Mental side of tackling and crash balling

Question
Hi

I play second row (and occasionaly back row) and have done for a bout 6 months (I'm 15). Mostly my skills are all right but my tackliing is non-existant. It isn't a question of technique- I can it tackle bags well but I seem to have a fear of tackling and I can never convince myself to tackle. I wanted to know if there was anyway of convincing my body it can tackle.

Secondly I wanted to know if you has any tips for "crash-balling" (not sure if this term is used in the US but basically it's when a player just runs through players e.g Keith Wood).

Thanks

Douglas

Answer
Hi Douglas

Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.

I had the same issue at your age and until someone taught me the ideas described below I sucked at tackling until my 20's.

By following this technique your metal block to tackling should clear up.

Here is a simple method for improving your tackle. 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. If you over commit to running into the tackle the player has a better chance of stepping you.

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 through the "string of their pants"
4. wrap the player up and drive with the legs in short steps.

Don't try to pick the player up, this is dangerous and will probably get you penalized. Drive hard with the shoulder and legs

As for crash ball. Be wary of becoming a dumb "blunt instrument". Try to run through open doors not walls.

Rather than running straight at a guy run to either side. Use a good long arm fend and look to run around him. You need to keep a slightly lower center of gravity and really drive the legs hard. Look for a reverse fend as well. That is when you reach out with a fend and instead of a push you grab the players jersey and with vigorous force yank the guy down to the ground or pass around him to a support runner.

Learn to pull a fend if a guy sees you are setting up a bit fend he might set his feet and get stationary, pull your fend and run around the guy.

Look for support don't just run into the mob of players with blinkers on. Always look for options to pass.

The exception would be if your whole pack is behind you and you want to set up a controlled ruck or maul. In this case look to take out a single player and turn and present the ball to one of your team mates.

Let me know if you have more questions