The harder your players hit, the further back you'll push the opposition - meaning that your side has more time to set up and prepare to continue going forwards whilst the opposition are back pedalling, trying to go through the gate in order to join the ruck.
To get the technique down we start this session with a couple of correct running exercises - forcing your players to get into the right body position by running (not jumping) over some flat tackle bags before then bringing in an extra element to ensure they're looking through their brows, with a flat back as they take their short, fast steps.
After reinforcing the correct running position we get down to business, practising how to force the opposition back into their own territory to present the ball quicker for your backs. Once they have the ball in hand it's time to rebuild and continue the attack!
To help cement this idea and encourage your players to contest the ball quickly we've incorporated a couple of conditioned games to put practice into play and reinforce this attacking concept.
Put your best foot forwards and drive, drive, drive!
in more ways than one
in more ways than one
World Rugby's lower tackle height is no longer a trial. It is law in community rugby from this season, and unions choose waist or base of the sternum. Here is how to retrain your defence.
Lower tackle heights leave the ball free for longer and change the breakdown contest. If your ruck work has not been updated this pre-season, you are coaching last season's game.
Long, lonely runs build lungs, not rugby players. Here's how to build a pre-season that puts fitness where the game needs it - with a ball in hand and a decision to make.