Sam Underhill's Tackling Technique

An effective rugby tackle can be a very complex part of the game to coach, particularly when working with less experienced players. The tackle has many facets such as: approach, when to drop body-height, footwork, head positioning, wrap, and leg-drive. These movements all need to align to ensure the tackle is executed as safely as possible for both the tackler and ball carrier.

A quick search on YouTube for ‘rugby tackle’ will lead you to videos of huge rugby collisions. The type of video that starts with ‘Here Comes the Boom’ by Nelly, followed by clips of players smashing into each other, often demonstrates bad technique. This can lead to players and coaches alike falling into the trap of thinking that the bigger the ‘hit’, the more effective the tackle. Personally, I do not think that is the case. 

Let’s take Sam Underhill as an example. In recent years, Underhill has improved his technique to demonstrate great form whilst remaining aggressive. In this video, I analyze Underhill’s technique and take inspiration from other athletic movements in weight-lifting, wresting and sprinting. As a coach, I like to explore different ways to bring the facet of the game I am working on to life. I have found imagery to be a powerful tool to help players visualize the movements required.  

Check out the video below!