Contact Skills drill
Contact Security One-on-One
Take the carrier down and immediately win the ball on your feet.
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Players
- 2 to 6 players
- Intensity
- High
- Equipment
- Ball
- Space
- 5m x 5m
- Positions
- All positions
Setup
A 5m x 5m area with one ball, one carrier and one defender.
How to run it
- The defender adopts a strong, wide, low stance underneath the ball carrier and drives forward to force them to ground.
- Once the ball is on the ground the defender must get back to their feet before standing over it and securing possession - only players on their feet may compete for the ball, and competing off your feet is both a penalty and a neck-loading position.
- Start completely static, then progress to walking.
- Add the reload progression where the defender makes the tackle and rapidly regains their feet.
- Six reps per player per role, 4 rounds.
Coaching cues
- A strong, wide, low stance is your base
- Release, roll away, back on your feet, then compete
- Only players on their feet may compete
Common mistakes
- Competing for the ball off your feet or diving over it - a penalty and a dangerous position for your neck
- Not releasing the tackled player before competing, which causes most post-tackle scuffles
Related drills
- Latch and DriveBind onto a carrier just before contact and drive as a unit without conceding obstruction.
- Falling and Ball PresentationLearn to hit the ground safely and present the ball long, entirely alone.
- Ball Carry into ContactArrive into contact low, shoulder-first and legally, with the ball protected.
- Ball Placement Under LoadMake a long, clean placement with a body on top of you.
- Fend and Hand-OffCreate separation with a legal fend rather than a strike.
- Preparation for Contact WrestleBuild the shoulder position, connection and rolling strength that contact demands.