Repeat-effort tackle circuit

Setup

1. Station 1 is a coach (C) holding a tackle bag 8 m from the start cone; 15 m on, a ball carrier (BC) waits on a cone with a ball.
2. Station 3 is a loose ball on a cone 15 m past the chase, with a handball target (H) 5 m beyond it.
3. Groups of 4–5 per circuit; set up two circuits side by side for a bigger squad.

How it runs

1. The tackler (T) tackles the bag to the ground, is up within 2 s, chases BC (who gets a 5 m start and runs straight at about 70% pace) and makes a side-on tackle, then sprints to the loose ball, gathers and handballs to H.
2. About 15–20 s of work, then 45–60 s rest while the rest of the group goes. Six rounds, 2 min off, two sets.
3. Score each chase tackle 2 for a legal tackle that pins an arm or forces a quick disposal, 1 for one that slips off, 0 for anything high or dangerous.
4. Swap BC and H every round so everyone tackles and everyone carries.

Coaching points

• Head to the side and behind the ball carrier, never across the front; eyes up, chest into the hip.
• Wrap both arms around the waist, pin one arm if you can and turn the player to the ground on their side. No slinging, and never drive them into the ground with both arms pinned.
• Up off the ground fast, knees under and push off the hands, with the first step already moving.
• Quality first; a tackle that slips off is better than an illegal one.

Common mistakes

• Tackles creeping up around the neck as fatigue sets in.
• Diving at the carrier from too far away.
• Jogging between stations instead of sprinting.