AFL · Tackling

Tackling technique in pairs

Walk-through tackles in pairs, building to a jog, with the ball carrier working to dispose.

A1T1A2T2
Start / 4
Time
12 min
Players
4–16
Age
U11+
Area
15 × 10 m per pair
Equipment
6 footballs8 cones

Setup

  1. Pairs face each other 5 m apart in a marked lane, one ball per pair.

How it runs

  1. Ball carrier walks forward; the tackler wraps the arms and pins them, carrier tries to handball off.
  2. Three goes each at walking pace, then at a jog.
  3. Swap roles after each set.

Coaching points

  • Head to the side, cheek on the carrier's back.
  • Wrap both arms and pin the ball arm.
  • Drive with the legs; stay on your feet.

Common mistakes

  • Head in front of the carrier.
  • Grabbing the jumper instead of wrapping.

Say it: “Cheek on the back, wrap and pin.”

Make it harder

  • Carrier gets a 2 m head start.
  • Full lane, game speed.

Make it easier

  • Carrier stands still for the wrap.
  • No disposal, just the hold.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.