Tackling

Side-On Tackling Channel: Target Zone Bonus

Win the ball while running alongside

Tackling
Defending
Speed & Agility
Premium

Side-On Tackling Channel: Target Zone Bonus is a 14-minute tackling drill for 4-16 players, suitable for Under 10 to Adults at beginner, intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

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Tackling
Defending
Speed & Agility
Skill Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Playing Through The Thirds
Positioning
Combination Play

Duration

14 min

Players

4-16

Pitch size

20 x 8 yard channel

Ability levels

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: Side-On Tackling Channel: Target Zone Bonus12320 x 8 yard channel

Side-On Tackling Channel: Target Zone Bonus — Marked area · 20 x 8 yard channel

Step 1 of 4Attacker runs the channel, defender runs alongside and tackles when the touch is heavy.

  1. 1. Attacker runs the channel, defender runs alongside and tackles when the touch is heavy.
  2. 2. Defender scores by winning it and stopping the ball.
  3. 3. Swap after each rep.
  4. 4. Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
  • Cones mark the area
  • Dashed lines = zones / thirds
  • Ball
  • Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

  • -Win the ball while running alongside
  • -Choose the right moment to tackle
  • -Stay on the feet

Setup

  1. 1A long narrow channel with a target line at the end.
  2. 2Attacker and defender start side by side.
  3. 3Balls at the start of the channel.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Attacker runs the channel, defender runs alongside and tackles when the touch is heavy.
  2. 2Defender scores by winning it and stopping the ball.
  3. 3Swap after each rep.
  4. 4Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.

Coaching points

  • -Match the attacker's pace before tackling
  • -Tackle on their heavy touch
  • -Use the near foot and keep balance
  • -Find the pocket on the back foot of the defender
  • -Support the receiver quickly on both sides

Common mistakes

  • -Tackling from behind
  • -Getting shoulder to shoulder too late
  • -Going to ground unnecessarily

Where this drill fits

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