Junior - Classic Tackle 2

Junior - Wrap Tackle 2

Junior - Wrap Tackle 2

Sevens - Classic Tackle 2

Junior - Classic Tackle 1

Junior - Classic Tackle 4

Junior - Classic Tackle 3

Men's - Classic tackle 2

Tackling 20 - 2-man Tackle

Tackling 20 - 2 man Tackle

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Quins Defence - 2 v 2 tackling

A progression from the 1 v 1 drill this exercise adds extra players to make the decision making process more realistic. The coaches can vary the delivery of the ball and the width of the area to put different conditions to the players

Junior - 3 v 2 2

Women's - Classic Tackle

Women's - Classic Tackle

Junior - High Tackle

Junior - High Tackle

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Junior - Double Tackle

Junior - Double Tackle

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

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

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.

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

Tackling 2 - Rugby Kibadi

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

2-man Tackle and Decision-making

This practice develops communication in a three v three game format

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

Men's - Wrap Tackle 2

Men's - Incorrect Tackle 2

Junior - Accurate clearing of players 2

Junior - 3 v 2 1

Men's - Classic tackle 3

Men's - High Tackle 2

Junior - Continuity of play 2

Foul Play Clip 2 - Tackle

Men's - Classic Tackle 1

Sevens - Classic Tackle 3

Sevens - Classic Tackle 4

Sevens - Wrap Tackle 2

Tackle bag grid chase the tackler 2

a high intensity support and conditioning drill in a small space, that you can manage

Junior - Strike Moves 2

Junior - Patterns of Play 2

Men's - Classic tackle 4

Junior - Straight Scrums 2

Two even packs compete at the scrum, good technique creates a good and safe contest. The black team use the platform from the scrum to score a try wide out. Key factors : 8 players working as a unit - Calling - Strong body position - Hips, back and head all facing forward - Accurate binding

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

Junior - Wheeled Scrums 2

Junior - Collapsed Scrums 2

Junior - Full Lineout 2

Junior - Short Lineout 2

Junior - Standard restart with attack winning ball 2

Junior - Exiting the 22m 2

Junior - Support player / Leach 2

Junior - Leg Drive 2

Junior - Good contact body position/ball presentation 2

Junior - Wrap Tackle 1

Junior - Incorrect Tackle

Sevens - Turnovers and move the ball 2

A turnover from a strong tackle and quick "Jackle" where the defender uses the momentum of the attacking player to swimg up onto his feet and contest the ball, this results in a line break. Key factors : Tackle technique - Urgency to get up to feet - Core strength - Speed

11. 6 v 2 v 2 v 2

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.

Men's - 3 v 2 1

A passage of play that shows how to attack with more attackers than defenders, a 3 v 2. The winger shows that strong running and determination can break tackles. Click on the practises in this section for coaching ideas

2-man lifting practice with pad

A good foundation exercise for technical development of practicing lifting with a tackle bag. You could use a contact pad or a tyre if you do not have a tackle bag. Key factors : Strong body position - Fast feet - Straigh back - Lock out the arms - Use momentum of both players

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

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

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.

5v5 Semi-contact (2)

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 on Knees

This exercise asks players to attack from the front while still on their knees. It is important than the tackler pushers his shoulder through onto the outside hip of the attacker with the head staying outside as well. 1. Shoulder. 2 Arms tight 3. Drive

Men's - Turnover and move the ball 2

Strong defence and a turnover allows two quick passes, (One long pass), and then attack the defence. The two passes have changed the channel of attack by 30 metres.

Key factors : Tackle and stay on your feet - Long quick pass / spin pass - Communicate loudly - Support the ball carrier on his shoulder

Passing - 2 v 1 Static Defender

Now working in just twos, we are concerned with depth, and the timing of the pass. Allow players to practice before adding a static defender. This can be a tackle bag as demonstrated. Players take the ball up to the defender but must complete the pass before they reach it.

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

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

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

6 v 2 v 2 v 2 v 3

Developing the skills into decision making down a channel

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.

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

Coaching the leg Tackle

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

Tackling 3 - Hunting a Tackle

Tackling - Hunting a tackle

Tackling 11 - Rear Tackle

Tackling - Rear 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

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

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"

Tackling 10 - Side-on Tackle

Tackling 9 - Revise Tracking and Front Tackling

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

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

The Tackle Battle

Winning the collisions in contact is crucial in the modern game. The coaches provide some theory and practical examples of drills and games to reinforce the basic principles to be effective. The coaches use a variety of progressions and games to keep the session challenging

Sevens - 2 v 1 2

Women's - 2 v 3 2

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 2

Chapter 2 - Introducing Competition for the Ball

Men's - 3 v 2 2

Games for Juniors - 10's & over

The Sale sharks community coach delivers a "Game based" warm up with progressions that will lead onto to contact skills. The coach uses examples and questioning to support learning

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Offensive Front Tackle

The offensive front tackle

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

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