Game version
Field follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.
Tackle, Roll and Rise
Finish a shield tackle by rolling away safely and getting back to your feet fast.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Only with a coach. Make a walking-pace tackle on a shield onto a mat.
Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Tackle shield, mats, coach
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Safe Tackling
The steps
How it works
- Only with a coach. Make a walking-pace tackle on a shield onto a mat.
- Let go as you both go down.
- Roll away from the ball and get up onto your feet.
- Do 8, then rest.
Coaching point
Finish, release, up fast.
Safety: Only with a coach, for ages 14 and up (or later, as your club's union allows). Contact is with a held tackle shield, at walking pace, on soft grass or mats. Head to the side, never head first. Tackle at the waist or below. No swing tackles, lifting or throws. Any head knock or symptom (headache, dizziness, neck pain): stop, tell the coach, and no more rugby until a doctor clears you, at least 21 days for children.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
Story
You are a scout exploring the field before the game.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
Free for families and teams
Save this drill to your child or team, free
Sign up and the free rugby week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
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An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.