How to Tackle in Rugby
Learning to tackle properly when you're just beginning to play rugby is important for your own safety and that of others. In addition, it ensures smooth game play. Tackling is done only to stop a player who has the ball in order to prevent them from scoring.
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Instructions
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From the Side
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1
Bend over as you approach your target, aiming your shoulder at their hip area, somewhere below the waist and above the thighs.
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2
Position your head to be behind the target, not in front of her, for your safety.
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3
Push forward as powerfully as you can with your legs, while your feet are firmly on the ground.
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4
Wrap your arms tightly around your opponent, above the knee on the thighs. Squeeze tightly while tackling.
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5
Continue forward momentum once contact is made, to bring the target to the ground.
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6
Roll away from the tackle as quickly as you can to re-enter play.
From the Front or Back
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7
Run toward your target with your contact point in mind. From behind you want to strike him with your shoulder on the backs of his thighs, above the knees. From the front it is the same: the front of the thighs.
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8
Position your head to the side of one of her legs (this will depend on which shoulder you make contact with).
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9
Wrap your arms securely around the thighs, squeezing tightly to draw his legs together while you are tackling.
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10
Keep pushing forward with your legs. She'll lose her balance and tumble down as long as you don't let go.
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11
Get to your feet immediately to resume play.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Any tackle over the armpits is considered dangerous and will most likely result in a penalty and possibly an injury. Stay low.
Don't leave the ground when initially making the tackle. It's not like American football where players leap into tackles.
Never tackle anyone who doesn't have the ball.
