The research secrets of dominant tackling revealed
Feb 28, 2025
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Oli Bishop, Defence coach for Ealing Trailfinders Women and U23s, shares his expertise from Level 4 RFU research on tackling. He emphasizes the crucial role of pre-contact positioning and demonstrates how anticipation can influence success. Topics include effective hand placement strategies and the importance of leg drive post-contact. Oli also discusses how to coach out poor tackling habits, ensuring players build confidence while mastering the techniques necessary for dominant tackles.
Understanding pre-contact positioning significantly enhances tackling success through improved anticipation and balance before engaging the ball carrier.
Dominant tackles, defined by the correct angles and techniques, can be executed effectively regardless of a player's physical size or mass.
Effective coaching involves incorporating decision-making strategies into training, helping players recognize patterns that improve their tackling performance.
Deep dives
Free Coaching Development Evenings
Two upcoming free coaching development evenings are scheduled for March 11th at Old Wimbledonian Warriors and March 18th at London Irish Amateurs. These informal events aim to provide coaches with hands-on drills that can be immediately applied to training. Participants will also learn effective attack and defense tactics alongside essential game-based coaching tips, session planning, and tackling strategies. Previous events have received positive feedback, emphasizing the importance of community interaction among coaches.
Understanding Dominant and Missed Tackles
The podcast explores the definitions of dominant tackles and missed tackles, emphasizing that dominance can vary based on a player's size and technique. A dominant tackle might not always rely on an athlete’s mass; for example, a player can effectively execute a chop tackle to bring down a ball carrier quickly. Conversely, a missed tackle can occur if a defender fails to make contact or is outmaneuvered by the ball carrier. This distinction is crucial in assessing players’ performances and developing their tackling skills.
Key Phases of Tackling
The tackling process is broken down into three key phases: pre-contact, initial contact, and post-contact. Before making contact, defenders are advised to maintain balance and anticipate the ball carrier's movement, which enhances their ability to react effectively. During the initial contact, shoulder contact is vital, with an emphasis on hitting at the correct angle to maintain momentum. Post-contact involves techniques like driving legs and maintaining body position to secure dominance over the ball carrier.
Importance of Pre-Contact Balance
Establishing good pre-contact balance is essential for a successful tackle, as players must enter the engagement zone with momentum and the ability to react. Defenders are encouraged to keep their hips balanced and not rotate prematurely, which could reduce their efficacy in stopping the ball carrier. A defender's reaction time is greatly improved when they maintain an athletic stance and prepare for possible movements from the ball carrier, leading to more effective tackling. Drills that simulate game scenarios are vital for enhancing these pre-contact skills.
Decision-Making in Tackling
Coaches are reminded that decision-making is a critical element in tackling and should be incorporated into training sessions. Players should be made aware of common patterns in attacking plays, which can allow them to anticipate actions and position themselves more effectively. Understanding these patterns can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving dominant tackles, especially when defenders are positioned closely to ball carriers. This awareness ultimately leads to improved defensive performance and greater success on the field.
Tackling is at the heart of rugby, but what truly makes a tackle dominant or a miss?
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, host Dan Cottrell welcomes Oli Bishop, defence coach for Ealing Trailfinders Women and U23s, to break down the science behind effective tackling. Oli shares insights from his Level 4 RFU research, exploring the key characteristics of dominant tackles, the role of balance and momentum, and the phases of a successful tackle.
From analysing foot placement to understanding pre-contact cues, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for coaches and players alike. Key insights include:
The importance of pre-contact positioning: How anticipation and approach impact tackle success.
Why dominant tackles are most likely within two metres of the ball carrier receiving the ball.
Hand placement strategies: When to aim for behind the knees versus the lower back.
Leg drive and post-contact work: The key to finishing tackles effectively.
How to coach players out of poor tackle habits and build their confidence.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
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