Rugby League: Tackle Touch Game

*AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON*

• In groups of 5 tie a bit of tape or string around the two posts approximately 0.5 to 1 meter above the ground.  

• Two players hold the sausages behind the tape on either side and one holds the bag in front of the tape.

• Change the man with the bag every few reps or hold the bag as the coach. 

• The players will rotate around with each rep.

1 Full Repetition: 

• The player starts on the ground, hits the bag with either shoulder and then powers past the bag.

• Player then gets into a low body position and moves under the tape to complete a tackle on the sausage.

• Next, they should get into a strong body position as if they were contesting at a ruck.

• They then pick up the sausage and the previous holder moves around. 

• The aim of the drill is to develop mechanisms to unlock defences in open play
• The first defender/feeder starts with the ball at a cone set up on the touch line five metres out from the try line
• Set another 2 cones 15 meters up on the same touch line. Two players (defenders of the 3v2) start from here once the 2v1 is completed.
• Set 2 cones on the try line 5 metres apart to create the start position for the two attackers and the attacking channel for the 2v1
• The ball is fed from the first defender, with the attackers completing a 2v1
• The defender joins the two attackers to create a 3v2
• Two attackers then become the two defenders for the next repetition of the drill

• Set up a 5mx5m grid
• Work in fours - two attacker and two defender
• The ball is fed from a player from the 1st defending player who also holds the tackle pad and will simulate the ‘jackal’ threat player in the 2v2
• The first attacking player receives the ball and engages the pad holder and passes to the second attacking player
• The second attacking player engages the second defender (tackler) and bounces out to a weak shoulder
• The first attacking player (inside clear out) and the 1st defending player (jackler) then try and race to support
• The inside clear looks to support the attacker and clear out the jackler

• Set a cone 2 meters from the defensive line. This will mark where the ball will passed from (feed) preferably from a scrum half.
• Set a cone 0.5 meters each side from the mid point of the passing cone to simulate the sides of the ruck.
• Set a cone a cone 5 meters from the ruck on the defensive line. 
• 4 players start as attackers
• 3 defenders start on their stomaches on the other side of the defensive cone (ruck) and 1 player on the defensive cone 5 metres from the ruck
• The player on the 5 meter cone (defence) starts the drill by shouting ‘FOLD’ (or whatever call your team may use).
• Defenders on their stomachs get up and fold around the ruck to take up a defence position. Players fold wide first, and ensure that 2 players are close to the ruck (Guard and Body Guard).
• The player on the defensive cone bounces out (takes space in the defence line), the first player who folds takes up a position on the 5 meter defence cone (or inside the first attacking player)
• Once the defence line is set the scrum half can pass the ball.
• The attackers work to beat the defence, setting up a 'tip' (running a hard line) and 'pull back' option. They should read the defensive movements and make a decision to hit the tip option or pull out the back