Rugby is a contact sport that demands a high level of physicality and mastery of various skills, including tackling and grappling. To increase a team’s chance of winning a rugby game, the players must know how to tackle their opponents to dispossess them of the ball.
In this article, we’ll analyze how to perform a rugby tackle against an opponent in a game.
Easy Guide On How to Rugby Tackle
Tackling is one of the most essential skills to have in rugby. This is because it is through tackling that you can dispose of your opponent off the ball.
A successful rugby tackle is an act of defense that prevents your opponent from scoring a try. Tackling also allows your team to attack your opponents and outscore them. According to wiki-how are steps on how to rugby tackle:
- Tackle low while leading with your shoulder
- Assume an athletic posture and bend your knees
- Take a step towards your opponent as they get closer
- Identify a secure area for the attacker to strike
- Drive your shoulder into the attacker’s abdomen
- Encircle the attacker’s thigh with your arms and squeeze in
- Continue pushing your legs down to the floor
Key Factors That Ensure a Successful Rugby Tackle
Several factors enable an effective tackle on your opponent in a rugby game. These key factors are:
| Factors | Description |
Physicality | Since rugby is a physically demanding sport, you must build your physique and strength to cope. Use your physicality and strength when going for a tackle against an opponent because chances are that your opponent won’t let go of the ball easily. Your physicality will be useful in forcing the ball away from them. |
Positioning and Footwork
| The success of your tackle depends on how you position your body when tackling. It is important to position your body in a low, balanced squatting pose with your two feet firmly on the ground and your eyes focused on your target. Maintain balance and agility through how you pattern your footwork. To gain extra leverage on your movement, stand on the balls of your feet with your heels slightly raised in a ready-to-sprint manner. This pose allows you to move quicker when tracking your opponent and also allows you to maintain your balance and agility.
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Contact and Target Area | When making contact with your opponent while tackling, lounge forward with your shoulders first. Your arms should be open to wrap around the opponent’s leg. Avoid head collision by placing your head on the side of your opponent’s rib area. You should target the areas between your opponent’s hips and knees when tackling. Targeting the rip area helps bring the player to a stop quicker than other places on your opponent’s body. Don’t tackle too high, as it may result in you getting an injury and the opponent breaking free. |
Tips for Mastering the Art of Rugby Tackles
Always practice your tackle in training as it helps you to develop your tackling techniques and gives you more assurance. You can also watch videos of professional rugby players making tackles to analyze and learn techniques from them.
Remember to master the basics of rugby tackle. You can grow and add more skills to your tackles by mastering the fundamental tackling techniques. Seek feedback from your teammates or coaches, as this will help you get a better perspective and insight into how you tackle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my tackling?
According to rugbycoachweekly, there are five ways to improve players tackling. These include:
- Paying attention to opponent’s shorts
- Contact with the shoulder
- Wrap with the arms
- Keep your eyes open
- Bin the bags as soon as you can
How can I be tougher in rugby?
A simple way to make yourself tougher in rugby is by training in a smart way and setting achievable goals for yourself.
Conclusion
Tackling in rugby takes dedication and consistent practice. As such, you should not relent in the first few weeks of your practice. Keep at it and follow the tips above to grow your skills in rugby tackling.