Tackling B
TIP: We recommend reading Minis Curriculum, Session Planning & Design and Coaching Skills & STEP prior to this sample session. Pitch sizes and teams sizes below adjustable to group sizes/training space.
SESSION FOCUS: Concentrate on good running and side-stepping technique and running into space. Note - Whilst focus is Tackling, overall contact time for the session should still be controlled and managed i.e. touch games still encouraged for majority of the time, contact for Skills, Technique and closing Games.
0-15 mins - Coaches choice of Activation games
15-45 mins - Zone Circuit, Groups of 8-10 with 10 mins per zone (Add additional games and session time if larger groups)
ZONE 1 - BANNOCKBURN (AKA MISH MADNESS)
Session Focus Points:
Highlight use of footwork to prepare for tackle/shoulders-on and use of 2 hands around waste (for touch)
Possible Conditions: …
STEP: Multiple scoring zones, different balls.
ZONE 2 - WALLACE BALL
Session Focus Points:
Highlight use of footwork to prepare for tackle/shoulders-on and use of 2 hands around waste (for touch)
Possible Conditions: …
STEP: Use different balls, adjust dimensions or scoring zone (multi-direction)
ZONE 3 - Skills & Technique
Skill Activity (7 mins): Traffic Light 1v1s (Age-and-stage level tackling)
Setup grid for 1v1s (10x10m), split into a group of attackers and defenders with each group lining up in single file at the side. Set 3 coloured cones i.e. 1x green, 1x orange, 1 x red) along the defending try line. Coach calls a colour, then 1 defender enters grid from one side, and 1 attacker enters after touching the relevant coloured cone (to create a different angle for defender to engage a tackle). Coach feeds the ball to attackers as needed. When finished players return to group and repeat - idea to get similar 1v1 as the below video conditioned towards tackles.
PROGRESSIONS: Make the grid larger/smaller and condition attackers to vary difficulty i.e. defender head start, vary style of pass/kick etc, narrow scoring zone.
Technique Activity (3 mins): Safe Tackle Technique
Following below video. Players in pairs working through the below video.
EYE-TO-THIGH | CHEEK-TO-CHEEK | FOOT-IN-THE-HOOP | WRAPS ARMS
45-60 mins - Rugby Games, Stay in Groups and use Zones as pitches (Round Robin if time allows)