Three tackles

What this session is about

1. Tackling
2. Defending

What to think about

For the block tackle: Plant the non-tackling foot firmly; make contact with the middle of the ball, like a side-foot pass; ensure body weight is behind the tackling foot and keep the knee and ankle locked; keep the head down over the ball; put a foot under the ball if it becomes stuck to lift it away. For the slide tackle: Approach from the side; wait until the attacker separates from the ball; use the leg farthest from the ball and tuck the other leg underneath the backside; slide on the outer thigh/ hip; tackle with the laces and contact the centre to top half of the ball; “hook” the ball in opposite direction to retain it or knock it out of play. For the poke tackle: Approach from the side or behind; get close; use the foot nearest the ball; stab the ball away using the toes to kick near its centre.

Set-up

What you get your players to do

Block tackle Place a ball in the middle of a 10-yard square for a 1v1. The drill starts with the players standing opposite each other, about three yards either side of the ball. On your signal, players try to win the ball with a block tackle and dribble across the line at the opposite end. Make sure players practise using both feet.

Poke tackle Now both players start at one end, with the attacker close to one touchline and the defender next to the other touchline. At half pace to begin with, the attacker dribbles the ball towards the opposite side, allowing the defender to practise executing the poke tackle. After several attempts, players switch roles. Make sure players practise using both feet.

Slide tackle Players start at opposite ends. The attacker dribbles forward steadily at half speed so he can be caught, before the second player, the defender, begins his run and slide tackle. After several attempts, players switch roles. Make sure players practise using both feet.