This category focuses on safe, effective tackling technique and progressive skill development.These drills help players develop correct tackle mechanics while minimising injury risk.Perfect for players from U12 through Senior level, with safety as the priority.Ideal for coaches building confident, effective tacklers who bring players down safely.
All players need to be able to tackle. Tackling is how a player physically stops an opponent from moving forward with the ball. It's a vital aspect of the game and a major reason many players come to rugby. For some players tackling can be scary so it's important you teach the correct, and safe, technique from an early age.
A successful tackle involves timing, technique (aim low - between the hip and knee) and correct body position (bend at the waist and the knees; arms raised around shoulder height). The tackling drills, games and videos on this page will help you improve your players' defending technique - with both junior and advanced players.
The tackling drills cover everything from introducing the tackle for juniors, walking tackles, tackle bag exercises and full contact tackling to get your players tackling with confidence and to prepare them for match conditions when the hits gets a lot harder.
in more ways than one
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Restart kicks are now the most common set-piece in rugby and the easiest to lose. Treat them like a lineout: prepare options, drill the catch, and own the reception.
World Rugby has dropped the legal tackle height to the base of the sternum for the 2026 U20 Championship in Georgia. Here is what the trial means for coaches at every level.
Kicking is up across the Six Nations and Champions Cup, which means counter-attack opportunities are up too. Learn how to turn a loose kick into seven points.
