Developed in collaboration with tackling and breakdown expert and international coach, Richie Gray , Gilbert has designed a range of specialist training equipment to train tackling and breakdown techniques.
The key point of the Jackal Arms training aid is that it develops different angles of attack for the jackal relative to the ball carrier's presentation. Most training aids have the ball attached, which leads to one technique: it is important to train players in game-like situations. In the modern game, the ball carrier tries to present the ball away from the body, so to be effective we need to train this aspect as well.
Coaching Tips:
- Encourage players to approach from different angles and speeds, do not always give a direct approach to the training aid, for example touching down and rising, touching down and rolling, then coming back up, have the player dodge you and then bring him into play. Position the Jackal arms at different heights on the bag so that the player has to work on reshaping during contact with the arms positioned low, medium and high.
- Tackle: Speed of approach, eyes on target and set height, hip drop, foot close, same foot same shoulder, initial shoulder contact, arm wrap and catch, foot follow through, completion of the tackle.
- 1 Player Drill – Single Jackal: Tackling Keys… feet tracking, get into a strong position over the ball, hands on the ball and hold or pull the ball towards the chest, feet shoulder width apart and lower into a strong position, stay square, hips low, back flat with no angles and head tucked between shoulders, head in neutral position, eyes looking down for potential threats.
- 1 Player Drill – Single Jackal and Clear: As above, but instead of holding the jackal position to steal the ball, go past the ball and attack through the tackle to influence the opponent’s clearing accuracy.
- 2 Player Exercise - Double Jackal: Starting from foot chase, assume a power stance over the ball, hands on the ball and hold or pull the ball towards the chest, feet shoulder width apart and lower into a power stance, stand square, hips low, back flat with no angles and head tucked into shoulders, head in neutral position, eyes pointed outward to spot potential threats. The second player then joins the jackal to create a strong shoulder to shoulder bind to protect the jackal and form a strong holding formation.
- Drill with 1 or 2 players : Work on a direct tackle or fatigue the player first, then do the tackle and jackal technique so that the drill always puts pressure on the player's skills. Add an extra player in defense to do the tackle so that the jackal has to react to the jackal's arm movement when he hits the ground.
As a coach, watch how quickly the player gets up after the tackle. Try to keep your hips low and square, rising into a strong squat or crawling on all fours and coming back to your feet.
Once the bag is tackled, the player can add a dynamic roll, working on core and arm strength. If the player stands up and positions himself on the bag, make sure that the feet are not too close together, but the right width apart to ensure exceptional stability in supporting his body weight and being ready for the threat.
If you ask the player to go in and over the bag, once the tackle is made, always finish in a position of strength, with eyes on the threat, or in a defensive position ready to protect from impending contact.
You can bring in a second and third player to put pressure on the tackler. When the tackler stands up and tries to roll the bag or get in and get past the jackal, the second player can attack the tackler, compromising the player's balance, or try to get under him to win the "back battle."
Gilbert Tackle is made from waterproof fabric with foam lining to the highest quality standards to ensure construction and quality. The high gloss finish ensures the equipment stays ‘mud free’ throughout the rugby season.
Gilbert Tackle Equipment is made from a specially woven material which increases durability and strength, ensuring it can withstand anything you throw at it.