Exercise Objectives: This practice is designed to improve each player’s one on one defending skills.
Field Preparation Area 10 x 20 yards Small Groups 1 Ball Cones or Flag poles
Coaching Pointers:
Two players are positioned on each side of a grid 10 yards x 20 yards. The player with the ball starts the practice
by passing the ball to the first player at the opposite side of the grid. After passing the ball, the player immediately must defend the player receiving the ball. The player in possession must reach the opposite end line to score a point. The defender must win the ball to score a point. The next two players repeat the
practice from the opposite side.
The speed of the practice should be increased gradually.
The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:
Pass the ball firmly to the receiving player.
Gain as much ground as possible as the ball is traveling.
Slow down on the last 2 yards. Get low with knees bent.
Adopt a “side on” position.
Make the direction of the play predictable.
Timing of the tackle is important, wait for the forward to make their move.
Quality tackling is as much an attitude as it is technique.
Players must develop an aggressive and savvy attitude towards winning the ball.
