How to Coach the Tackle

Home Resources and Videos Resources U9-U11 Coaching Early Contact Defence How to Coach the Tackle

The Tackle

Please find important key points and best practice examples of how to coach and perform the tackle in the video tab above.

The following steps are designed to introduce each key point to effectively and most importantly, safely coach the tackle. By coaching each step in a progressive manner, you will establish a clear development process for each player to manage the tackle with a high level of ability and confidence. Do not rush this process and be mindful of what stage of the tackle process your players are comfortable with in order to deliver at an appropriate level.

Step 1:

Firstly the player will need to display the correct body position which is feet shoulder width apart, pointing forward and on the balls of the feet, knees kinked, hips square, hands up and elbows in.

Step2:

Once the player is displaying the correct body position they will be ready to make contact.

The player should lunge toward the ball carrier by dropping their height and making contact with the same shoulder and lunging leg and following with the arms wrapping around the ball carrier.

Step 3:

The next progression in completing the tackle is leg drive.

Once contact has been made the lunging leg is used to bring forward power and momentum to force the ball carrier backwards, sideways etc.

The contact and leg drive is sequential however, there should be no delay and it should be all one movement.

Step 4:

The last step is to complete the tackle, which essentially means to bring the ball carrier to the ground.

If the previous steps have been carried out effectively the tackler should bring the ball carrier to the ground safely.

It is paramount to ensure that the tackler completes the tackle by landing on top of the ball carrier with their head on the correct side and not between the ball carrier and the ground.

The tackle is a vital part of the game and safety is paramount, each key point should be coached and tackles monitored by the coach and referees throughout training and games to ensure best practice.