When
an attacker is carrying the ball, tacklers calculate where the
tackle will occur judging by the speed and direction of the
ball carrier. They will set off to intercept his/her running
line (see diagram 1) to make the tackle. When faced by the tackler,
the ball carrier has a range of decisions to make that depend
on the tackler's angle of approach and the space available for
the ball carrier to evade them. If there is little space on
the outside and the inside is covered, the ball carriers movement
options are limited: it is likely the ball carrier needs to
pull the defender towards them by using a change of pace as
a ploy and then accelerate way (see diagram 2).
To
coach this strategy you begin by encouraging the ball carrier
to slow down slightly. This will force the defender to change
direction slightly and choose a new line for the tackle. Once
the defender commits to his new angle of approach the ball carrier
accelerates away.
This
change of pace may also include a slight swerve away from the
direction of the would-be tackler. All players should try to
perfect this evasive skill because it put the tackler at a disadvantage
and allows the ball carrier to stretch the defence. Diagram
3.1. Tacklers run to intercept the running line Diagram 3.2.
Ball carrier to change pass and support runner runs into space
DRILLS:
