Classics, Tackle

Tackle Types – Chop and Frontal

Level: intermediate, advanced

“Tackling is 90% technique and 10% application.”

This saying highlights that the physical act of tackling (the 10% application — including commitment and physical power) is far less important to success and safety than mastering correct execution and body position (the 90% technique).

Sir Wayne Smith (Smithy) presents a detailed two-part series on the two main tackle techniques — the chop tackle and the frontal tackle.

With the help of Waikato NPC players, Smithy breaks down each tackle type in line with current tackle laws, with a strong focus on player safety and correct execution.

This remains one of The Rugby Site’s classic series and is still highly relevant for today’s game.

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Age Grades: Colts-U18, Girls-U12, Girls-U16, Girls-U18, Senior, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16

Classics, Tackle

Wayne Smith

Series Videos

Members Content

Part 1. The Chop Tackle to Isolate a Ball Carrier

Smithy calls it the “Chop tackle” because it creates an image of achieving “chop down” to the ground really quickly. The aim is to isolate the ball carrier by driving them back in the tackle behind the gain line making it difficult for their support players to get back and clean out the breakdown.

Members Content

Part 2. The Frontal Tackle

The aim of the frontal tackle is to turn defence into attack. Smithy takes us through the key features of executing great safe front on tackles. No matter if you are smallest player on the park, you need to know how to handle some one running straight at you.