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Winning
teams spend at least 50% of their time practising
defensive techniques and systems to prevent
the opposition from scoring. This is because
rugby is often at least 50% defence and good
tackling helps to win games. If all members
of your team can improve their tackling techniques,
they will be able to increase the amount of
pressure they can put on the opposition and
force them to make mistakes, which will create
more "turn over" opportunities for your team
to regain control of the ball and therefore
control of the game.
If
your players never miss a tackle, the opposition
will find it very difficult to score against
you. You will severely test their ability to
create space in 2v1 situations. First time tackles
are key! This will prevent your opponents from
going forward toward your goal line and force
them back towards their own goal line. Well-timed
tackles can stop opponents from passing the
ball, making defence easier for the rest of
your team.
Pressure
tackling can force the opposition to knock-on,
or make a forward pass, giving your team the
advantage of the put-in at the subsequent scrum
and controlled possession from which to launch
your next attack. Your team can also gain advantage
by immediately regaining possession of the ball
from your opponents' mistake, in which case
the referee will often allow your team to play
on (Laws of the Game No.8 - Advantage)
and make progress by attacking what is usually
a disorganised defence. You should coach defence
as attack without the ball.
This
section will help you coach your players how
to tackle from different positions - from the
side, behind and directly in front - because
the opposition will attack from different angles.
Defenders will often be required to chase back
to tackle a player as well. Each practice is
designed to gradually develop your players ability
to tackle effectively and safely.
The
best way to develop tackling skills is to practise
against a partner in a kneeling position and
then gradually progress to walking, jogging
and finally full-paced full contact with Body
Suits and shields and then full tackling. Another
consideration is to introduce tackling on soft
ground or spongy gym mats and/or encourage the
players to take off their trainers or boots.
Make
sure that players practise with someone about
the same size and weight and that the players
are thoroughly warmed up before starting a tackling
practice. Use some noncompetitive strengthening
exercises, like piggy-back walks, bear hug lifts
and walks over 5m to 10m distance, to prepare
for your contact practices. Do not encourage
your players to trip opponents or to tackle
around the neck or above shoulder height because
it is very dangerous.
As
part of tackling practice, it is also important
for you to coach your players to practise making
contact with the ground safely when they fall.
Although we deal with this in the controlling
continuity section, be aware of safe falling
practices as your develop tackling skills, especially
at speed. When being tackled, the tackled player
needs to take contact on his terms and in strong
body position. This will help them go with the
flow of the impact because this will help them
land and roll naturally.
Players
should be coached to round their shoulders as
they prepare to hit the ground and land mainly
on their back and side. Tuck their chins into
the chest as they land and bend their knees,
keeping them tucked up, and resist the urge
to put their straight arms or hand out to break
their fall as they may injure themselves. You
should always coach players at all levels to
get back on their feet IMMEDIATELY to
rejoin the game or actively roll away from the
ball to prevent giving away a penalty (Laws
of the Game No.15 - The
Tackle).
The
Laws
of the Game (Law 15) state that when the
ball carrier is tackled, he or she must pass
or release the ball immediately, move away from
the ball and get up on his or her feet before
playing the ball again. If the ball carrier
falls down without being held, he or she can
get up and continue running forward (Laws of
the Game No.14 -Ball
on the Ground). When the ball carrier tackled,
the tackler must grip the opponent tightly as
they both land on the ground to ensure that
the player has to release the ball. Once your
players become skilled tackler and seasoned
rugby players, they will find that executing
a good tackle or a "big
hit" can be as satisfying and important
as scoring a try. The ability to turnover the
ball is key.
If
every player in your team works hard to develop
their tackling techniques, you will be a difficult
side to beat. Before you start any contact practice
it is important to warm up thoroughly. You can
introduce some non-competitive strengthening
exercises with a partners about the same size.
Always control tackling sessions carefully and
keep safety and discipline a high priority.
The
types of tackle are
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