Tackle Training Programme

There is a lot written on what to do around coaching the tackle online, at courses and in manuals. But what we need is a detailed rugby tackle training programme (TTP) — for example, frequency, tackle type, timing, conditions, and the number of sessions to train tackle.

Your TTP should take in account the player’s age, gender, experience, maturation, phase of the season, skill level and position.

Purpose of each tackle training session should encompass ONE of the following:

Develop tackle CONFIDENCE – Gain trust around getting in position to tackle.
Develop tackle COMPETENCE – Execution of proper tackle techniques.
Develop tackle SKILL EXECUTION – Quality of correct actions determined by the demand of the situation.
Develop tackle skill with COMPETITION – the ability to maintain quality skill under a fatigued state.

CONFIDENCE EXAMPLE

COMPETENCE EXAMPLE

SKILL EXECUTION EXAMPLE

COMPETITION EXAMPLE

The environment should initially be structured and then become progressively more representative of match-play in a controlled environment.

Increasing the skill loads and progression through the TTP will vary based on the age and skill level of the player. For example, the rate of progression for a younger, less experienced player will be more gradual than the rate of a more experienced player. The younger, less experienced player may require extra or repeat sessions under lighter skill loads before progressing to more challenging sessions. The tackle training plan can therefore be adapted to include these extra or repeat sessions.

The best method to determine the rate of progression of players is through observation, assessment, and the players’ response to the session.

Imagine if we introduced activities in our RIPPA grades that prepared them for the 'rough and tumble' of the tackle grade in U8s. For example:

Example of a programme below

STAGE 1

Purpose	Tackle Confidence	Tackle Confidence	Tackle Confidence
Activity	Moving feet activity	Bear hugs	Cheek to cheek
Frequency	4 each direction	4 each side	5 each side

STAGE 2

Purpose	Technical Competence	Technical Competence	Technical Competence
Activity	1v1 drill, static, no attacker–defender run-up	1v1 drill, static, no attacker–defender run-up	1v1 drill, dynamic, players runup
Frequency	4 each shoulder	4 each shoulder	3 each shoulder x 2 types of tackles

STAGE 3

Purpose	Skill Execution	Technical Competence revisit	Skill Execution
Activity	1 v 1 drill, attacker–defender run-up, no direction change, physical conditioning block (e.g., running/repeated sprints between sets, high-intensity non-contact skill drill, before and between sets)	1v1 drill, static, attacker-defender run-up	1v1 drill, dynamic, no run-up, attacker, and defender (wrestle drill)
Frequency	8 each shoulder x 2 types of tackles with physical conditioning block	4 each shoulder x 2 types of tackles	8 each shoulder x 2 types of tackles (close contact, wrestling)

STAGE 4

Once players are technically competent and able to maintain good technique, players can start developing their skill competence in game situations.

Purpose	Skill Execution	Skill Execution	Skill Execution
Activity	2 + versus 2 + drills, attackers decide play, defender needs to identify ball-carrier, fast attacker– defender run-up speed, high impact, work within team context	More space, mini units, 2 + versus 2 + drills, attackers decide play, defender needs to identify ball-carrier, fast attacker– defender run-up speed, work within team context, tactical awareness, post-tackle actions (jackal for tackler, ball placement for ball-carrier)	More space, 2 + versus 2 + drills, attackers decide play, defender needs to identify ball-carrier, fast attacker–defender runup speed, high impact, work within team context, tactical awareness, post-tackle actions (jackal for tackler, ball placement for ball-carrier), physical conditioning block (e.g., running / repeated sprints between sets, high-intensity noncontact skill drill, A frames etc.) before and between sets
Frequency	4 each shoulder x 2 types of tackles	4 each shoulder x 2 types of tackles	8 each shoulder x 2 types of tackles with physical conditioning block

STAGE 5

Purpose	Skill with competition	Technical Competence revisit	Skill with competition
Activity	Highly representative, small-sided contact match, small-field size, tactical awareness, post-tackle actions (jackal for tackler, ball placement for ball-carrier)	1 + versus 1 + drills, moderate impact, players run-up, attacker side-steps left or right	Highly representative small-sided contact match, large-field size, tactical awareness, post-tackle actions (jackal for tackler, ball placement for ball-carrier) Ruck touch/scrag
Frequency	Small-sided contact (small-field size). Each player aims to make 8 contacts within 10 min	3 each shoulder x 2 types of tackles	Small-sided contact (large field size). Each player aims to make 8 contacts within 15 min

Note: Fatigue and recovery status (measured through player well-being and muscle soreness) of the player is considered before undertaking subsequent contact training sessions.

What this looks like!

Grade	Skill focus	Activity	TTP	Mins/week
Rippa (U7)	-Sight target -Foot speed	Wrestling Tag games	Tackle confidence	10 mins
U8 - U11	-Foot speed -Head placement -Face up -Arm usage	Wrestling Tackle games Fast feet 1 v 1	Tackle confidence Technical competence	10 mins
U12-U13	-Foot speed -Head placement -Face up -Contact with shoulder -Arm usage	Wrestling Tackle games Fast feet 1 v 1	Tackle confidence Technical competence	20 mins
U15	-Foot speed -Head placement -Face up -Assume “tackle stance” -Contact with shoulder -Arm usage -Brace for contact	Wrestling Tackle games Fast feet 1 v 1	Tackle confidence Technical competence Skill execution	20 mins
U16+	-Foot speed -Head placement -Face up -Assume “tackle stance” -Contact with shoulder -Arm usage -Brace for contact	Fast feet 1 v 1 2 v 2 Small-sided games	Tackle confidence Technical competence Tackle execution Tackle skill with competition	20 mins

A session could look like this:

Tackle conditioning warm up (2 minutes)
Activity (5 minutes)
TTP (5 minutes)

Rugby Toolbox