Underload 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. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
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 attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Soft ankle causing injury risk
• -Tackling with the toe
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early