Mon 1 Feb 2010
1. Focus on the core
Going into a tackle, concentrate on the core of the ball carrier’s body - not their arms, legs or the ball. Remember: where the core goes, the body will follow.
If you look at the attacker’s hands or feet, and they step or throw a dummy pass, you’ll probably miss the tackle and instinctively reach out with your arms to try to grab them. This may result in a dangerous tackle, causing injury to yourself or the attacker.
2. Go! Dance! Go!
When moving towards the ball carrier, take a few short steps (go), then pause and jog on the balls of your feet (dance), before taking the final steps in to make contact (going again). This will ensure you’re not caught flat-footed and you enter the tackle in a more dominant position - resulting in a better tackle, and less risk of injury since you won’t be a ‘dead weight’ waiting to take the full impact of the tackle. 
3. Elbows in, hands up
By keeping your elbows in tight towards your body, you become a stronger, more compact unit, better able to absorb the impact of a tackle. Conversely, if you enter a tackle with arms out wide, shoulder stability is decreased and injury may result. Keeping your hands up reinforces the strength of your body position. Because your hands form a ‘frame’ in front of you, it also helps you focus on the ball carrier. 
4. Lead foot forward
Just before you make contact in the tackle, plant one foot ahead of your body. You can then enter the tackle off the power of your leg, rather than leading with your arms. This will put you in a stronger position and reduce the risk of injury to your shoulder.
5. Pre-tackle stance
To achieve a strong pre-tackle stance, keep your:
• face up
• eyes open
• back straight
• legs bent.
Never look down, which will curve your back and put your neck at greater risk of injury. 
6. Punch and wrap
The best way to grab the ball carrier is to ‘punch’ your arms straight out in front of you (on either side of your opponent’s body) and if possible, link your hands to complete the wrap.
This action places you in greater control of the situation, minimising the risk of injury.
7. Power drive to recover the ball
It’s important to complete the tackle as safely and effectively as you began it. To do this, get to your feet as quickly as possible after you’ve grounded the ball carrier, and use your leg power to drive yourself towards the ball.
For actual demonstrations of all these techniques, visit www.rugbysmart.co.nz