Tackling
Before I tell you about how to tackle, I will tell you what a rugby league tackle is. In rugby league, you have to tackle by using your arms. You may not tackle with your legs, because this will result in a penalty. You can not make a tackle by using both your arms and legs either. Just use your arms!
When tackling, it is important to stop the ball runner from progressing further down the field, or getting a pass away to another player. When tackling, try to put the ball runner on his back. This will mean you will land on top of him, and this is a much better result for you than if he falls on you when you tackle him. If you cant put the ball runner on his back (he might be too heavy), try stop his progress.
If you can make him stop running, a tackle has been made. When he cant run any further, the referee will yell “HELD”, which is the same as a tackle, only he is not on the ground.
When the offensive team has the ball, they have 6 tackles (or chances if you wish) to get over the opponent’s try line. A chance is used up when one of the players (who has the ball) gets tackled. You cannot tackle a player without the ball.
If the offensive team cannot score after they have used up their chances, the other team gets the ball. On the last tackle (after 5 chances have been used), most teams will kick the ball down the field, so it will be harder for the other team to score. Just think of it. If you are on your last tackle on your 40 metre line, would you rather get tackled there on the last tackle or kick it down to the opponent’s 10 metre line and tackle the player on their 20 metre line?
I will tell you more about kicking in general play in the kicking section.
By the way, high tackles (above the shoulder) are not allowed.
How to tackle
Some people who are new to rugby league may not like the idea of tackling. They might either be scared, not have enough confidence or just don’t know much about tackling. Either way, it is good to watch others tackle before you do it. Also, you should be given proper instructions on how to tackle before you make one yourself.
A good way of learning how to tackle is to get an instructor or someone with good tackling knowledge to stand still and lead you through the tackling procedures. When you have mastered this, get the instructor to take steps towards you and tackle him. Then let him jog, and run fast when you are ready for it.
When tackling, it is essential you know who you are going to tackle. If you dont know who you are going to tackle, the chances of you making the tackle will be slim.
When you see someone running towards you slowly or fast, you have to remember these following things.
When tackling, do not, and I repeat, do not get your head between the legs of the ball runner. This can really injure you. I have seen players go in with their head into the ball runner’s legs and come off second best. This is the first rule.
Second rule: Decide which side you want to stand on when you are going to tackle the player. If you choose the correct side, the tackle will become better. But how do I know which side to tackle? The answer is simple. Choose which shoulder is closest to the player. If he is running to the left side of you, hit with the left shoulder.
Third rule. Bend your back. You cannot make a low tackle without bending, unless you are 5’5 tackling someone 7’0! When tackling someone, bend down, hit him with your shoulder and put your head to the outside of the leg, not inside. If you put it in the inside (between the legs) you will probably get really hurt, as I mentioned before).
Once you have done all this, put both arms around the players legs to stop progress.
Now you know a little about how to tackle. However, even though you know the theory of tackling, doesn’t mean you know how to do it in practice. Therefore, you should not go out and try to tackle someone running at you for the first time. Practice all these drills before making a complete tackle.
Different tackle types
There are several ways of tackling, some more genius and creative than others, but there are 3 main tackling types. You have already read about one of them. This is called “The front on tackle”, a tackle being made in front of the player. The other two are called “The side on tackle” and “The tackle from behind”. Both methods will be explained underneath.
- The side on tackle: This is made when you tackle someone from either side. When you go to make a tackle, remember not to get your head between the player’s legs. You could get concussed. But how do I know which shoulder to hit with, you say? Simple. If his left leg is closest you (this means the right leg is on the other side), hit him with your left shoulder. Put your head behind his legs as you hit him. Then put your arms around the player and, provided you hit him correctly, he should drop to the ground or stop. If his right leg is closest to you, as in this picture, (this means the left leg is on the other side), hit him with your right shoulder. Put your head behind his legs as you hit him.
- DANGEROUS. DO NOT TACKLE LIKE THIS. YOUR HEAD COULD REALLY GET INJURED. YOUR HEAD SHOULD BE BEHIND HIS BACKSIDE.
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The tackle from behind: This is made when a player has run past you and you have to tackle him from behind. When using this method, you have more freedom when it comes to choosing which side you want your shoulder to make contact with. If you want to make contact with your left shoulder, hit the left thigh and place your head to the outside of the right leg, so you don’t get injured. To make contact with your right shoulder, hit the left thigh and place your head to the outside of the left leg, so you dont get injured.
Playing the ball
When a tackled player has been tackled, he has to get to his feet. That means the tackler has to let him go. The player with the ball will stand up and face towards the try line, the direction in which he is running. After getting up, the player will put the ball down on the ground and roll it back with one of his feet. Hold the ball with one hand and roll it back with the corresponding foot. There will be a player who stands behind you, waiting to pick up the ball. He can then either run himself or pass it to another player.
This is how play is restarted.
