Rugby coaching groundwork session to help tackled players

With 150 or so tackles sometimes made in a rugby game, a tackled player's actions can make the difference between winning and losing. Trying to offload in the wrong situation is extremely risky, but so is holding or placing the ball.

Groundwork will develop the crucial decision-making skills for tackled players and their supporters.

What to think about in this rugby coaching session

In the development section of this rugby coaching session, you can test the decision-making skills of the ball carrier. Do this by manipulating the distance of the second defender to the tackle situation.

What are the correct decisions at each distance? If the second defender is next to the tackle situation, the ball carrier has to fight to stay on his feet, as going to ground quickly will mean an easy turnover.

If the defender is 5m away, the ball carrier should get to ground quickly, falling on his back. He should be looking for a pop pass to a support runner.

If the defender is any further away, the ball carrier should pass out of the tackle before going to ground. This gives the receiver time to evade the oncoming defender.

What you tell your players to do

Fight in the tackle to fall how you want to.
Weigh up the options and execute the correct one accurately.
Stay close to the ball carrier and give him options when he is tackled.

What you get your players to do

Split into groups of four. Have the first player run out and place the ball down. He should then run on 2m and turn to become the tackler. The next player picks up the ball and attacks the defender. The tackler must tackle from the waist down.
When tackled, the ball carrier places the ball back as far as he can. The next player in picks up the ball, runs on and the exercise repeats for six cycles. Repeat with the tackled player popping the ball up to a support runner and rolling it back.

What to call out in the drill

"Move the defender before contact to make the tackle less effective."
"Twist and turn in the tackle."
"If in doubt, take the safest option."

Develop the session

Work three attacking players against a tackler and a second defender. The ball carrier goes into contact as before, but this time his decision needs to be based on the proximity of the second defender.
Tell the second defender how far back he has to start, so he arrives at the breakdown at different times.

Rugby coaching session to get tackled players practising groundwork
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Click here for five rugby coaching tips to improve your players' tackling skills.