Be Strong in the Tackle

Focus

Skills under pressure, Front & Square.

Purpose

The difference between retaining possession and creating a turnover often boils down to the ability of a player to keep their arms free and stand up in the tackle until they can dish off to a teammate.

Groups of

Ages

13⁺

Balls/grp

Cones

Distance (max)

10m

Setup
Create a semi-circle 10m in diameter with 4 cones. Form groups of 8 with 2 balls, or groups of 4 are okay.
Step 1
Player (A) either rolls or handballs the ball high in front of (B) to run onto. (C) is the defender who shadows (B).
Step 2
Once (B) gathers, (C) lays a tackle. (C) must be careful not to let momentum carry them forward and get in the back of (B), so should look at swinging (B) sideways in the tackle.
Step 3
(B) must use their strength to keep their feet as long as possible, whilst keeping their arms free so they can handball.
Step 4
Meanwhile (D) makes position front and square so (B) can dish off a handball.

The handball must also be strong to reach (D) on the full, it's easy for this handball to be muted by the tackle.
Step 5
After the drill, everyone rotates 1 cone. If there are 8 in the group, the next group of 4 begins once the playing arena clears.