Tackling drill

Tackle Preparation Shadow Ladder

Groove the footwork and loaded body position you arrive in before every tackle, with no contact at all.

Setup

A 5m line marked on open grass, optionally four cones. No equipment and no partner.

Start in a defensive ready position with your hands up like a boxer, wrists above elbows and fingers open like claws.
Advance 3-4m with small fast paddle steps, staying tall as you close - dropping too early lets a carrier accelerate away from you.
On your own count, drop your height and plant your lead foot close in, as if placing it in a hoop where the carrier's near foot would be, so you can generate power without over-reaching.
Hold that loaded position for two seconds with shoulders over hips, hips over knees, knees over toes, head up and chin off your chest.
Walk back and repeat, alternating lead foot, 4 sets of 8.

Dropping your head and chin to your chest as you dip, which puts the crown of your head into the collision
Dropping your height too early, which lets the carrier accelerate away