Counter Front Block Tackle

Objective

• -Teach a safe, strong front block tackle
• -Time the tackle to the attacker's touch
• -Build confidence in the duel

Setup

1. 1Two facing lines six yards apart with a ball in the middle in a 22 x 16 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
3. 3One ball per pair.

How to play

1. 1Both players walk in and make a controlled block tackle on the ball.
2. 2Build the speed up gradually across the sets.
3. 3Finish with the winner driving the ball out of the area.
4. 4The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
5. 5Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.

Progressions

• +Counter must be finished inside five seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Award the counter goal for simply carrying over halfway
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Swap the counter goals for a dribble-through gate
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Soft ankle causing injury risk
• -Tackling with the toe
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on