Tackling the problem?
Last updated: 7th February 2008
Andy Kelly: Dewsbury Rams coach likes idea
Bad tackles are an occupational hazard in rugby league, but could re-designing the traditional tackle bag improve the safety of the players?
Former Leeds star and Dewsbury assistant coach Ryan Sheridan has come up with a radical rethink of the tackle shield and is hoping that his new design could change the way that Rugby League is played.
Boots 'n' All went to investigate the new design, which has a curved lip aimed at discouraging players from tackling high during training.
You can see the new-look tackle shields in action using on the video clip at the top of the page and we want to hear what you think of the idea.
Has Sheridan's new design tackled the problem and should Super League clubs be using them in training? Will it help to bring through a young generation of players who have mastered the art of tackling?
Or is the new design of no use to elite players who should be focused on the ball? Do you think that if it ain't broke then don't fix it?
Watch the video clip and then let us know your thoughts using the feedback form below?
- Video
Comments
Feme Adepetun says...
I'm 15 years old and i play rugby for Warrington Wolves Service Area - kinda like the town team. To be honest, we find it easier to learn the initial tackling technique using the tackle bags, as it just gets you used to the motion, but after you know the technique and are comfortable with it, it's alot better to practise on people in real situations, due to the fact that you won't be tackling one on one in a match - always two or three people in the tackle. However, differently to most, we learn to wrap up the ball to prevent an offload and allow support in the tackle, this also opens up the body for more access to use their weight against them. Okay, the tackling bag is a good idea to learn tackling technique, however impractical because there isn't many times in a match where you will use that technique. Not a fabulous idea for me i must admit
Posted 19:20 13th June 2008
Chris Coates says...
In australia, players from an early age are taught not to tackle high, but in the 'sweet spot' - the stomach. Hitting legs is going to get you hurt, hitting high is going to get you sent off/miss tackles. If anything, this bag would help develop correct tackling technique. I can see what the argument is for preventing offloads, but todays game generally requires 2 tacklers present anyway. The job of the first man in is to stop them. Past that point, the second mans job is to cover the ball and prevent any offloads. In situations where it's one on one, then yes tacklers are going to go and try cover the ball - but that is a different technique, and one that can be practised. This is a bag aimed at developing proper tackling technique in general tackling situations and I for one think it is a great idea. However... I think tackle suits are a much better idea. The flaw in bags/shields are that you never have to take the man to the ground. With a suit, you have to engage the correct technique as well as develop the ability to grab the leg and push/twist the man to the ground, in order to complete the tackle. Now if that was put into practice, I can bet ANY team that worked with suits for a season would have a massively improved tackling technique.
Posted 20:23 10th February 2008
Will Sayce says...
Got to disagree with you a bit there Eddie! The modern Super League player WOULD have time for the offload if you tackled low like that every time. Not saying the bag doesnt have its place, but the higher shots you see nowadays have been born of necessity as the offload and good support play have become a major scoring opportunity for just about every team in the top flight. More important than stopping the player is stopping the ball. Ball first, then you stop the player (probably with support). And if you can do both of those and nail him to the floor at the same time then that is just a bonus.
Posted 13:09 8th February 2008
James Pilkington says...
These tackle-pads seem a good idea. As Barry McDermot said (and he should know) it will encourage players to automatically tackle low even when they become fatigued.
Posted 00:23 8th February 2008
Chris Walton says...
tackle bag great what age group would you start it from.
Posted 23:51 7th February 2008
Eddie Tate says...
I agree with this new tackle-pad because it will teach players the correct tackle technique. When I started playing in the 60s I was coached in the "bend your back" method which would drive youropponent backwards or into the ground.If you hit them correctly they wouldn't have time to consider an offload as they would be too busy getting ready to hit the floor!!!!
Posted 16:47 7th February 2008
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