During each pre-season many coaches will use tackle bags to work on their sides’ aerobic endurance.
This is a great idea; but what makes it better is making these drills game or skill related.
I will outline over the next week three different drills; which all use tackle bags, work on aerobic endurance but also practice skills which are required in the game situation.
Session One
Set Up
Equipment required tackle bags, ground marker poles or pop up cones.
Mark out a 5 metre distance using either pitch markings, ground marker poles or pop up cones. Make sure ground marker poles are not in way or likely to be knocked over.
Place tackle bags at least 5 metres apart from each other; on one of the lines you have marked out.
Two players stand behind the tackle bag and another player stands on the line which is 5 metres away from the bag.
Delivery
Player 1 picks the bag up; he picks up on his shoulder as if he has made a tackle and carries it towards player 2. He carries this; the full 5 metres then bounces the bag on its end keeping it straight.
Player 2 from a low position drives into the bag upwards as tackling/driving he then carries the bag on his shoulder; he then carries the bag towards player 3 for the full 5 metres then bounces the bag on its end keeping it straight.
Player 3 from a low position drives into the bag upwards as tackling/driving he then carries the bag on his shoulder; he then carries the bag towards player 1 for the full 5 metres then bounces the bag on its end keeping it straight.
This process then repeats. It can be carried as long as you feel appropriate; I would suggest 3 to 5 minutes at a time and allow a rest period, possibly repeating it a few times. Once your players are used to it you can extend the time or extend the distance.
This activity will help develop the following areas.
Aerobic Endurance
Core Strength
Communication
Timing
Tackle Technique
Driving Technique
Key Factors
Bent knees
Spine In Line
Drive low to high
Communication
Alternate shoulders
Donny
