Session plan
Tackling
Getting started
Setup
Groups & equipment
Choose the number of players to see groups and the equipment you'll need.
Groups
Equipment
Warm-up
- One lap plus dynamic stretches, keep it quick and focused.
- Don't worry about a hit-up, just dive straight into the session.
- Sort players into groups by skill level during the warm-up.
Kick-off
- Briefly explain the session and skill focus.
- Split into groups.
- Coaches start with their groups.
Developing awareness
Tennis ball touchdown
Focus
- Looking off the ball, finding space and connecting with teammates.
Time
- 5 mins
Rules
- No sticks. Start with a jump ball.
- Catch and stop, no running with the ball.
- No contact, intercept or block only.
- Dropped or blocked ball = turnover.
- Complete 3 passes before entering the end zone. Defenders stay out.
Small game
No talking
Focus
- Build the habit of looking off the ball.
Time
- 10 mins, break after 5.
Rules
- One team talks. The other stays silent.
- Main goal: push only, from close range.
- Other goals: run the ball through either.
- No turnovers after goals.
- Switch sides & talking team after 5 mins.
Tackling in field play
The skill
Old video, but still relevant.
How to do this skill
- Footwork – Keep your feet in a boxer stance. Shuffle and pivot to change direction.
- Grip – Use a V-shaped grip down the front of stick to poke. Switch the V to the side for block tackles.
- Distance – Get close enough to poke the ball, about one and a half feet away.
- Angle – Position body to channel them to one side, gradually close space. Don’t be flat-footed.
- Tackle – Use a poke to put them off or steal the ball. Once space is closed, use a block tackle.
When to use
- Defending an attacker in open field play to slow them down or steal the ball.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, show the full skill so players see what they’re aiming for. Then explain the key components.
1Focus on footwork
Shuffle backwards at an angle, pivoting on your back foot to change direction towards the next cone.
2Practise tackling technique
Start at the cone facing the attacker. As they dribble towards the next cone, use a poke tackle to knock the ball away. Repeat from the opposite angle. Then practise again, using a forestick block tackle followed by a backstick block tackle.
3Tackle against an attacker
Set up a box of six cones for a 1 v 1. The attacker tries to get past the defender, staying within the width of the box. The defender must make their tackle before the attacker leaves the box.
Small game
Focus
- Tackling in field play.
Time
- 10 mins, break and swap ends after 5.
Coaching tips
- Avoid directing during the game.
- Focus only on this skill.
- Praise attempts, not just success.
- Ask questions after the game.
Tackling inside the circle
The skill
Old video, but still relevant.
How to do this skill
- Tackle – Mainly use a low forestick. Never reach out on your backstick.
- Distance – Get closer than you would in field play, but not so close that you expose your feet.
- Footwork – Keep your feet in a boxer stance. Shuffle and pivot to change direction.
- Channel – Direct the attacker towards the baseline.
- Poke – Use it rarely, as any contact can be a penalty corner. Use it to slow them down or push them onto your forestick.
When to use
- Defending inside your circle.
How to teach this skill
Demonstrate the full skill
Before starting, show the full skill so players see what they’re aiming for. Then explain the key components.
1Right baseline
Channel the attacker to your forestick. Get your feet out of the way by stepping outside the field of play. Try to prevent the attacker from getting the ball onto your foot.
2Left baseline
Angle your body so you keep the attacker on the baseline. Try to prevent the attacker from getting the ball onto your foot.
3Centre of circle
Get in a low position with your forestick. Stay close to the attacker when they receive. Try to prevent the attacker from getting the ball onto your foot.
Small game
Focus
- Tackling inside the circle.
Time
- 10 mins, break and swap ends after 5.
Scoring
- 2 points for a goal, 1 point for a penalty corner.
Coaching tips
- Avoid directing during the game.
- Focus only on this skill.
- Praise attempts, not just success.
- Ask questions after the game.