Front on Tackle
Skill - Tackle
Attitude
Defence is about attitude (will to make the tackle).
Target Area
Area on the body you are going to hit with the shoulder, this will vary depending on the height of the ball carrier. Bottom of the ball / just under the ball carrier’s arm / above belly button.
Target the body’s centre of gravity.
Reaction Zone
Distance from the attacking player where the defender will react /(speed up/drop) when making the tackle. Get in close, with a good head lead and take your feet to the tackle, fast feet.
Drop
Must get one foot forward in the reaction zone, making sure that your feet and hips are square on to the target.
Bend at the knees, eyes up, neck must be straight and not sloppy, keep your back flat.
Arms and elbows in close to the chest.
Drive
Head lead (head in tight to the attacking player’s target zone), eyes up.
Hit with the shoulder, drive up and accelerate through contact area, good strong contact.
Fast feet into the contact area, leg drive, keep on your feet.
Lock On
Shoot your arms to wrap on to the defender; your hands and arms are used to squeeze and lock on to the ball carrier.
The key is force generation.
The Dolphins respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
