If you want to succeed in the game of
rugby, you need to know how to tackle,
not only because that's how you stop an
opponent but also because one wrong
tackle could cause a career-ending
injury. A proper and strong tackle starts
way before contact is made. Here are
some key tips for putting a ballcarrier on
their back.*
+ Keep your eyes up. Look at the player you are going to tackle and track their
movement.
+ Maintain near-hip leverage and focus on being inside and in front of your target.
+ Get your feet close enough to make the tackle.
+ Prepare for contact. Keep your body strong, stable, and low.
+ Position your head behind or to one side of the ballcarrier. Never position your head
in front of the ballcarrier. Attempt to tackle below the waist and never above the
shoulders (that's illegal and can cause severe injury).
+ Release the tackled player, get back to your feet, and contest for possession.
*Never attempt to tackle anyone without
proper coaching and supervision.
—WAC member Shalom Suniula (2017), making tackle above, is a former member of
Team USA and the Seattle Seawolves Major League Rugby team. Watch his Rugby 101
video for MLR at wac.net/rugby-101.
APRIL / MAY / JUNE 2022 39
Use your arms to wrap and
squeeze while running your feet
through contact. Don't let go until
your opponent is on the ground.
HOW TO
TACKLE!
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