Advanced Stage
This is where it should all come together. Intensity is raised but safety not compromised. The result should be a live tackle situation.
CLOSE THE SPACE
OBJECTIVE Closing the space between attacker and defender.
EQUIPMENT 
6 cones
GROUP SIZE In pairs
AREA 4m x 2m
ACTIVITY SET-UP
- Players get in pairs.
- Using two hit shields at each end of the line, have 3 pairs of players numbered 1 to 3, lined up with 1’s closest to hit shield.
ACTIVITY EXPLANATION
When their number is called – they run to hit-shield, pick up go forward and get in to balance by using ‘feet alive’ prior to the contact. When contact with opposite number is made, drive other hit shield backwards toward their starting point with a straight and strong back and a strong leg drive.
KEY COACHING POINTS
- Go forward quickly to take up the space.
- Get in to a strong position by crouching, taking small steps, and getting ready to explode with the legs and the shield.
- Drive in a line.
- Use your leg drive, keep your eyes open, and use your feet movement to provide stability.
- Place your shoulder on your own shield so that you are driving with a straight back.
VARIATION/PROGRESSION 
- Make the area smaller
- Do the next few progressions*
*STAGE 2 DRIVE
One hit shield is taken away and activity repeated with tackler driving the hit shield back.
*STAGE 3 DRIVE
This time attacker with hit shield can change direction so defender must decide where to put their head and shoulder.
CONE ATTACK
OBJECTIVE To complete an effective tackle.
EQUIPMENT 6 cones
GROUP SIZE In pairs
AREA 
4m x 2m
ACTIVITY SET-UP
Have 3 cones spaced at 2m intervals. T the middle cone are paired players.
ACTIVITY EXPLANATION
On “go” the coach passes ball to an attacker. Both players then run around closest cone and then toward each other where an effective tackle is made.
KEY COACHING POINTS
- Take up space.
- Sight the target – eyes on the hips.
- Keep eyes open and on the target.
- Get in to a crouch with a straight back, elbows in and begin using small fast steps as you approach the attacker.
- Move your head to the side of the attacker or behind if coming in from the side.
- As the head moves to the side take a large step in close to the attacker and plant your shoulder firmly on the target area.
- Thrust the arms around the attacker and squeeze them together by locking your wrist and your hand together.
- Use your leg drive to dominate the ball carrier and bounce up to your feet and decide on ball recovery options.
VARIATION/PROGRESSION
- Make the area smaller
- All players run out and tackle their partner.
- Introduce the second tackler and their role. (Complete the tackle around the ball or lower, driving the ball carrier backwards, securing the ball by wrapping it so that it cannot be passed, or re-gathering the ball if the tackled player is on the ground.
TURN & TACKLE
OBJECTIVE
To complete an effective tackle.
EQUIPMENT
Ball
GROUP SIZE
In pairs
AREA
Small
ACTIVITY SET-UP
Pair up (best if players are similar size).
ACTIVITY EXPLANATION
Either on knees or standing, tackler faces same direction as runner. When tackler turns to face ball-carrier, who runs or walks to the left, right or straight ahead.
Tackler completes tackle.
KEY COACHING POINTS
Move your head to the side of the attacker or behind if coming in from the side.
TACKLE PASS
OBJECTIVE
To complete an effective tackle.
EQUIPMENT
Ball
GROUP SIZE
In pairs
AREA
Small
ACTIVITY SET-UP
Pair up (best if players are similar size) facing each other about 2-3m apart.
TACKLE LINE
OBJECTIVE
To complete an effective tackle.
EQUIPMENT
4 cones and ball
GROUP SIZE
In pairs
AREA
2m x 2m grid
ACTIVITY SET-UP
Pair up (best if players are similar size) standing together on one line of cones. One player holds the ball.
ACTIVITY EXPLANATION
Player holding ball runs to line and heads back. As they turn, tackler moves forward and completes the tackle.
KEY COACHING POINTS
Move and adjust feet to meet ball-carrier.
Move your head to the side of the attacker or behind if coming in from the side.