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Head Position & Adjustment

Head position and adjustment

We often teach tackle technique around foot position, the wrap, drive and power. But how much time do we spend on adjusting when the ball carrier changes direction? These activities train players to adjust their body quickly so their head stays in a safe position, to the side of the ball carrier, never in front.

  • Objective: adjust quickly to get the head in the right position.
  • Equipment: pool noodles, a tennis ball and string.
  • Group size: pairs.
  • Area: small.

Key factors

  • Keep your eyes on your target throughout.
  • Stay balanced in your tackle stance.
  • Don’t get distracted by the ball carrier’s legs or eyes.
  • Adjust your upper body, not your head.
  • Bend your knees, then move.
  • Very small step adjustments.
  • Move your upper body in a U or triangle shape.

Shoulder tag

  1. In pairs get within arm’s length of each other.
  2. One player tries to touch the other player’s shoulder with either hand.
  3. The other avoids the touch by moving their upper body left or right, or stepping a leg back to drop.

Bob and weave noodle

One partner holds a pool noodle at chin height. The other bobs and weaves under it. Start standing still, then bob and weave forward as the noodle holder moves backwards. A rope or string also works. Start at chin level, then drop lower.

Bob and weave noodle 2

The partner holds two pool noodles. The other player bobs and weaves under each one: left, middle, right. Start standing still, then bob and weave forward as the noodle holder moves backwards.

Advanced noodle

For players with good technique. With two pool noodles, the partner taps a shoulder (left or right) and the player moves to avoid it. To make it harder, the partner swipes the noodles sideways, so the player has to drop by moving a leg back.

Swinger

Hang a tennis ball on a string from a crossbar, roof or basketball hoop. Stand with your nose on the ball. Swing the ball away from you. As it swings back, slip your head to either side.

Remember: in community rugby, the tackle must be below the sternum. See Tackle Height.