tackling and nerves

Question
Hi. i am 14 and i usually play centre but i was moved in to full back for a while. i don't no what to do. if someone breaks the line i will have a fear that i will miss the tackle and let my team down. what should i do.?

Answer
Below I have put previous questions with the answers that are similar to yours. Rather than repeat myself please read them and ask any more specific question if you need to. Thanks very much. Don't forget to do a rating, thanks.

Subject: tackling
Question: Hi, I'm 13 years old and 6ft and i weigh 13stone. i play tighthead prop for a club. i need to improve my tackling but i find it hard. i go to high all the time and i really want to improve. i also want to get more power into my tackles. I've been playing rugby for 4 yrs and my tackling has never been a problem but in now playing a year up and i need to improve.

Answer: Hi Sean,

I have pasted the answer to a question similar to yours below.  As a fellow prop I congratulate you on choosing the best position on the field!

I hope this helps, the quest was from a prop who wanted to be "more aggressive" on the field and like you improve tackling:

"This is a relatively personal question I believe. I can only answer from my own point of view - so ask around.

I was always a confident scrummager - for some reason I just clicked with the position. It took me YEARS to overcome my "fear" of tackling. I made the tackles but it was more of a "hit and hope" style.

As for scrummaging the big thing is to get cool about it. Too many guys get all worked up and think they need to be breathing fire.

The key word is focus - focus on technique, body position and timing. Don't get sucked into the mind games some props try to implement like eye-balling you or even verbal threats, anything like that is simple a manifestation of their fear. The best props never say a word - see Olo Brown for a perfect example.

Focus on the job, and the timing of your hit. Aggression is not the way, focussed intensity is.

As for tackles, the thing that switched the light on for me was when a skilled coach took the time to walk me through the technique of a tackle. Browse my past answers for more on this .

The thing about tackling is to approach the situation the same regardless of the players size. Ironically big players will often go down easier while I have have been pretty much embarrassed by medium / small players on occasion.

From the front on tackle focus on the point of impact that you want - the point center between the player's hips the "string of their shorts". focus on that point and it takes away the brain's desire to analyze all the other jinks and fakes players  throw at you.

For rear tackles move in hard and wrap up the player. Either come in low and go for the full tackle or wrap up the arms so a pass cannot be made.

Again, focussed intensity is the way, amateurs use rugby as a vent for aggression , professionals use it to hone their mental strength. Look at any impact sport, rarely do boxers or pro-rugby players go "psycho" the thing people notice is the intense focus in their eyes.

Right down all the duties of your specific "job" on the field and spend time visualizing yourself successfully completing these tasks.

My opinion, I hope it helps.

Have fun out there."

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Subject: tackling
QUESTION: Hey, I am a winger and I like to rush up at kick offs, how can I be sure that i will not miss tackle the opposition because I am always by myself when i get there?

ANSWER: Hi Addison

I have recently answered a question like this so I pasted it below, the same applies to you. In particular to wing make sure you "shepherd" the play to the side line. If you miss the tackle there is a better chance the player will step out or get caught by a team mate in support.

"I suggest the simplest thing. When a player is moving towards you (or vice versa) do not look at their body as a whole, instead focus on the point of center between their hips. Often a coach will tell you to "eyeball" the "string of their shorts". This focus will allow your brain to only register the runner's center of gravity: the "mass" of their torso. No matter what a runner's arms, legs or head does the torso is usually stagnant.

Keep you feet active, stay on your toes either moving towards them or running in place. Close the space between you and the runner swiftly but stay in control. This is to limit the runner's options as much as possible.

Focus on the "string of their pants" and drop your center of gravity to set up the hit. Aim the shoulder to that string.

so summarize:

1. keep the feet active "live"
2. focus on the "string of their pants"
3. drive the shoulder to the "string of their pants"