A rugby match can not be won with an all out attack mindset only. A defensive mindset and the skills to go with it is very important. That means you have to know how to execute a rugby tackle effectively without doing yourself an injury.

The rugby tackle is important because it gives your team the opportunity to stop an attacking player, win possession of the ball, and giving your team the chance to launch a counter-attack. Remember … rugby is all about possesion.

• The tackle is a learned skill the only improves with practice.

• Effective execution of a tackle will give you dominance over the ball carrier.

• Understanding tackling techniques will give you the confidence to execute a tackle correctly.

• Set an early defensive line and make sure you communicate with players inside and outside of you.

• Adopt a low crouching position and come of the defensive line hard! Line speed is everything.

• Aim for the hip area with your head facing to the left or right from the contact zone. Right shoulder – face left. Left shoulder – face right.

• One meter from point of contact, place your outside foot inbetween the ball carriers’ stride. Hit the body under the ball.

• Use your outside hand to hook below the attacking players’ outside knee (upper-calf area).

Aim for the hip area with your head facing to the left or right from the contact zone. Right shoulder – face left. Left shoulder – face right.

• Once your shoulder makes contact with the ball carrier, squeeze your elbows together and pump your legs (strong leg-drive). Finish on top of him.

• Immediately release once the opposition player is on the ground.

• Get up quickly and attack the ball (win possesion).

Get up quickly and attack the ball.

• Organize the defensive line.

• Speed off the line is crucial. You have to be faster than the attacking ball carrier.

• Hit hard and low. Get back to your feet as quickly as possible.

• Get your hands on the ball and win possession for your team.

• Keep on working hard after the tackle.

Here’s a video posted by the Texas Rugby Union with Jamie Joseph (ex-All Black lock and flanker) demonstrating tackle techniques.

Source: Texas Rugby Union

Here’s another video with Brendan Venter (ex-Springbok centre) taking some schoolboy players through tackling drills.

Source : BOKSMARTSA

There you have it!

Turn your yourself into a dominating tackler capable of stopping the opposition ball carrier on the gain line and winning turnovers for your team.