Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!
Tackling nerves - I coach 10 year old boys. Some are very nervous about being hurt when tackling opponents although the same guys are like lions with the ball in hand. As a result our defence suffers. We have tried hammering home the correct technique to give confidence but to no avail. Can anyone suggest any psychology or drills I might try?
How can I overcome my son's fear of tackling. He's 10 and shaping up to be a useful player in other areas but is very reluctant to engage other players in contact. What drills might help overcome this?
Some of my U9s players, who are experiencing contact for their first season, are showing reticence in tackling - how do you coach or get through the fear factor/element?
Hi, Iâm coaching under 9s next year which involves tackling, mauls, rucks etc. Iâm after advise on what to coach first and the amount of time spent on each area. Added to this Iâve somehow become the lead coach after a couple of coaches stepped down (feeling a little under pressure!) Would anybody be willing to share any sessions so I can plan the first month or so. Cheers
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 ....
I coach under 9`s rugby and a lot of the kids have a bad fear of tackling, they lack the confidence to get stuck in. What is the best thing to help them overcome this?
Is sealing the ball at the tackle and ruck legal again?
I'm coaching and reffing U11 rugby and one of my players is the definitive 'big lad'. His 'strength' is his size and his power, but last weekend he didn't seem to get reffed fairly. The opposition couldn't tackle him down, one on one and when another two joined in to make a mini maul, that didn't slow him down much either. The ref then let other people join in the (one sided) struggle to tackle him down, which seemed very unfair as A) it's outside the laws of U11 rugby,, B) it makes it nigh on impossible for him to offload, C) when he is brought to ground, he has 4-5 players all over him and he got pinged for 'holding on'. He is a recent arrival to rugby and it was our first game for a couple of months, so the situation hadn't reared his head before. We are keen that he learns all of the core skills of rugby and doesn't get used as a battering ram, but after seeing a pack of hyenas trying to pull down the big fella, something just didn't seem right to me.I'd be grateful for any thoughts and opinions.
My U11's are a mixed bunch when it comes to tackling. Some very good, most OK, some ...hmmmm... enough said. Been through all the drills and when we break things down, go back to basics, everything appears OK, but it doesn't always transfer into the game. Any ideas on small group games that will allow me to combine technique with confidence?
What does the "T Bone" concept mean when defending?
Simon My son's PE teacher has told him that Bridging is lieegal for the U13 to U19 group. His Club coach has been encouraging its use in games for two seasons. I can see some of the dangers but also the advantages Who is right is it banned or can it be used? Paul submitted by email
Do you have a drill/session based on communication
Several of my players are taking the ball a yard too far into contact and losing possession as a result.Do you have any suggestions or drills that would help to address this? Dave Knights. Hong Kong
Looking for coaching tips on introducing U9 kids to the tackle area
i coach collegiate womens rugby...any suggestions for tackling sessions in practice - my girls are very hesitant to "hurt" each other. we have tackle dummies, but that just isn't the same...
What is the clear definition of "rolling away"? Playing in the SCRFU we've been penalized a few times for the ball carrier (sometimes tackler) not rolling away when they are at the bottom of a pile. Even when raising our hands and not making any play for the ball. We simply can not move from the pile because our leg/head/arm is beneath other players. It seems like a misinterpretation of the rules and their intent to prevent the play from continuing.
can you touch the player on the ground? can you place your hands over the player onto the ground? any information on this would be really helpful.
Hi All. could anyone advise me of a drill/game that would help with my backs defensive alignment and attacking alignment from a ruck. At the moment all of my backs lose their shape and get drawn into the ruck or follow the ball leaving a overlap. Cheers Iain
Tackling Technique ? HELP?
Any tips / drills as to what rest of team can do to support so No 8 doesn't charge ahead and get isolated.
in more ways than one
sportplan_rugby
The isolated ball carrier is rugby's spookiest turnover. Here is the five-step fix, plus drills that rebuild support lines fast.
Tacklers are aiming lower, so carriers who dip late put heads at risk. Teach footwork, a strong early body height and leg drive to win the collision safely.
The hooker's brake foot moved from trial into full law in July 2026. Here is how to coach it so your front row stays stable, legal and safe.
Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.
Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!
I am so pleased with all of the drills and advice on rugby. I am a player for my local club and we don't have a coach at the moment so I, as a senior player, am filling that gap. With your help, the team has been able to improve our skills.
Your tips and session ideas have really brought some interest back to our rugby training. The players and I now really enjoy our training sessions.
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I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.
What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.
I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.
