grip" element in the tackle creates strong & effective contact with your opponent which enables accurate tackling. A strong grip (Ring of Steel), is the precursor to a dominant tackle and this skill is crucial for all players. The practises in this video are excellent for players who may lack confidence or where you have a variety of competence among your squad

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

Passive Front Tackle

The passive front tackle

This tackle is necessary when the defender is not in a position to make a strong aggressive tackle and uses the momentum of the attacker to bring them to the ground

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

Reaction Tackle

Keep your players on their toes with this quick-fire 1v1 tackling exercise. Start with bags then progress to live tackles. Defending players have an obstacle to negotiate before performing the tackle, just as they may have in a game.

Game - Tackle Touch

Whether you're introducing tackling to young players for the first time, or re-introducing it to senior players after a summer away, this is a great game to play to ease back into it. It isolates the 1v1 tackle and puts emphasis on technique without the high speed impact of a full contact game.

Develop Confidence For Tackling

Developing confidence in and around the tackle is very important when starting to teach tackle techniques. This clip provides a few ideas that you could use in your sessions

Tackle on Knees

An easy progression into tackling, with some movement. Use to build players' confidence before moving into full tackling.

Tackling games for juniors

Tackling and contact are key components in the development of young players, this clip shows how coaches can introduce tackling using a game that reduces the risk of injury and focuses on the technical skills

1 v 1 Tackling in Channel

An opportunity for players to put what they have learnt on tackle technique into practice. Each tackle is observed by all other players who can give feedback. Ensure all players have a go at attacking and defending.

Tackle Technique in groups

Give players the opportunity to practice their tackling technique. In groups of five, one player in the middle has four tackle attempts. Make sure everyone has a go and the key points are repeated.

Introduction to tackling - Step 2

The transition from practicing tackling on knees to tackling on feet starts with the tackler remaining on their knees and the ball-carrier walking past. Then progress to having both players on their feet, but still executing the tackle at a controlled, walking pace.

Around The Clock Tackling

Set up 5 cones around in a circle. The tackler works out from the first cone to make the tackle. The tackler then backtracks around the next and then comes forward to make the tackle again. Two tackles off the right shoulder, one front on and two off the left shoulder.

Learning to Tackle - Under 9's & Up

The RFU new rules of play have completely changed the approach of introducing young players to tackling. A phased approach may challenge previous methods however by viewing the practical session on this video you can see how the process works

Junior Tackle and Breakdown

Good tackle technique leads into being effective at the breakdown, this clip provides advice on how to coach the tackle combined with the next phase of getting to your feet and competing for the space or ball

Technical Fitness with Tackle Bags

Tackle bags are a great tool to use in your conditioning sessions. The reduced impact allows players to peform high repititions of contact technique under fatigue, with low risk of injury.

Defence - Tackle Progressions

Understanding tackle techniques and the progressions is integral for all coaches as a basic fundamental in coaching contact. The IRB "rugby ready" course provides a step by step approach to compliment the technques in this section

How to coach the Catch or Choke Tackle

Some of the latest ideas around tackle technique and what defenders are trying to achieve. This session provides the technical progressions needed to teach the choke / catch tackle

Passive Guard Tackle

This tackle is necessary when the defender is not in a position to make a strong aggressive tackle and uses the momentum of the attacker to bring them to the ground

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

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

Coaching tackle technique in groups

The ability to move from 1 to 1 tackling exercises into unit & group skills can be tricky. Here are some tips that you could use

Chopping Feet To Coach Safer Tackling

Use equipment or players to force players to take smaller steps prior to the tackle, as attackers get better at late movement defenders need to practise in more demanding positions

Tackle technique 5

Tackle technique 5

Tackle Technique Summary

Basic tackle technique is essential to rugby players of all ages and standards.

Tackle Technique & Progressions

Introducing tackle technique to players is a challenging process and the Wasps coaches ensure the players understand and are competent at each step prior to progressing to the next one

NSW Waratahs Tackle Technique

Some insight into how the NSW coaches approach coaching the tackle. This clip provides some tips on "How to coach" and some practical examples

Introduction to tackling - Step 4

Jailbreak is a fun game that allows young players to become familiar with live tackling, as well as evasion. The game is played in a small area, to the increase the chance of tackles being made, and reduce the speed of the ball-carriers.

Tackle technique

Learning Tackle Technique

Tackling 4 - Feet and Body Position

Tackling 4 - Feet and Body Position

Tackle games - 5v5 Semi-contact

The sides are now even and the players can tackle, but not attempt to steal the ball. Again, the defence must retreat 5m, giving the attackers opportunities.

Tackle Technique - Full Session

[WITH DRILL VIDEOS] This session from Joe Goodman (Bristol University Rugby) has been designed to prepare players for a return to full contact competition, re-establishing correct technique to ensure safe, efficient tackling through progressively increasing the level of contact and complexity of skill execution.

Tackle Technique Warm-up

Tackle Technique Warm-up

Fun Offloading Game!

Ball control is the key element to an effective offload. Jim Evans from Harlequins uses some fun games to coach this skill

Developing Low Tackle Technique

Here is a new drill from London Scottish that encourages players to stay low in the approach and throughout the tackle

Tackling Aussie Style

Australian coaches across all age groups have a slightly different approach to teaching the tackle, or do they? You can take a few of their tips and integrate them into your coaching process

Fun Tackling Games

Try these fun games for any junior team. They are a great way to introduce tackle safety whilst keeping your players entertained.

Intro To Safe Tackling

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

Introduction to tackling - Step 1

To build confidence in tackling technique and taking contact, it can be a good idea to start with players on their knees.

Tackle Technique - Introduction

The introduction of tackling is regarding by many coaches as the biggest challenge for volunteer coaches. This clips provides a summary of the main points

Chop Tackle - Pad Drill

Aim to develop good tackle habits through repetitive practice. Using pads allows you to train with intensity whilst lowering the impact on the body.

Tackling on Knees - 3 v 1

Using three attackers ensures the defender tackles on both sides and from slightly different angles. The coach can vary the pace and width of this exercise

Coaching the leg Tackle

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

Tackle - Coaching safe head position

Coaching the correct head position for tackling is one of the most important skills for a coach, this clip shows a few examples that can be used with progressions

Learning to tackle - Step 5

Putting more pressure on players to take responsibility and make a tackle, 1v1 drills are challenging for young players, but also very beneficial.

Quins - Choke Tackle Technique

Harlequins coaches and players discuss the choke tackle, as well as the importance of enjoyment at training, and differences between players

Tackling 19 - Conditioned Games

Tackling 19 - Conditioned Games

Tackle technique

Learning the tackle technique

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.

Coaching tackle technique & progressions - Mini

Coaching tackle technique never stops. As players get older, the challenges become more complex and coaches need to provide more detail to improve the finer skill sets. This video provides some expert tips that may help you improve tackle technique and the first phase of the ruck / breakdown.

Tackle bag Grapple

In pairs. Each player grabs one end of the tackle pad. The players wrestle to grab the tackle pad from the other players grasp. Repeat a couple of times.

Offloads - Keeping the ball alive

In this clip, Eton College keep the ball alive through a series of offloads and long passes, deep within their 22. Eventually a gap emerges for them to exploit, finishing off the the try with a final offload.

Missed Tackles

Missed tackles can be hugely damaging, particularly in sevens. Here, Filton College benefit from a missed tackle, to run in an easy try.

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

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.

Tackle Techniques For Hard Ground

Tackle practise during the summer months can be tricky with the hard grounds. Using contact shields to improve the key safety features should be part of your training toolbox

Quins - Tackle Technique 1 v 1

A new tackle technique exercise without the "Bone on Bone" collisions

Introduction to tackling - Step 3

Repetitive exercises can help players become familiar with tackling technique.

Tackle Technique in channel

Use a channel with attackers and defenders to progress the tackle technique, mix the players up so they all have opportunities. Reinforce the coaching points and give praise regularly

Impact Guard Tackle

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

QBE - Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Support Line Breaks & Offloads

Sausage Pad Tackling - Getting Low

Make sure players are getting low early and close to tackle the sausage pad, they shouldn't be diving into the pad.

London Irish - Tackling With Matts

An interesting approach to improving your tackling, using crash matts? Declan Danaher the defence coach at Irish uses a variety of equipment but says "Using matts has revolutionised our defence"

Women's - Classic Tackle

Women's - Classic Tackle

Sausage Pad Tackling - Getting Low

Make sure players are getting low early and close to tackle the sausage pad, they shouldn't be diving into the pad.

Women's - Wrap Tackle

Women's - Wrap Tackle

Tackle Technique 2/5 - Body Height

This step concentrates on achieving a lower body position before making a tackle.

Pre-Season Offload Touch For Fitness

This Pre-Season touch game is based upon offloading however there are other conditions which make it an ideal practise to combine skills and fitness