Pressure 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 14 x 8 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
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 defender is released the moment the ball leaves the server's foot.
5. 5The working player scores by completing the action before pressure arrives; the defender scores by blocking it.

Progressions

• +Defender starts level rather than behind
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Defender presses at jogging pace only
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two defenders alternate so pressure is constant
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Soft ankle causing injury risk
• -Tackling with the toe
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press