Tackling

Transition Front Block Tackle

Teach a safe, strong front block tackle

Tackling
Defending

Transition Front Block Tackle is a 14-minute tackling drill for 2-14 players, suitable for Under 9 to Adults at beginner, intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

Back to drill library
Tackling
Defending
Technical Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Transition

Duration

14 min

Players

2-14

Pitch size

22 x 16 yards

Ability levels

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: Transition Front Block TackleW1234C22 x 16 yards

Transition Front Block Tackle — Crossing and finishing — wide delivery into the box · 22 x 16 yards

Step 1 of 5Both players walk in and make a controlled block tackle on the ball.

  1. 1. Both players walk in and make a controlled block tackle on the ball.
  2. 2. Build the speed up gradually across the sets.
  3. 3. Finish with the winner driving the ball out of the area.
  4. 4. Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
  5. 5. On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.
  • Cones mark the area
  • Full goal
  • Dashed lines = wide crossing channels
  • Ball
  • C = coach / server
  • Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

  • -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. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
  3. 3One ball per pair.

Coaching instructions

  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. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
  5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Coaching points

  • -Firm ankle and a strong base
  • -Contact through the middle of the ball
  • -Follow through and take the ball away
  • -First reaction after the turnover decides the moment — forward or secure

Common mistakes

  • -Soft ankle causing injury risk
  • -Tackling with the toe
  • -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover

Where this drill fits

Build a session with this drill

Related drills