Multi-player tackles

Many tackles involve more than one tackler, especially at the higher levels of the game.

Both tacklers need to be competent and confident at performing Levels 1,2 and 3 Front and Side-on tackles and they also need to be able to communicate effectively and time their connection to the ball-carrier to minimise risk of head-to-head contact with their fellow tackler.
Coach must emphasise correct preparation and connection with laser focus on the target and full completion of connection, wrap, clamp, grip, acceleration and finish to ensure a safe and legal tackle is made.
Within this double tackle, both tacklers should aim to connect with the ball-carrier simultaneously, at differing levels E.g.
- Tackler #1, makes a right shoulder Level 2, with the aim of stopping the ball-carrier’s momentum
- Tackler #2 makes a left shoulder Level 3, with the aim to prevent the offload by trapping the ball-carrier’s arms and the ball within the tackle.
Emphasis should be on eye discipline, arrowhead technique and control within this tackle to ensure there is no chance of head-to-head contact or foul play.
Both tacklers must endeavour to stay square and accelerate feet to maintain forward momentum and bring the ball-carrier to ground.

The aim of this tackle is to stop the ball-carrier’s momentum and hold them upright, this preventing them from going to ground or offloading the ball.
When the tackler approaches the ball-carrier from the front or side the decision will be made by the tackler, due to ball-carrier’s body shape, to connect at a Level 2/3.
Coach must emphasise correct preparation and connection with laser focus on the target and full completion of connection, clamp, wrap, grip, and finish to ensure a safe and legal tackle is made.
Emphasis should be on eye discipline, arrowhead technique and control within this tackle to ensure there is no chance of head-to-head contact or foul play.