tackling for U12's who don't like it?

tackling for U12's who don't like it?

I've a few players who genuinely do not like tackling but love the game in every other facet. Does anybody have experience indealing with this predicament. We have practiced the basic techniques repeatedly but when it comes to game time these kidsjust won't engage with the shoulder but use outstretched arms in a feeble attempt to tackle.It can be very frustrating ....

Bernard O'DohertyCoach, Ireland
ANSWERS
Rugby CoachCoach

Have you asked them why they either won`t, or don`t seem to use their shoulder? it maybe confidence on game day, but asking may help you to understand the reason, then you can look to correct it.

Bernard O'DohertyCoach, Ireland

Hi Alex , thanks for your input.

Yes we have discussed it as a group and one of the lads actually

said he was afraid. We went back to basics and walked through

the tackle process but we still have a few guys who are not

completing tackles correctly. Its frustrating for me a retired open

side wing forward....

I suppose I am looking for a Silver Bullet answer.! Which would

make my life easier.

Thanks again.

keith bullimoreCoach, England

What I found was to take it right back, identifying target areas on an opponent from a keeling position, similar to a wrestle, and get them to zone their shoulders at specific parts of the body using basic Core Skill delivery, then have them making tackles from a few steps away and then increase it as they gain in confidence, remind them that `Space relates to Pace` the further you hang off the ball carrier, then the faster he will be travelling when he gets to you. Then progress to a 3 x 3 grid with Shields, and then into contact.

Keith

Bernard O'DohertyCoach, Ireland

Thanks keith,

We done something along that concept at training on Sunday

and repeated it until the kids seemed tuned in. We then had a

mini game for the last part of training and monitored tackling very

closely. There was a marked improvement with most of the boys

We intend to repeat the exercise next training session for about 10

minutes and monitor it. We will do a little extra work with the few

still struggling.

Thanks again Bernard

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